With regular use, it’s natural for couches, chairs, and additional furniture to lose their luster over time. This is particularly true in homes with pets, children, or accident-prone adults as the upholstery fabric can become stained easily. According to the team at Unique Furniture Enterprises in Cincinnati, OH, tending to stains as soon as possible reduces the likelihood of permanent damage. Below, the upholsterers share additional tips to extend the lifespan of your investments.

3 Tips to Clean Upholstery Fabric Correctly 

1. Use Cleaning Products Formulated for the Material

When shopping for stain removal products, consider the upholstery fabric you need to clean. If you need to blot out blemishes from leather, for example, look for gentle, non-abrasive cleaning agents. This way, you won’t have to worry about rough particles or harsh chemicals scratching the soft surface or stripping away the pigment. If the fabric is cotton or wool, apply products specifically formulated for cleaning those materials as it will prevent fiber deterioration. 

2. Don’t Forget to Vacuum

If the source of the stain is dry debris, such as dirt or food residue, vacuum the area before applying a liquid-based treatment. The suction from the appliance should extract particles causing the discoloration. This will help the spot fade, and it will make your spot treatment more effective.

3. Apply Steam to Loosen the Stain

Before you treat the stain with cleaning products, apply steam to the area. The heat and moisture should loosen up the residue in the upholstery fabric to make removal easier. If you don’t have a steamer, an iron should work just as well. Make sure to set the device to the steam setting, and don’t apply it directly to the fabric. 

Though you can keep your upholstery fabric in great shape with cleaning, there may be stains you cannot remove. In this case, contact Unique Furniture Enterprises. Their team can restore the condition of your favorite pieces of furniture with their expert reupholstering services. To learn more about their commercial and residential furniture refinishing services available in Cincinnati, call (513) 821-7967 to speak with an associate. Visit the company online for details about the types of furniture they repair.