110 CLEAN YOUR UPHOLSTERY Spruce up your sofa, ready for guests
Get your suite looking as good as new in time for Christmas
1 GIVE IT A VACUUM
Start by using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to give your sofa or armchair a thorough going over. Where crumbs and fluff accumulate, switch to the nozzle attachment so you can easily get into seams and crevices. If your upholstery is leather, use the softer brush attachment to avoid scratching.
2 CHECK THE LABEL
Always read care labels attached to your upholstery before using any cleaning products on it. W means you can use a water-based cleaner; S or P means don’t use water, use solvents or dry-clean instead; SW or WS means you can use either a water-based or solvent cleaner or even a steam cleaner; while X means you shouldn’t use any water or detergent as it may damage the fabric – get it professionally cleaned instead.
3 TACKLE STAINS
Next, it’s worth spot testing your chosen cleaning product on a hidden area of the upholstery first to make sure it doesn’t discolour the fabric. If it’s okay to use, blot the stained area – without rubbing it – using a clean white cloth, working from the outside in until the stain has gone. Use a fresh cloth and warm water to blot the area afterwards to remove traces of soap. For a homemade alternative, mix two cups of warm water with a tablespoon of washing up liquid and another of white vinegar.
4 FRESHEN UP
Once dry, sprinkle the fabric with bicarbonate of soda or a dry carpet cleaner. Leave for a couple of hours, or overnight if possible, before vacuuming it off. This will absorb any stale odours and leave the fabric smelling fresh.
5 HAVE A GO AT STEAM CLEANING
For a deep clean, try using a steam cleaner. High-temperature steam will loosen and dissolve surface dirt and brighten colours, as well as deodorise and sanitise the upholstery without the need for harsh chemicals. Vacuum first, then air dry for a couple of hours after steaming.
GET RID OF PET HAIR BY RUBBING A DAMP RUBBER GLOVE OVER THE SURFACE OF THE UPHOLSTERY