Today, we are sharing how to clean a fabric couch and chairs!
I have responded to this email so much over the last few years, I thought a blog post would be really helpful for everyone.
My favorite thing about writing articles for Chemistry Cachet is the research and testing I get to do. I try out so many methods for each blog post like this to determine what works best. This is why it can take many months or up to a year for me to write a new post for certain subjects. Especially skincare topics!
Anyways, here is how we are cleaning our fabric couch and chairs. Plus, one of my favorite purchases this past year.
How To Clean A Fabric Couch and Chairs
When you have kids or pets, the fabric on your couches and chairs can get dirty quick! We have had our current couch since right before Amelia was born, so it has been around to see many kids messes…
I also purchased some fabric chairs . They get so dirty after each meal with the kids…The good news is, you can clean them up very easily with these steps and keep them looking new. Be sure to head to our Instagram page, follow us and save a few posts too. We share fun videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Items Needed For Upholstery Cleaning:
There are a few things you will need for the the best thorough cleaning of all your fabrics. This portable upholstery cleaner (currently $40 off), , stain remover, your regular vacuum cleaner. While there are many methods for cleaning fabrics, I have found this routine to not only be the quickest, but also the one that works the best for both couches, chairs, and other fabric furniture.
Step One: Vacuum
The first step to cleaning your fabric couch, chairs, and other furniture is a good vacuuming. This gets rid of hair and some dust plus any debris.
I always use the fabric attachment for this step, and I make sure to go over the surface several times to remove anything excess.
Vacuuming your fabric furniture once a week at least is a good way to maintain the surface also.
Step Two: Treat Deep Stains
If there are stains, now is the time to treat them. I love this all-purpose stain remover that I also use for clothing. You can also make some of this DIY upholstery stain cleaner, but I would be cautious with this depending on the type of fabric. Make sure you check the tag on your fabric to see what type of liquid it can take. Some fabric stains will clean up with rubbing alcohol.
Here is a guide on reading the fabric label.
If you are unsure about the type of stain or what is best for your fabric, using the upholstery cleaner in this post is always a good idea due to how it works and sucks up water/stains.
Step Three: Use An Upholstery Cleaner
This little machine has been fantastic for cleaning fabric! I purchased this after a friend of mine told me about it. I was impressed with how clean her dining room chairs always looked. I decided to get one and test it out for all my readers, and we love it!
It is like getting your fabric professionally cleaned, but easy to use at home.
Before and After Using Upholstery Cleaner For Fabric Chairs
I snapped a quick before-and-after of Amelia’s chair after we cleaned it 😂 Be sure to check out the video on our Instagram too!
This chair had it all including chocolate, spilled milk, smoothie drips, and plenty of food crumbs. We decided to use the upholstery cleaner without pre-treating any of the stains, just to see how it would perform, and it cleaned the chair right up.
In the after photo, you’ll notice the fabric is still a little damp. It does stay damp for a few hours while it dries, but it’s not soaking wet, just lightly damp.
You Can Use This On Carpet Too
I love this machine because you can use it on carpet stains too! Amelia spilled a fruit pouch on our carpet that had prunes in it which left a purple stain. I used this machine to clean the spot, and it worked great! Another thing I use for carpet stains is our homemade carpet cleaner which is good for spot treatments.
What Type Of Solution To Use In Upholstery Cleaner?
Another question I get a lot is what solution to use with the upholstery cleaner. I know everyone loves a good DIY option, but for now I actually use the cleaner that came with the machine on our fabric couch and chairs. That said, I am testing a simple DIY solution you can try, so stay tuned! I don’t share homemade recipes unless they work just as well as the store-bought version, and getting the ratios just right can take a little time. The store-bought solution is perfectly mixed, so it makes the cleaning more successful for your fabrics.
I hope you enjoy this post, and I highly recommend that little upholstery cleaning machine. It is one of my favorite purchases this year. I love the size of it because it isn’t very large, so it stores easily in a closet or laundry room.
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Glad you enjoyed it!
I got the upholstry cleaner and the stain remover you mentioned in this post…and wow…my dining room chairs haven’t looked this good since I bought them. I had tried several mixes before, but I couldn’t get the stains out. Thank you! Your suggesttions have made my cleaning chores so much better. I tell everyone I know about chemistry cachet lol
I am so glad it helped you too! Thank you so much for sharing and for sharing our website with everyone 🙂