Cleaning Upholstery
Keeping your upholstery furniture looking new can be achieved with regular cleaning. Upholstery furniture can quickly attract dirt and dust which can reduce its overall quality and affects its longevity. In this article, we’ll discuss the best techniques for cleaning your upholstery furniture and how to keep it looking its best.
Vacuum the furniture
Vacuuming your upholstery furniture regularly is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to maintain its cleanliness. Use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently loosen dirt, dust and debris from the crevices and folds of the fabric, then use the suction tool to suck it up. Pay particular attention to seams and button slipcovers — those areas are prone to accumulating dirt and food particles. You should also vacuum behind or underneath your chair or couch cushions, depending on the piece of furniture you’re cleaning. Vacuuming will help keep dirt from grinding into surfaces, as well as help avoid staining or discoloration.
Spot clean with a mild detergent
Spot cleaning is the only way to maintain both the appearance and quality of upholstered furniture over time. If a spill happens, blot it up as quickly as possible using a dry white paper towel or cloth. Blotting can help absorb a lot of the stain before it has a chance to set in deeply.
If more than just blotting is necessary to remove the stain, mix equal parts mild detergent with warm water and test on an inconspicuous part of the fabric first. After ensuring that this will not cause discoloration or fading, apply with a soft-bristled brush in small circles rather than scrubbing for maximum effectiveness. Use clean towels or very low suction vacuum cleaner to remove moist residue and allow to air dry completely before returning furniture to use. It’s important not to rub stains too hard, as this can damage certain fabrics more than others. If in doubt contact your upholstery supplier for expert advice on how best to take care of their product safely without damaging the material or creating an environment where mold could form in hidden crevasses of your dining furniture’s cushion.
Use a steam cleaner for deep cleaning
Using a steam cleaner is a great way to perform a deep clean on upholstered furniture, removing ground-in dirt and bacteria. When using a steam cleaner, use an appropriate cleaning solution that is recommended and safe for the particular fabric you are attempting to clean. If an appropriate cleaning solution is not available, you can use 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 2 cups of water in the steam cleaner. Always start with a light mist setting to avoid excess moisture that could damage the fabric and start with a small area when testing/determining settings so as to not cause extensive damage. Prior to running the machine over larger areas of material, test it in inconspicuous spots first for best results.
Protecting Upholstery
Protecting your dining upholstery furniture is essential to keeping it in good condition for years to come. Upholstery requires regular care and maintenance to look its best. There are several tips you can follow to help you maintain your upholstery furniture and extend its life. From cleaning to protecting upholstery, these tips will help you keep your furnishings looking great.
Use furniture covers
Furniture covers can be useful in protecting upholstered furniture from dirt and dust. Furniture covers are usually made from fabrics such as velvet, chintz, plain cloth, and corduroy. They come in a variety of sizes and colors to match any décor. Covers provide the furniture protection from dirt, liquid spills, food crumbs, pet hair, stains and other debris which can cause permanent damage to the fabric or stuffing underneath. The fabric used to make these covers is easily washable. When selecting furniture covers it is important to select one which fits snugly on the seating area as this will ensure that no particles enter between the cover and the cushion itself during use. If possible, look for furniture covers with an anti-static finish which prevents dust or lint particles adhering themselves to the surface of the cover during use.
Place furniture away from direct sunlight
Furniture that is exposed to direct sunlight can fade over time and leave permanent damage. To prevent discoloration, it is important to keep upholstery furniture away from direct sunlight in your dining room. Keep curtains and blinds jumped at all times during the day, and pick spots where the sun isn’t streaming through windows or doorways. If unavoidable, opt for light colors which fade less easily than dark colors. Additionally, upholstery protection sprays with SPF ratings help protect against colors fading in direct light and also reduce staining.
Use a protective coating
Maintaining the freshness of your upholstered dining room furniture can be easy. Applying a protective coating, such as a stain-resistant fabric protector from an upholstery store, home improvement store, or online vendor is an effective way to increase its longevity and maintain its color and brightness. Before applying this coating, make sure the fabric has been thoroughly cleaned before applying any sort of protective layer so that there is no risk of damage later. Additionally, follow the instructions on the label for best results.
It is also essential to vacuum upholstered cushions regularly to reduce dirt accumulation deep within crevices in the fibers. This will keep it looking clean and smelling pleasant longer than if not done consistently. Suction cleaning can help reveal hidden dirt and filth in furniture which can attract dust mites or cause allergies – using a vacuum cleaner alone cannot always accomplish this type of deep cleaning completely. Additionally, spot-clean any spills or messes with either a damp cloth or mild soap solution as soon as they happen – once again following the manufacturer’s instructions – so that dirt does not become entrenched in stubborn spots long-term.
Repairing Upholstery
Repairing upholstered furniture is an important part of maintaining it in good condition. Upholstered furniture, such as dining room chairs, can get worn down over time due to daily use and exposure to dust and dirt. Taking the time to repair it can help extend its life and keep it looking like new. Here are some of the most important tips to consider when repairing upholstery.
