Sofas come in different types of materials, like upholstery and leather. Some of these fabrics are difficult to clean with common household cleaning agents, these chemicals sometimes leave spots or marks on the fabric. Nevertheless, by trying dry cleaning methods and using other cleaning solutions, you can keep your couch clean without taking any help from a professional cleaning company. Just follow some simple measures and you can maintain your upholstery. In this article, you’ll read about methods for upholstery dry cleaning like professionals.
Before Cleaning Consider The Following Things
Find the fabric tag on your soda to know which material your sofa is made of. Almost every sofa and upholstery manufacturer categorized sofas in letter codes to stipulate how one can clean the upholstery fabric.
- A "W" signifies that the upholstery can be cleaned with a water-based detergent.
- Whereas, the letter "S" signifies that the fabric must be dry-cleaned only.
- The combined letter "WS" indicates that the fabric is safe for dry cleaning and water-based cleaner.
- The letter "X" means that the fabric must be handled with care, and should be dry cleaned by only professionals.
- The letter "O" indicates that the fabric is made from organic matter and should be cleaned in cold water.
Considering these, choose a cleaner from which you’re going for upholstery cleaning.
How To Dry Clean Your Couch?
Dry cleaning a couch typically involves using a combination of gentle cleaning techniques and specialized products. While it is generally recommended to hire a professional upholstery cleaner for best results, you can attempt a DIY dry cleaning process following these steps:
- Check the fabric care label: Before you begin, check the care label on your couch to ensure it is safe for dry cleaning. If the label explicitly states that dry cleaning is not recommended or if the fabric is delicate, it's best to consult a professional.
- Vacuum the couch: Start by thoroughly vacuuming the couch to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Use an upholstery attachment or a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently clean all surfaces, including crevices and corners.
- Spot test: Choose an inconspicuous area of the couch (e.g., the back or underneath a cushion) and perform a spot test with the dry cleaning solution you intend to use. Apply a small amount of the solution to the spot, following the product's instructions, and check for any adverse reactions such as discolouration or fabric damage. If the fabric reacts negatively, discontinue use.
- Use a dry cleaning solvent: Purchase a dry cleaning solvent specifically designed for upholstery or fabric cleaning. These solvents are typically available in spray or foam form. Follow the instructions provided with the product and apply it evenly across the couch, focusing on stained or soiled areas. Be careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
- Gently agitate and absorb: Using a clean, white cloth or a soft-bristle brush, gently agitate the solvent into the fabric. This helps remove stains from upholstery. Immediately after, use another clean cloth to blot and absorb the solvent along with the loosened dirt. Repeat this process as necessary, using clean portions of the cloth each time, until the cloth comes away clean.
- Allow drying time: Once you have cleaned the couch, allow it to air dry completely. Ensure good ventilation in the room by opening windows or using fans to expedite the drying process. Avoid using the couch until it is completely dry.
- Vacuum again: After the couch has dried, vacuum it again to remove any remaining dirt or residue from the cleaning process.
Remember, these steps provide a general guideline for dry cleaning a couch, but it's important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and consider professional help if you have any doubts or concerns.