Fabric Cleaning Tips – When it rains outside, it really rains in New Zealand. There is nothing better than settling down on the sofa and relaxing, waiting for the weather to improve. But, then you notice that the children or your loved pets have padded muddy prints over the fabric. Fabric sofas are so vulnerable to stains and sometimes it is crucial for good hygiene to clean the material thoroughly, regularly. How can you clean your fabric sofa and return to relaxing away your beautiful NZ day?
1. Clean up spills and marks quickly
The earlier you spot the mark the easier it is likely to be to clean your fabric sofa. Dabbing at a still damp spill means that the stain will not soak into the fabric and potentially damage your sofa beyond repair. We have great pride in our homes in NZ and such a stain will cause distress if not dealt with immediately. Remember to dab and not rub! Dabbing will soak the spill into the cloth; rubbing offers the danger of spreading the stain over a greater surface. Be patient and do not panic. Calm dabbing all the way – even if you are worried your wife will return soon!
2. Use a baby wipe
This might sound like strange advice, but baby wipes are surprisingly effective in picking up dirt and spills from your fabric sofa. People have often been shocked and surprised at the stain removing power of something that is meant for a baby’s face. But, as it is intended for such sensitive skin, the wipe will also gently work with the fabric rather than damaging it even more. So, a baby wipe offers amazing stain removal with gentle chemicals. Plus, baby wipes also have a pleasant smell, which more chemical based detergents do not.
3. Use white vinegar
White vinegar is excellent at lifting stains from fabric. It is mildly acidic, so will not damage the fabric too much, if at all. Remember to continue to dab at the stain, but you made need to be a little more vigorous if the stain is deeply soaked into the surface. Be sure to open windows after using white vinegar and to use a fan to dry the sofa surface quickly. You will also need to go over the area with soapy water and a soft brush, as you do not want to be left with a smell of vinegar in your house after you have cleaned your sofa! Be patient and keep working at the stain. It might not lift at first and you may need to keep coming back for several attempts.
4. Vacuum the sofa first
Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Brush with and then against the fabric. This will pick up dust and stray dirt that accumulates. This is an important step in keeping your sofa hygienic. It is easy to believe that our sofas are clean because we work hard to keep feet down or pets off the furniture. But, in truth, dust and dirt will rise up into the air and settle onto your sofa, whether you are keeping it safe or not. The best way to prevent the common cold, for instance, is to make sure your regularly vacuum your sofa. You could always cover the sofa with plastic sheets but in reality we want to enjoy the comfort of the fabric, so committing to vacuuming the sofa once in a while is probably your best approach to a hygiene friendly sofa!
5. Mild laundry detergent and a soft brush cloth
To give your sofa a quick clean, you should fill a bowl with mild, soapy laundry detergent. Using a soft brush cloth, rub with the thread of the fabric and gently clean all over. You really must try to avoid soaking the fabric – only gently dampening the fabric – to avoid slow drying and the potential for that unpleasant rotting smell that comes with wet fabric.
6. Use the washing machine
If the sofa is in need of a deep clean then you can see if it is possible to remove the covers. Often, the seat and back cushion covers are removable. Once removed, you can put these in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and this will clean the covers thoroughly. Remember to still use a gentle detergent, especially with fabrics with a soft, downy texture. If you use something harder, it might leave your once soft cushion abrasive to the touch and uncomfortable.
7. Dry thoroughly and naturally
Sending your sofa covers through a tumble dryer might have dire consequences. Your once adult size sofa covers might only be good for the children’s dolls house. This may be a small exaggeration, but beware drying sofa covers artificially, as you may struggle to return them to the cushions you took them from. The best advice is to open the windows and position a fan to circulate air around your sofa.
8. Of course, Upholstery Cleaning Specialists would always be happy to help
If the job is too big or you worry the stain is too engrained, calling for the help of a professional is a sound choice. At Upholstery Cleaning Specialists we can help you guarantee the longevity of your furniture. Sometimes, there is no replacement for a professional hand and we can often spend more money trying to solve the problem for ourselves. Call us at 0800 800 382.
