What to Use to Clean Upholstery

Short of keeping your upholstered furniture under plastic wraps, it will need to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking good and to extend its useful life. Here are a number of things that you can use to clean upholstery.

Brush

A soft-bristled brush can be used to loosen stuck on dirt and surface debris from upholstery. It may also be used to apply shampoo to a stain.

Vacuum Cleaner

Use your vacuum's dusting brush attachment and use it to vacuum dust, dander and mites from your upholstery.

Lint-free White Cloth

A soft, lint-free white cloth can be used for cleaning upholstery. A white cloth helps to avoid transferring fabric dye to your upholstery.

Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaners clean upholstery using a method called "hot water extraction." A steam cleaner my be rented from upholstery cleaning services.

Shampoo

A commercially-produced shampoo may be used to clean upholstery, or you may simply use a solution of 1 teaspoon of liquid hand washing soap and 2 quarts of water.