🧼 How to clean upholstery: safe and effective products for upholstered furniture

Upholstered furniture is an integral part of home comfort. However, even the highest quality upholstery loses its freshness over time due to dust, stains, animal hair and other dirt. In order for a sofa or armchair to serve for a long time and maintain a neat appearance, it is important to know, how and what to clean upholstery with, without damaging the material.

In this article we will tell you, what products are suitable for different types of fabrics, which home and professional methods really work, and how to care for upholstered furniture safely and effectively.

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🛋️ What fabrics are most often used in upholstery?

Before choosing a product, it is important to understand what material you are dealing with. The most common upholstery fabrics are:

• Velours - soft, velvety, sensitive to moisture

• Jacquard - dense, patterned, abrasion resistant

• Chenille - dense, soft, "fabric" to the touch

• Microfiber - hypoallergenic, stain resistant

• Eco-leather - smooth, does not absorb liquid

• Rohozhka - rough texture, more difficult to care for

• Flock - pet-resistant, easy to clean

• Anti-claw fabric - with protective impregnation, not afraid of mechanical damage

💡 Important: Always check the furniture manufacturer's labeling - it often indicates which cleaning products are acceptable for a particular model.

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🧴 Safe Home Remedies for Upholstery Cleaning

Here are a few simple and safe waysthat can be used at home:

1. Soap solution (for most fabrics)

• Mix warm water with a neutral detergent (such as baby soap or shampoo).

• Dampen a soft cloth and gently wipe the stain without over-wetting the cloth.

• Blot with a dry cloth and let dry.

👍 Suitable for: chenille, matting, flock, microfiber.

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2. Vinegar + baking soda (to remove odors and stains)

• Sprinkle the stain with baking soda and leave for 15 minutes.

• Mix 1:1 water and vinegar, lightly spray the surface.

• Wipe with a sponge to remove any residue.

⚠️ Important: Test on an inconspicuous area first.

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3. Alcohol or vodka (for greasy stains)

• Apply to a cotton pad and gently wipe away stains.

• Avoid excessive wetting.

💡 Suitable for: velour, flock, microfiber.

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4. Lemon juice + water (for light upholstery)

• Refreshes fabric, removes odors.

• Use in low concentration, do not leave for long periods.

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5. Baking soda is a universal air freshener.

• Sprinkle over the entire surface of the sofa.

• After 30 minutes, vacuum – odors and light dirt will be gone.

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🧪 Ready-made store products: what to look for

When choosing specialized furniture cleaning products, pay attention to:

✅ The presence of markings "for upholstery" or "for upholstered furniture"
✅ Hypoallergenic composition
✅ No chlorine or aggressive solvents
✅ Release form: spray, foam, wet wipes

Popular formats:

• Upholstery Cleaning Foam - penetrates the structure of the fabric, removes odors

• Anti-stain spray - convenient for local cleaning

• Wet wipes — express solution for small stains

• Products with protective impregnation - prevent re-contamination

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🚫 What should not be used to clean upholstered furniture

❌ Aggressive chemicals (eg bleach, acetone, kerosene)
❌ Hard brushes (damage fibers)
❌ Too hot water (may shrink the fabric or cause stains)
❌ Excessive moisture (increases the risk of mold appearing inside the filler)

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🧼 How to Clean Furniture Properly: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check the markings - study the care recommendations

2. Test the product - in a hidden area

3. Remove dust - a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for upholstered furniture

4. Apply the product - with a soft cloth, without over-wetting

5. Remove the remains - with a clean dry cloth

6. Dry it - let the furniture dry naturally (without a hair dryer)

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🐶 Features of caring for furniture with animals

If you have pets:

• Choose upholstery with anti-vandal properties (flock, anti-claw, microfiber)

• Regularly use a sticky roller or mini vacuum cleaner

• Clean the stains immediately after appearance

• Apply once a month refreshing foam or spray

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🧼 Professional dry cleaning: when is it needed?

Sometimes it's better to trust the professionals. Contact a professional cleaning service if:

• The stain could not be removed at home

• The fabric is delicate and expensive (for example, velvet or natural wool)

• The furniture is heavily soiled after renovation or moving

• You have allergies and need a deep cleaning from dust and mites

🧽 Many services come to your home, use safe and environmentally friendly products and return your furniture to its original appearance.

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🔄 How to keep your upholstery clean every day

• Vacuum the furniture once every 1-2 weeks

• Use covers or capes - especially in areas of active use

• Wipe stains immediately after appearance

• Regularly ventilate the roomto avoid odors

• Conduct it once every 6 months deep cleaning

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✅ Brief comparison of funds