What to Avoid When Cleaning Upholstered Furniture

To keep upholstered furniture clean and fresh requires more than just occasional vacuuming. DIY cleaning methods can be convenient, but using cleaning products incorrectly, or trying the home remedy that was passed down from your mom’s mom, could cause permanent damage to delicate fabrics, leave stains that look worse than the original problem, or even attract more dirt over time.

At GM Carpet Care, we specialize in deep cleaning upholstered furniture anywhere in your home or business. We’ve been providing expert carpet and furniture cleaning services throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May Counties, since 1978, using state-of-the-art equipment and safe, effective cleaning solutions.

Before you attempt to clean upholstery at home, here’s what you should avoid—and why professional upholstery cleaning is the best way to protect your furniture investment.

Upholstery Pre-Cleaning Precautions

Don’t just start soaking a stained area of your couch with seltzer or squirting a store bought cleaning solution directly onto your padded chairs, this knee jerk reaction can make your problems worse! Professional upholstery cleaning is a process and taking a few pre-cleaning precautions can make a significant difference in the results and help prevent any potential damage to your upholstered furniture. Here are some steps to follow:

• Read the Care Label: Always start by reading the care label on your upholstered furniture. This label provides information about the recommended cleaning methods and any specific instructions for your fabric type.
• Test a Small Area: Before applying any cleaning solution to the entire piece, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This ensures that the solution won’t cause discoloration or damage.
• Remove Loose Debris: Use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove any loose debris or dust from the surface of the furniture. This step helps prevent dirt from embedding deeper into the fabric during cleaning.
• Mix Cleaning Solutions Properly: If you’re using a cleaning solution, make sure to mix it according to the instructions. Testing it on a small area first can help you gauge its effectiveness and safety. Using an upholstery brush can help effectively distribute cleaning solutions and scrub stains without damaging the fabric.
• Safety First: Wear gloves to protect your hands and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from the cleaning products.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safer and more effective cleaning process for your upholstered furniture.

How to Get Rid of Odors in Furniture with Upholstery

Your couch is super comfy, but nobody sits in it because smells funny. It’s a common problem and doesn’t mean you have a dirty home. Stinky furniture is still embarrassing and of course, you want to feel good about inviting guests in to sit, relax and enjoy their company.

Odors in upholstered furniture can come from pet dander, cigarette smoke, dust mites, spills, and general everyday use. Many homeowners attempt to freshen up their furniture using baking soda, white vinegar, products like Febreze, or plain water, but these DIY solutions only offer temporary relief and may not address the underlying issue. Air fresheners that use artificial fragrances can be harmful to your health when you rely on them consistently over long periods of time. You want to kill those odors, not to cover them up!

To effectively remove odors, you need a deep cleaning process that eliminates bacteria and embedded debris. Professional upholstery cleaning from GM Carpet Care uses powerful truck-mounted equipment to extract odors from deep within fabric fibers, ensuring a thorough cleaning that leaves your furniture fresh and hygienic.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Upholstery

Using the Wrong Cleaning Solution

Not all cleaning agents are safe for upholstered furniture. Many store-bought upholstery cleaners contain harsh chemicals or solvent-based products that can weaken fabric fibers or cause discoloration. Before applying any cleaning solution, it’s important to check upholstery codes to determine whether a fabric is suited for water-based cleaners or dry cleaning methods.

Scrubbing Too Hard with a Soft Brush or Microfiber Cloth

When tackling stains, many homeowners scrub vigorously with a soft bristled brush or microfiber cloth. While this might remove debris and surface dirt, aggressive scrubbing can drive stains deeper into the fabric and damage upholstery fibers. Instead, a gentle blotting motion with a damp cloth is more effective for spot cleaning.

Our professional upholstery cleaning includes gentle yet thorough stain removal techniques that lift even the toughest stains without damaging your furniture.

Overusing Liquid Dish Soap or Gentle Laundry Detergent

Liquid dish soap and gentle laundry detergent are commonly recommended for spot cleaning, but too much soap can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.

Using a spray bottle filled with warm water and a small amount of dish soap may help with minor stains, but improper rinsing can lead to water stains or residue buildup.

