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The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Chairs, Sofas, and More

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Chairs, Sofas, and More

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There are many places in the home that often get neglected in the quest for cleanliness. We’re talking about the chairs, sofas, and seating areas that bear the brunt of your behind.

Seating areas are often the focal points of our living spaces, and they endure daily use, spills, and accumulated dust. From chairs and stools to sofas and lounges, each piece requires specific care to stay clean and hygienic.

We’ll show you how to deep clean these areas to achieve a spotless finish and extend their life. Let’s dive in!

closeup of sofa armchair fabric

Common Materials Used for Seating

Before we get down to cleaning, here are some of the different types of materials most commonly used for chairs, sofas, and other seating areas.

Natural Upholstery

      • Cotton
      • Linen
      • Wool
      • Silk
      • Leather
      • Natural Suede

Synthetic Upholstery

      • Polyester
      • Nylon
      • Acrylic
      • Microfiber
      • Velvet
      • Synthetic Suede

Blended Upholstery

      • Blend of Natural and Synthetic Fibers
      • Chenille

Wood & Metal

There are many types of wood and metal used in furniture, here are just a few:

      • Oak
      • Maple
      • Pine
      • Steel
      • Aluminum
      • Iron

Knowing the materials of your seating will make cleaning them a safer and more effective process.

a cotton armchair in a beautiful farmhouse modern home

How to Properly Clean Each Material

1. Natural Upholstery

Tools You’ll Need

Steps

  1. Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the upholstery to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment so you can effectively brush while reaching into any smaller areas.

  2. Spot Clean: Mix one cup of rubbing alcohol to one cup of water and a few drops of mild detergent in a bucket. Dampen your microfiber cloth with the solution and wipe over the fabric to lift any soils and clean the surface. Avoid soaking the fabric.

  3. Stain Removal: For general stains, gently scrub with an upholstery brush and additional detergent or a dedicated stain remover. For blood and stubborn stains, apply some hydrogen peroxide to a clean microfiber towel and blot the area until it's gone.

  4. Rinse: Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove detergent residues by blotting.

  5. Dry: Allow the upholstery to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight which can cause fading.

Pro Tip: Use a fabric shaver to remove lint and pilling from your upholstery.

a leather armchair in a beautiful home

2. Leather & Natural Suede

Tools You’ll Need

Steps

  1. Vacuum: Vacuum the leather/suede to remove loose dirt and dust.

  2. Clean: Apply a leather cleaner onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto the surface. Gently clean the leather/suede in circular motions.

  3. Condition: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking and extend its life.

  4. Dry: Wipe off any excess cleaner or conditioner with a clean microfiber cloth and let the leather/suede air dry before sitting on it.

Check out how Hawaiian Detailing clean a leather couch below.

a modern sofa in a beautiful home with hardwood floors, focus on the sofa

3. Synthetic Upholstery

Tools You’ll Need

Steps

  1. Vacuum: Vacuum the upholstery to remove dirt and debris.

  2. General Clean: Mix one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of water, and a few drops of detergent in a spray bottle and spray down the surface. Wipe down with a microfiber towel. Scrub any visibly dirty areas with the upholstery brush.
  3.  Stain Removal: For general stains, gently scrub with an upholstery brush and stain remover. For blood and stubborn stains, apply some hydrogen peroxide to a clean microfiber towel and blot the area until it's gone.
  4. Rinse: Blot with a clean, damp cloth to remove detergent residues.

  5. Dry: Allow to air dry completely.

Get a Deeper Clean

Use an upholstery steamer, like a steamer to get an even deeper clean.

Can also be used on car upholstery, carpet, and also tile grout.

Important Tip: Check the manufacturer's label for a Cleaning Code.

W: Use water.

S: It has to be dry cleaned with a solvent.

S/W or W/S: You can clean with either water or a solvent.

X: Vacuum only, and consult a professional.

Check out how Brandon from Clean That Up cleans upholstery below.

faux leather pvc couch

6. Faux Leather

Steps

  1. Dust: Use a microfiber towel to remove loose dust and debris from the surface.

  2. Stain Remover: Spot treat any stains with the stain and goo remover and clean microfiber towel.
  3. Clean: Lightly spray the all-purpose cleaner on the entire surface. Wipe down the surface thoroughly.

  4. Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any cleaner residue..

  5. Dry: Dry the surface thoroughly with a dry, clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

a beautiful dining table in a modern home and a closeup shot of the wooden chairs

7. Wood

Steps

  1. Dust: Use a microfiber duster to remove loose dust and debris from the wood surface. The fiber of the duster picks up and traps debris so it doesn't become airborne.

  2. Clean: Lightly spray the all-purpose cleaner on the surface. Wipe down the wood surfaces gently, following the grain of the wood. Avoid over-saturating the wood to prevent moisture damage.

  3. Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any cleaner residue. Ensure that the cloth is only slightly damp to avoid excess moisture on the wood.

  4. Dry: Dry the wood thoroughly with a dry, clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Allow the wood to air dry completely to prevent water spots or damage.

  5. Polish: If desired, apply a wood polish or wax to maintain shine and protect the wood. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and buff with a clean, soft cloth.

8. Plastic

Steps

  1. Dust: Use a microfiber duster to remove loose dust and debris from the plastic surface. The fiber of the duster picks up and traps debris so it doesn't become airborne.

  2. Clean: Spray the surface with your all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down the plastic surfaces thoroughly.

  3. Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any cleaner residue.

  4. Stain Removal: To remove any stains, apply the stain remover directly to the stain and rub with a clean microfiber towel.
  5. Dry: Dry the plastic thoroughly with a dry, clean microfiber towel to remove any remaining moisture. Allow the plastic to dry completely to prevent water spots.

6. Metal

Steps

  1. Dust: Use a microfiber duster to remove loose dust and debris from the metal surface. The fiber of the duster picks up and traps debris so it doesn't become airborne.
  2. Clean: Spray your all-purpose cleaner to the metal surface, then wipe gently to remove grime and stains.

  3. Rinse: Wipe the metal with a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue. Ensure that the cloth is only lightly damp to avoid introducing excess moisture.

  4. Dry: Dry the metal thoroughly with a dry, soft cloth to prevent water spots and rust. Ensure the metal is completely dry.

  5. Polish: If the metal requires extra shine, apply a metal polish following the manufacturer’s instructions. Buff with a clean, soft cloth to achieve a polished finish.

Keep It Clean From Top to Bottom

Regular cleaning of your seating areas not only enhances the appearance of your furniture but also contributes to a healthier living environment and extends the life of your furniture. By incorporating a microfiber duster, microfiber towels, and an all-purpose cleaner into your cleaning routine, you can effectively manage dust, stains, and general wear and tear.

With these tools and techniques, your chairs, seats, armchairs, stools, sofas, and lounges will remain in top condition, providing comfort and style to your home for years to come.

Happy cleaning!

The Ultimate Clean for Your Home

The Ultimate Microfiber Cleaning Kit paired with our Genie Sheets creates the perfect cleaning duo for maintaining a spotless home from ceiling to floor. The kit includes microfiber towels, dusters, glass cloths, and a mop.

Genie Sheets are a revolutionary product that redefines convenience in cleaning. These detergent-style sheets that dissolve in water. Includes three professional-grade cleaning solutions: all-purpose, bathroom, and glass and mirror.

Together, the Ultimate Microfiber Cleaning Kit and Genie Sheets make it easier than ever to keep every corner of your home sparkling clean.

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