If the couches in your office have seen better days, your clients will be the first to notice. Much like your clothing’s fabric, your upholstery deals with skin oils, food crumbs, spills, hair, and dust.
Before you call a professional, read our guide to learn how to clean your upholstery.
General Information on Upholstery
You’ll need to learn which type of upholstery you’re dealing with before you clean it. Check the label to see which kind of cleaner to use. Upholstery labels can be challenging to understand because they contain codes; fortunately, you don’t need a background in science to understand them.
Let’s crack these codes together:
W = Water-based
S = Solvent-based
WS = Water or solvent
X = Professional cleaning required
Keep on reading to learn the best way to clean your office’s upholstery.
How Do I Clean off Dirt From My Upholstery?
For starters, you’ll need to vacuum your piece by using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. Using small left-to-right strokes, start at the top, then work your way to the bottom. Working in the same direction is crucial, especially for fabrics like corduroy and suede.
For fabrics with a W or WS code: Mix a few drops of liquid dish detergent in a bucket of warm water. Dampen your bristled brush with your soap solution, and carefully brush over the entire piece.
Avoid using too much solution, as excess moisture can lead to discoloration. Wipe your piece with a clean, damp cloth, and allow it to air-dry. You may feel tempted to speed the process up with a hairdryer, but you should avoid doing so because direct heat can cause your fabric to pucker.
For fabrics with an S code: Only use solvent-based cleaners, such as a dry-cleaning solvent. Try to avoid water-based cleaners, as these can damage your fabric. You can work the solvent into heavily soiled areas with a clean, soft-bristled brush. Lastly, allow the piece to air-dry.
How Do I Lift Stains From My Upholstery?
The faster you tend to a spill, the less likely it will stain. As soon as you spot a spill, blot it with a white cloth. Avoid using a colorful cloth because colors can transfer onto your upholstery. Additionally, you should avoid rubbing the spot, as this can permanently stain your upholstery.
Use a spot cleaner or dry-cleaning solvent to treat remaining marks. If your fabric is resistant to moisture, wet and wrings out a clean cloth or sponge, then dip it into a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Gently blot the stain and repeat as needed. If the spot doesn’t lift after three applications, it may be time to call a professional.
Tips to Keep in Mind
To make sure colors won’t bleed or fade, test an inconspicuous area first, such as the bottom of a cushion or the backside of the skirt. Avoid getting water or cleaning agents on the wood or metal portion of your upholstery, as this can result in rust, corrosion, or discoloration.
Only use these techniques on natural or synthetic woven fabrics. Don’t use them on leather.
Need Help? Contact Town & Country Office Cleaning
Cleaning your upholstery will breathe life into your office. However, dedicating your limited time to cleaning your office may interfere with your business. Leave the harsh scrubbing to Town & Country Office Cleaning. We offer full-service office cleaning services, such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, maintenance and sanitary supply, restroom cleaning, and more. Contact us today for a quote.