Skipping Regular Vacuuming and Spot Cleaning

Regular vacuuming with a crevice tool and soft brush attachment is important for preventing dust and pet hair buildup. However, many people neglect this simple step, allowing loose dirt to accumulate and making deep cleaning more difficult over time.

Our professional cleaning services include a comprehensive process before applying any cleaning solutions. This removes loose dust and debris, allowing for a more effective deep cleaning.

Failing to Dry Upholstery Completely

Excess moisture is one of the biggest threats to upholstered furniture. Whether using a damp cloth or water-based solutions, failing to air dry upholstery completely can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors.

Many homeowners attempt to speed up the drying process with direct heat, such as a hairdryer, which can damage fabric fibers.

GM Carpet Care’s drying process ensures upholstery is never left overly wet. We use high-powered extraction equipment and circulating fans to ensure furniture dries quickly and safely.

Cleaning Upholstery Codes

Understanding upholstery codes is needed for choosing the right cleaning method for your furniture. These codes are usually found on the care label and indicate the safest cleaning approach for the fabric. Here’s a breakdown of the most common upholstery codes:

• Code W: Fabrics with this code can be cleaned using water-based cleaners. These are generally safe and effective for most types of upholstery.
• Code S: For fabrics labeled with this code, solvents or dry cleaning products are recommended. Water-based cleaners should be avoided as they can cause damage.
• Code W/S: This code indicates that both water-based cleaners and solvents can be used. It offers more flexibility in choosing a cleaning method.
• Code X: Fabrics with this code should not be cleaned with any liquids or solvents. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove dirt and debris.

By following these codes, you can ensure that you’re using the appropriate cleaning method for your specific type of upholstered furniture, preventing damage and maintaining its appearance.

Upholstery Cleaning Tools to Avoid

When it comes to cleaning your upholstered furniture, using the wrong tools can lead to damage or discoloration. Here are some upholstery cleaning tools you should avoid:

• Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Cleaners: These can weaken fabric fibers and cause discoloration. Always opt for gentle, fabric-safe cleaning solutions.
• Rough Cloths or Scrubbers: Using rough materials can scratch or tear the fabric. Stick to soft cloths or microfiber towels for cleaning.
• Excessive Water: Over-saturating the fabric can lead to shrinkage or misshaping. Use water sparingly and ensure thorough drying.
• High-Heat Dryers or Irons: Applying high heat can damage the fabric, making it brittle or causing it to warp. Allow the furniture to air dry completely instead.
• Vacuum Cleaners with Beater Brushes: These can be too harsh for delicate upholstery fabrics. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid damage.

By avoiding these tools, you can protect your upholstered furniture from unnecessary wear and tear, ensuring it stays in good condition for longer.

After you’ve finished cleaning your upholstered furniture

It’s important to do a final check to ensure everything is clean and in good condition. Here are some steps to follow:

• Inspect All Surfaces: Make sure all surfaces are clean and free of dirt and debris. Look for any areas that might need additional attention.
• Treat Remaining Stains: If you notice any remaining stains or spots, treat them accordingly using the appropriate cleaning method.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down all surfaces, removing any excess moisture and ensuring a clean finish.
• Air Dry Completely: Allow the furniture to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This helps prevent mold growth and unpleasant odors.
• Check for Damage: Inspect the furniture for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Address any issues promptly to maintain the integrity of your upholstery.

By performing a thorough final check, you can ensure that your upholstered furniture is not only clean but also in excellent condition, ready for use.

Why Choose GM Carpet Care for Professional Upholstery Cleaning?

While DIY methods may seem like a cost-effective way to clean upholstery, you may have unintended damage, persistent bad smells, and incomplete stain removal. GM Carpet Care offers professional upholstery cleaning services throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Cape May Counties, using advanced equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that deliver superior results.

Our services include:

• Deep cleaning that removes stains, pet dander, and dust mites
• Powerful truck-mounted equipment for thorough extraction
• Safe and effective cleaning agents tailored to your upholstery type
• Expert stain removal techniques that prevent future stains
• Licensed application of Scotchgard protective coating

Don’t risk damaging your furniture with improper cleaning techniques. Schedule your professional upholstery cleaning and keep your furniture looking like new.

Call us at 732-929-9669 or contact us online to schedule your Upholstered Furniture cleaning service