Patch any holes or tears
Before you can repair any holes or tears in upholstered furniture, you first need to locate them. This will require inspecting the surface of your furniture from top to bottom, paying special attention to the fabric and creases where dirt tends to accumulate over time. Remember to look for any signs of damage such as rips, tears, worn-out fabrics, faded colors and more.
Once you have identified any areas that need patching, it is important to determine where the problems lie and what size patches would be needed for satisfactory performance. Decide which filler material is best suited for your job — common choices include polyester padding or denim reinforcements through an iron-on patch. After choosing which filler is right for the job, cut it into a size large enough to cover the hole or tear with at least an extra inch of fabric around it.
Next, you will need some heavy-duty upholstery adhesive. Use a sponge brush or a roller applicator with controlled pressure when spreading adhesive onto both raw edges of the patch and onto the area surrounding the hole. Make sure that there is an even distribution across each area before applying light pressure against each side of the patch until secured in place. Finally, with both edges extended slightly over each side of the hole, re-staple this newly adhered fabric into place and leave overnight before use in order to ensure maximum strength adhesion.
Replace worn or damaged fabric
When furniture upholstery is exposed to consistent use, it will eventually become worn or damaged. Replace the fabric as needed to ensure your upholstered furniture pieces stay in optimal shape. There are a few ways to replace upholstery fabric without drastically altering the appearance of your furniture.
If you have a dining chair that has an exposed wood frame and you don’t mind changing its look, re-covering is possible with a few supplies and some know-how. Start by removing the old fabric from the frame, then measure the dimensions you’ll need for replacement fabric. Add extra if necessary for turning (the folded over edging). Staple or tack the new fabric onto the frame and secure it with flat-head screws.
For intricate and older styles of dining chairs, you may want to take your piece to an upholsterer who specializes in antique furniture. They will be able to repair it properly without stripping away any of its vintage charm. By taking this step, you will be able to preserve its original look and boost its value as either an antique or refurbished item for future sale purposes.
If your piece is structured enough for rotating around gradually, you can start in one corner at a time and re-wrap the entire chair yourself this way—just make sure all edges line up neatly before tacking them together!
Re-stretch fabric to reduce sagging
Re-stretching the fabric is necessary to reduce the sagging that accompanies time and use. It is essential to re-stretch fabric when recovering the chair or sofa. Re-stretching ensures that fabric lays correctly and seams are evenly distributed, thus keeping sagging at bay. To accomplish this, use staples to attach the fabric around the frame of furniture and then use a staple puller/stretcher bar and a hammer to adjust tension as needed. Make sure to pull relatively hard so that the fabric remains taught and does not sag. Re-stretching can make furniture look almost new again and it does not take too much effort or time, making it one of the key tricks in maintaining upholstery furniture like dining chairs and sectional sofas. Start with small sections so as not to overwork or overly tighten your fabric, successively going around each piece of furniture until all sections have been re-stretched properly.
Maintaining Upholstery
Whether it is a dining table chair, a barstool or a couch, upholstered furniture can be a great addition to any room. Upholstered furniture adds style and comfort to any area and can be easily maintained with proper care. In this article, we will discuss some simple tips for keeping your upholstered furniture looking great. We will look at ways to clean, protect, and repair your upholstered furniture.
Rotate the cushions regularly
Regularly rotating the upholstery furniture cushions will help prevent them from losing their shape and increase their lifecycle. Prolonged use in one part of a cushion or chair can cause indentations and the addition of padding in certain areas can make the furniture uncomfortable. Rotating the cushions once a month and flipping them over periodically helps to spread out the wear and tear evenly. Additionally, regular cleaning and vacuuming can also effectively reduce dirt which could accumulate over time, leading to a diminished look for cushions as well as other furniture components such as pillows or backrests. Regularly rotating and cleaning your upholstery furniture helps it reach its maximum lifespan!
Fluff the cushions for even wear
Fluffing your dining upholstered furniture cushions is important in order to prevent uneven wear and tear. This should be done on a regular basis, especially during peak usage seasons. To fluff, simply lift and drop the cushions at least once a day or every other day. Using your hands to plump the fabrics helps restore their natural shape. You may wish to reposition the seat covers so they can wear evenly as well. It’s also important to take care while cleaning dining upholstery furniture and avoid excess water exposure such as spilling a liquid on the fabric or leaving it exposed to rain or sun. Remember that some fabrics – including fabric blends and faux leathers – may be damaged by cleaning products, so it’s best to forgo using any cleaners and spot clean instead with a mild detergent if needed.
Use a fabric protector to prevent staining
Upholstered furniture will appear better and last longer if it is regularly maintained and kept clean. Applying a fabric protective product such as Scotchgard™ or Fabric Protector helps protect your furnishings against water-based stains, oils, greases, and other liquid spills. It can also reduce the impact of regular loose dirt and dust particles by repelling them instead of allowing them to embed into the fibers where they can cause damage over time. Be sure to observe the manufacturer’s recommendations for use when applying a fabric protector. Additionally, use caution with light-colored fabrics that may be bleached by harsh cleaners or by overspray from cleaning products. Regularly vacuuming your upholstery will help remove ingrained dirt and help prevent premature wear on fabrics not treated with a fabric protector.
