As a homeowner, having upholstered furniture adorning your living spaces is a matter of pride. However, upholstered furniture does not come cheap. Even a mid-range couch can cost between $1,000 and $2,000, and you will want your furniture to last for many years. The leading reason why furniture starts looking old and worn is improper cleaning techniques or exposure to dirt over a prolonged period. That is where professional Gainesville upholstery cleaning services come in clutch.

Since most homeowners prefer to take matters into their own hands and perform general cleaning and maintenance on their own, we will help you keep your upholstered furniture looking new. Here are a few pointers you should know before you start scrubbing away at stains on your furniture.

Upholstery Cleaning: The Don’ts

Don’t Use Bleach

Although you may be tempted to use bleach to clean almost every surface of your home, it is a strict no-no for upholstered furniture. Since bleach is a very potent cleaning solution, it can worsen the stain and make it more pronounced. It can not only affect the color of your furniture but also damage the fibers to the point of no return. Using bleach to clean upholstery will likely end with you having to buy a new piece of furniture.

Don’t Go Scrubbing

Despite all your instincts telling you to scrub or rub the stains on your upholstery, you must never do it. Scrubbing can push the stain deeper into your upholstery fibers and wear it down. In most cases, vigorous scrubbing will quickly lead to the stain being chemically bonded with the fabric, leading to a set-in stain that is impossible to remove. The fabric can easily get distorted even if the stain is visibly reduced by scrubbing. Instead, it would be best to blot the stain with a clean towel.

Don’t Use Heat

Using heat or boiling cleaning solutions tends to do more harm than good. Heat can easily change the stain’s chemical structure and make it easier to bond with the fabric, especially if the stains are made from blood, food, or any proteins. Similarly, vinegar should also never be used to clean stains as it is a heating agent. If you have to use hot water, make sure it is lukewarm.

Upholstery Cleaning: The Do’s

Do Read The Label

Most upholstered furniture comes with express instructions from the manufacturer. These instructions contain indicators of which cleaning solutions or chemicals can be used to clean stains on their fabric. Typically, W stands for water-based cleaners, S stands for solvent cleaners, WS stands for both water and solvent-based cleaners, and X stands for neither water or solvent-based cleaners. Different types of fabric have unique requirements, and it is imperative that the instructions are followed to mitigate any damage.

Do Take Action Quickly

The first thing you must do after developing a stain on your upholstery is to take prompt action. If you notice a stain, you should blot it immediately, as it can stop the stain from seeping deeper into the fabric or the padding underneath it. Stains take time to become permanent; the longer it is left undealt, the harder it becomes to remove. Blotting with a clean towel is the first aid every homeowner with upholstered furniture should be aware of.

Do Perform a Spot Test

In some cases, there will be no instructions from the manufacturer. You should perform a spot test if your furniture does not come with labels or instructions. To do so, you can take a small amount of the cleaning solution and apply it to an area of the fabric that is hidden away. If you notice any discoloration or damage, it is best to look for alternative solutions. A spot test is mandatory before applying the cleaning solution to your stain as it is a low-risk method to determine if it is the right cleaner for your furniture.

Do Hire Professionals

Cleaning upholstery may seem like an easy task but a small mistake can cost you thousands of dollars. By hiring a Gainesville upholstery cleaning service, you can ensure that your furniture is in safe hands. Professionals possess the tools and the know-how to deal with all kinds of stains on all types of fabric. Going the professional route is your best bet if you want a hassle-free stain removal experience.

The Final Words

Furniture can last a lifetime if it receives proper care and maintenance. When it comes to upholstered furniture, vacuuming them is not enough and sooner or later you will require the help of a professional Gainesville upholstery cleaning service provider. There are no downsides to going the professional route, only benefits.