Watching the big game this weekend? Before you gather in the living room, protect your fabrics from food and beverage fumbles. If spills happen to touch down, review some of the following tips for cleaning upholstery to win against stains.

Fabric Cleaning Tips

Living rooms are designed to be lived in. Even if you’re careful, dirt and spills can sully the fabric. Sure, you could cover your couch with plastic like the old days or rely on stain-resistant treatments, but eventually you should clean the upholstery to get rid of everyday grime and odors.

Cleaning upholstery properly depends on the fabric type. Before you even lift a sponge or spray bottle, check the care label. Even if there are no cleaning instructions, it should tell you what type of fabric it is. Some of the common cleaning codes you’ll see include:

• W (water-based cleaner)
• S (solvent-based cleaner)
• X (vacuum only; professional cleaning recommended)

Once you know what the type of fabric and recommended cleaning instructions you can begin tackling the dirt and stains.

1. Start by vacuuming. Use an upholstery attachment to help remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the fabric and prevent grime from embedding deeper.
2. Spot test. If this is the first time you’re using a specific cleaning solution, apply a little to a hidden area and check for discoloration or damage. This way you don’t ruin the rest of the fabric.
3. Work in small sections. It’s better to gently blot than scrub the fabric. Also avoid soaking since excess moisture can lead to more damage.
4. Deodorize. While cleaning the furniture does its part to help remove dirt and stains, it may not get rid of all odors. There are specially formulated deodorizers for fabrics that lift away certain smells.
5. Steam cleaning. Provide a deeper clean—without using chemicals—that not only loosens dirt but also helps kill bacteria and refresh the fabric. This is not recommended for all fabrics and is best left for professionals.

If the fabric is delicate, heavily soiled, or marked with an “X” on the care label, contact a professional to help clean the upholstery. Pros have the tools and knowledge to properly treat the fabric and keep it fresh and well-maintained.

Call JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care for Cleaning Upholstery

From leather couches to linen dining room chairs, our technicians are trained to identify fabric type and use only the safest cleaning methods. No matter the type, we use gentle techniques to clean and deodorize your upholstery so you can sit and relax in a refreshed space. Okay, it may not be relaxing if the game isn’t going your way, but at least the couch is clean.