You’ve invested in your home and want it to look its best. You also want the upholstery to look good, too. After all, you spent a lot of money on your furniture. So how do you get access to those hidden dirt and grime hiding places? Vinyl upholstery is a great way to bring a bit of old-world charm into your home. It’s also an affordable choice for any homeowner who wants their furniture to stand the test of time. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need extra care and attention from time to time. With regular cleaning, not only will the appearance of your upholstery improve, but so will its lifespan.
What is Vinyl Upholstery?
Vinyl upholstery is a durable fabric that’s often used in furniture. This can come in handy when you want to add a touch of old-world charm to your home, but don’t want to go through the hassle of completely redoing your décor. Vinyl is also an affordable way for homeowners to make their furniture look stylish without spending a lot of money. The downside? Vinyl upholstery includes fur and other natural fibers, which means it will accumulate dust and hair over time. The good news? Vinyl upholstery isn’t as susceptible to stains as many other fabrics, making it easier for you clean with fewer chemicals and water. And vinyl upholstery doesn’t have a lot of crevices where dirt or dust can hide or get stuck. So, even if your furniture needs regular cleaning and maintenance, this material will be relatively easy to maintain on the whole.
How to Clean Vinyl Upholstery
To clean vinyl upholstery, you’ll need a cleaning solution. The solution should come in a spray bottle that can be used on delicate fabrics and skin. It’s also important to make sure that the surface is dry before applying the cleaning solution. You can do this by using a hair dryer or simply waiting for the item to air dry. Next, you will want to apply a small amount of the cleaning solution with a clean cloth provided. You may want to use an old towel or washcloth as well. Then, take your time scrubbing away at any stains or dirt that could have accumulated in your upholstery over time. Next, rinse off any excess water and the spot where you cleaned with cool water from a sink faucet.
Tips for Cleaning Vinyl Upholstery
The best way to clean your vinyl upholstery is by using a vacuum cleaner. This ensures that the dirt and dust in your upholstery is reduced, as well as its chance of getting into your lungs. It’s also recommended that you use a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water for natural cleaning. This will help remove stains better than just plain water alone and it also helps fight off mold and mildew. You can sprinkle baking soda on the spots you see from time to time, which will reduce the chances of them coming back. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can use a mixture of some hydrogen peroxide with some dishwashing liquid to get rid of any smells left over.
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll need a vacuum cleaner, a sponge and some rubbing alcohol to clean your vinyl upholstery. If you have them, you can also use an upholstery brush that helps remove dirt more effectively. You’ll also need a soft cloth and a water bucket to wipe down the surface after cleaning.
The Bad Stuff to Get Out
Vinyl upholstery can easily get dirty. The biggest culprits are the tiles on your back splash and the fabric that lines the tub or shower. One of the best ways to clean these areas is with a damp cloth and mild soap in warm water. You’ll want to make sure you don’t scrub too hard, or else you might make some damage along the way. Another area that can be difficult to keep clean is behind your refrigerator. The food buildup in this spot can be tough for most cleaners to break down. Instead, you should use a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as Glade® Fabric Refresher® Automatic Spray Starter Kit. A little bit will go a long way in this case; it’ll provide effective coverage so that the problem is quickly fixed without wasting any ingredients.
Step 1: Dry-Spray the Upholstery
To get rid of dirt and grime, you need to use a dry-spray. This will help loosen the water, which will allow you to easily remove it from your furniture. It’s also important that you don’t use any kind of liquid cleaner with this method. If your spray is wet, it can cause damage or mildew growth on the fabric. Once you’ve used a dry-spray, make sure to clean the furniture thoroughly. Make sure to use a lint-free cloth or brush and then follow up with either vacuum or wet towel drying.
Step 2: Take It Outside
Once you’ve removed the furniture from the room, take it outside and spray it down with a hose. If you have access to a garden hose, be sure to get the kind that has a flow rate of at least 100 gallons per minute. With this kind of water pressure, you can clean your upholstery quickly.
Step 3: Vacuum the Upholstery
The first step to cleaning vinyl upholstery is vacuum cleaning. Vacuum the entire surface of the furniture, including the seams and crevices. For large pieces, use a vacuum with a long hose attachment. Alternatively, you can use an upright vacuum cleaner for smaller pieces.
Step 4: Wash and Dry the Upholstery
Before you wash anything, make sure to take out any upholstery that could get wet. Next, mix the detergent with warm water in a bucket or bucket of water and a sponge. Dunk your sponge into the bucket and start cleaning from the outside edges of the fabric towards the center. Be sure to scrub along all of its folds and creases. When you’re finished, rinse away excess soap with clean water and wring out as much liquid as possible before hanging it up to dry on a clothesline or drying rack. If you don’t have space for these, then set it on an old towel or blanket until it is dry.
Final Steps: Protect Your Investment and Have a Breath of Fresh Air
Protect your investment by investing in vinyl upholstery cleaning. You’ll be able to keep the upholstery looking like new and you’ll be able to enjoy a breath of fresh air from time to time as well.
