When you have antique upholstered furniture, caring for the fabric is critical for maintaining its look and preserving the piece’s integrity. Upholstery cleaning for an antique should be handled with special care. Below are five tips to remember to ensure the longevity of your special piece. 

How to Clean Antique Upholstered Furniture

1. Avoid Beating Fabric

Beating dust and debris out of fabric, especially for antiques, is not recommended. This aggressive technique can easily damage delicate material on older pieces. It is better to carefully dry vacuum the furniture and to use a gentle upholstery brush, which will remove a large portion of particles.

2. Use Extraction Foam

While steam cleaning works on newer material and carpets, the heat from the water can shrink or weaken the older fabric. Instead, use extraction foam, which is a dry method that employs a specialty cleaner applied directly onto the fabric without any water. Once the allotted cleaning time is reached, you can wipe it away easily with a clean cloth.

3. Clean Stains Quickly

Never let stains sit longer than a few minutes. Although you should avoid eating on the furniture, accidents may happen, and immediate care is best. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or white paper towel. This removes as much liquid as possible. Do not rub or apply heat to dry the area. If the stain is still there, your best bet is to call a professional who will know how to handle different materials.

4. Call the Professionals

The safest solution to regular care is professional upholstery cleaning. Experts have the right products and tools to handle an assortment of fabrics and surfaces. They will know how to avoid damage and which cleansers work best for each material. Investing in a cleaning company will ensure your antiques last for generations.

5. Beware of Sunlight

Keep your antiques away from direct sunlight. The UV rays can fade the fabric and cause damage to older pieces. Once sun damage has begun, there is not much you can do unless you have the piece reupholstered completely.

If you need a professional for your antique furniture in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, trust the team at Jerry’s Carpet Cleaning Service Inc. For more than 40 years, their upholstery cleaning offerings have kept pieces old and new in top shape. The family-owned carpet cleaning service also provides honest pricing and efficient services on every job. To find out more about their offerings, including steam cleaning and carpet stain protection, call (715) 423-8273. Visit them online for their convenient contact form.