Laurey W. Glenn
We all have a favorite chair that gets lots of use because it feels just right.
Weve talked to the experts and gathered the information you need on how to cleanupholstered chairsthe right way.
Chelsey Byeris theFamily and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist at the University of Illinois Extension.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn
The tag is usually underneath the chair or a cushion, Byers explains.
The life of upholstered cushions can be increased through periodic turning.
The weekly reversal of loose cushions will allow even distribution of wear over a long period.
Start at the top of the chair and vacuum every surface, including the back and lower sides.
Remove the cushions and vacuum both sides and the crevices where the back and sides join.
Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth until no more liquid is transferred.
That just pushes the stain deeper into the fibers.
The one time to slow down when spot cleaning is mud stains on the upholstery.
Youll have better results if you allow the mud to dry before vacuuming it away.
Rubbing will smear the mud and cause a bigger problem.
Use a whisk or electric mixer to create lots of sudsy bubbles.
Dip a sponge or soft-bristled brush in the suds and gently scrub the upholstery.
Start at the top of the chair and work down.
Rinse the sponge often in a container of clean water and wring it well so there is no dripping.
Finish by wiping down the upholstery with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any soapy residue.
Allow the chair to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Handling Specific Stains
Many commercial upholstery cleaners and stain removers work well to remove stains.
Oily Stains
Blot with a paper towel until no more oil is transferred.
Sprinkle the stain with a thick layer (one-fourth inch) of cornstarch or talcum powder.
Let it sit for at least four hours to absorb the oil.
Vacuum away and repeat until all of the stain is gone.
Ink Stains
Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Use a fresh cotton swab as the ink is transferred.
Work slowly until all of the ink is removed.
Pet Stains
Remove any solids and blot wet areas with a paper towel.
Add two tablespoons of oxygen-based bleach powder to one cup of warm water.
Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and saturate the stained area.
Blot the upholstery with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any stains.
Saturate the area again with the oxygen-bleach solution and allow it to air-dry.
Keep changing to a clean cloth or paper towel as the liquid is absorbed.
Work from the outside edges to keep the stain from spreading.
Let the water soak into the upholstery fibers for about three minutes and then blot the area again.
Continue blotting until no more color is transferred.
Let the upholstery air dry and check the stain.
If color remains, move to the next step.
Make a paste of one-fourth cup of baking soda and one to two teaspoons of water.
Spread the paste onto the stained area and allow it to air dry.
Use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the dried baking soda and vacuum it away.
Blot with a white cloth until no more color transfers.
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent.
Do not use it on dark-colored upholstery.
you could also use slipcovers that can be tossed into the washer when needed.
A professional service will know how to remove stains and deep clean the fabric.
