How to Clean Your Furniture

Let's face it, accidents happen. Whether it's kids with their sticky fingers, pets with their playful antics, or just random spills and mishaps, there's always a possibility that your nice new furniture gets an unwelcome blemish. From spilled drinks and food stains to muddy paw prints and everyday dust, keeping your furniture looking pristine can be a challenge. It's essential to have the best methods, techniques, and materials on hand to address these issues promptly and effectively before they have a chance to set in and cause lasting damage.

Cleaning Different Types of Furniture

Couch and Sofa Cleaning

Cleaning your couch or sofa regularly helps maintain its appearance and prolongs its life. Here’s how to clean different types of couches:

Fabric Couch

1. Vacuuming: Start by vacuuming your fabric couch to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Use the upholstery attachment and make sure to get into the crevices and corners.

2. Spot Cleaning: For stains, use a fabric sofa cleaner. Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the fabric. Apply the cleaner according to the producer’s instructions and blot the stain with a clean cloth.

3. Deep Cleaning: Periodically, your fabric couch may need a deep clean. Use a steam cleaner or a professional upholstery cleaner for this task. Make sure the fabric is suitable for steam cleaning by checking the manufacturer's label.

Leather Sofa

1. Dusting: Regularly dust your leather sofa with a dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup.

2. Cleaning: The best way to clean leather is to use a specialized leather sofa cleaner. Apply it with a soft cloth, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that can damage the leather.

3. Conditioning: To keep the leather supple, condition it every 6-12 months with a leather conditioner. This helps prevent cracking and drying.

Faux Leather

1. Wiping: Clean faux leather with a mixture of mild soap and water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down the surface. Avoid soaking the faux leather.

2. Drying: After cleaning, dry the surface with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.

Couch Cushions

1. Vacuuming: Remove the couch cushions and vacuum them thoroughly. This helps to remove loose dirt and debris.

2. Spot Cleaning: For stains on couch cushions, use an appropriate cleaner based on the cushion material. Apply the cleaner and blot the stain with a clean cloth.

3. Washing: If the cushion covers are removable and washable, follow the washing instructions on the label. Typically, machine washing on a gentle cycle with mild detergent is safe.

Cleaning Upholstery

Clean Upholstery

1. Regular Maintenance: Vacuum upholstery regularly to remove dust and debris. Use the upholstery attachment and focus on seams and crevices.

2. Spot Treatment: For stains, use an upholstery cleaner suitable for the fabric. Always test the cleaner on a hidden area first. Apply the cleaner and blot with a clean cloth.

Cleaning Wood Furniture

Clean Wood

1. Dusting: Dust wood furniture regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Use a microfiber cloth for the best results.

2. Cleaning: For more thorough cleaning, use a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe the wood surfaces. Avoid soaking the wood.

3. Polishing: To restore the shine, polish wood furniture with a wood furniture polish. Apply the polish with a soft cloth and buff to a shine.

Cleaning Stains on Various Materials

Cleaning Stains

1. Fabric: Blot stains immediately with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as it can spread the stain. Use a fabric sofa cleaner to treat the stain according to the product instructions.

2. Leather: Wipe off spills immediately with a dry cloth. For tougher stains, use a leather cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Wood: For liquid spills, wipe immediately with a dry cloth to prevent water damage. For stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

Keeping your furniture clean not only enhances its appearance but also extends its lifespan. Whether it’s a fabric couch, leather sofa, faux leather chair, or wood furniture, using the right techniques and products is key. Regular maintenance and prompt action on spills and stains will ensure your furniture stays looking its best for years to come.

At Bob Mills Furniture, we offer a wide range of furniture and our team can help with furniture care tips. Visit us today to find the perfect solutions for maintaining your couch, sofa, wood furniture, and more.

Why Trust Bob Mills Furniture?

At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 54 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.

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