You've bought your first furniture set and now you need to take care of it. Having a sofa is great and definitely adds to the beauty and atmosphere of your home, but you also need to know how to clean it and take care of it properly, otherwise you will have a dingy, scruffy futon squatting in the middle of your living room before you know it.
You just have to remember two basic rules for cleaning upholstery. Since loose dirt and stains are the most common factors for soiling your furniture, learning how to deal with them will save you a lot of time and money later in the future. When it comes to loose dirt, you can just vacuum or brush them away. Remember to do this as quickly as possible, though, before the dirt gets embedded in the fabric. Stains and spills can be dealt with by using a dry cloth to wipe them away and soak up the liquid.
But when you really want to learn how to properly clean a variety of fabrics, however, you need to know about the cleaning codes. There are individual cleaning methods recommended for each type of fabric, so make sure you know about them. Look for the cleaning codes on one of the tags attached on your furniture, as they will tell you how to properly clean your upholstery. If you can't find the code, try cleaning a little spot in an inconspicuous area of the furniture to test for compatibility. Currently, there are four cleaning codes used by the industry. I will tell you about them, as well as the recommended procedures related to each code.
W ? Vacuuming and light dusting are recommended. Remember to use only water-based cleaners or foam from mild detergents. Apply the cleaning agent in a circular motion, using a soft cloth or brush.
S ? You can also vacuum or dust lightly. Use water-free cleaning solvents or dry-cleaning solutions for spot cleaning. Avoid using products with carbon tetrachloride. Use a soft cloth and clean the upholstery in a well-ventilated area.
WS ? This is quite easy, since you can practically use any of the recommended methods above. Make sure to clean your furniture in a well-ventilated area if you're using solvents or dry-cleaning products. Avoid products with carbon tetrachloride.
X ? Clean your furniture by vacuuming and light dusting ONLY. Avoid using liquid cleaning agents of any kind. Using water-based cleaners or solvents may cause shrinking and damage the surface appearance of the upholstery.
Use the arm rest and headrest covers for your furniture if you have them. They can prevent body oils and other dirt from staining your furniture. Flip over any removable cushions you have once a month to even out any wear and tear. It would be nice if you could give your furniture a thorough cleaning at least every two to three months, to keep them looking fresh and clean.
