Whether it is fabric or leather, upholstered furniture adds comfort and style to a home.
All upholstery can accumulate dirt, stains, or odors.
Here’s a guide to the care and cleaning of upholstered furniture, starting with how to maintain fabric upholstery.
Preparing to clean fabric upholstery
Before cleaning fabric-upholstered furniture, check manufacturer instructions and recommendations so you’ll know the best method and product to use.
Then:
- Spot test. Before applying any cleaner to an entire cushion, first put it on a small, inconspicuous area to see if it discolors or damages the fabric.
- Use the right cleaner. Depending on the fabric type, you’ll use either a commercial upholstery cleaner or a homemade solution of mild detergent and water, applying it to a clean cloth and gently blotting the affected area. Avoid rubbing, as it may spread a stain or damage fabric. Work from the edges to the center of a stain.
- Dry. Let the upholstery air-dry. You can help by turning on a fan or opening windows. Just don’t use direct-heat sources, as they might shrink or damage fabric.
Removing stubborn stains
Removing stains from upholstered furniture can be challenging, whether you’re dealing with fabric or leather. Here are tips on preventing and treating stains:
- Blot quickly. Quickly blot liquid spills with a clean cloth or paper towel, absorbing as much as possible and being careful not to rub, which can push a stain deep into fabric.
- Use stain-specific techniques. How you clean a stain depends on what caused it.
- For oil-based stains: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the area to absorb the oil before applying a cleaner.
- For wine stains: Treat these with a mixture of water and mild dish soap.
- Get professional assistance. If the stain is tough or set-in, ask a pro for help. Upholstery-cleaning experts have the knowledge, experience, and special equipment to safely and effectively handle even the most stubborn stains.
Care and cleaning of leather
Tips for maintaining leather upholstery include:
- Use an approved cleaner.
- Lather every few months with a leather conditioner.
- Wipe, when necessary, with a slightly damp cloth and then a dry one.
- Do not use soap, which can damage leather.
- Keep furniture away from direct sunlight and heat.
Kinds of leather
- Pigmented: Pet- and family-friendly, this is the most durable leather and least likely stained.
- Aniline: This is the most natural-looking and -feeling leather and develops a beautiful patina.
- Semi-aniline: This softens more than pigmented leather but shows more scars and natural markings.
Characteristics of leather
Over time, leather softens and relaxes, which can lead to wrinkling and puddling. This is normal.
Other normal characteristics of leather are:
- It can vary in texture and color.
- It has natural markings such as scars, barb-wire marks, fat wrinkles, insect bites, natural grain variation.
- Its grain when stretched over furniture can differ from samples.
- It can fade where people often sit because the coating wears down over time. Fading can be caused by hair products, lotion, and medications taken by people sitting on the furniture. Usually fading occurs where the most rubbing occurs, such as on the footrest, arms, and headrest.
Scratches
Leather can scratch or puncture. If there is a scratch in your leather, order a leather touch-up kit through Uniter’s. This will not repair the scratch but will blend it in to match the rest of the upholstery.
Adirondack for your furniture needs
Looking to enhance your home with beautiful furniture? Explore Adirondack Furniture‘s exquisite collection today and discover the perfect pieces to elevate your living spaces. From comfortable sofas to elegant dining chairs, our furniture selection offers both style and comfort. Visit one of our two locations, at 1015 North State Street in Syracuse or 6668 Collamer Road in East Syracuse. Experience the timeless beauty of Adirondack Furniture. Let us help you create a home you’ll love for years to come.
