How to Clean an Upholstered Chair

Maintain upholstered furniture by regularly cleaning it.

Upholstered furniture accumulates dust and dirt all the time from pets, children and other sources. If you clean the upholstered furniture on a regular basis you will keep the furniture looking new and you will increase the lifespan of the chair or couch. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more difficult the cleaning process will be and the harder you will have to work to clean the piece of upholstered furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Upholstery cleaner
• Upholstery brush
• Soft microfiber towel

Instructions

1. Remove the chair cushion covers and put them in the washing machine on cold. Hang the covers up to dry. If you cannot wash the cushion covers, vacuum them all over.

2. Vacuum the surface of the chair with the vacuum brush attachment. Use a thin, angled attachment to clean out the nooks and crannies in the chair.

3. Test any upholstery cleaner on a piece of the cushion that does not show. If the cleaner doesn't stain or fade your cushion, continue to step 4. If it does, try different cleaners until you find one that does not ruin the upholstery.

4. Work the cleaner into the upholstery using an upholstery brush, then blot it with a soft microfiber towel.

5. Wait until the upholstery is completely dry. Put the cushion covers back onto the chair.

Tips & Warnings

• Flip the chair cushions on a regular basis so that both sides get worn equally.

References

• Dot Com Women: Cleaning Upholstered Furniture