How to clean a sofa and other upholstered furniture at home

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Professional dry cleaning of a sofa, upholstered chairs, armchairs or other upholstered furniture is an expensive service. Sometimes you can’t do without it, but in most cases, even complex stains like blood stains, baby urine, wine, etc. can be removed on your own for mere pennies.

• In this material, we presented 2 step-by-step guides on how to clean a sofa at home, using products that are found in every home.

Special technical means for cleaning sofas

The range of technical products for cleaning sofas is constantly expanding. Washing vacuum cleaners and steam generators are in great demand among Muscovites. Unlike the extractor for dry cleaning of textiles. Few people know about this technique and how to use it. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and exhaust hood remains the prerogative of specialized dry cleaners such as CLEAN EVERYTHING.

Washing vacuum cleaner

The vacuum cleaner became popular with the advent of carpets. Housewives quickly realized that it could also be used to care for upholstered furniture. Plus, manufacturers encouraged this in every possible way, adding accessories for textiles, suede, and turbo brushes for cleaning sofas from pet hair. Thanks to its versatility, investing in a vacuum cleaner quickly pays off. With it, home cleaning has acquired the hallmarks of professionalism in terms of efficiency, speed and quality. How to clean a sofa with a vacuum cleaner? What is the difference between the equipment of a famous brand?

Kirby sofa cleaning

The Kirby device is a versatile machine that combines many useful functions. We are interested in how to clean fabric upholstery:

• Use a Zippbrush for dry brushing. Removal of dust and saprophytic mites is ensured by lightly touching the unit to the upholstery. The combination of the principles of a tornado and an air corkscrew sets the fabric in motion without disturbing its structure. Kirby cleaning eliminates the need to knock down your sofa, removing up to 95% of dust;
• Kirby's patented hypoallergenic dry foam system is designed for chemical treatment of sofa upholstery. The big advantage of this technology is that textiles are cleaned without moisture. Removes all stains and disinfects furniture;
• To remove stains from textiles, Kirby has a large selection of branded products.

Thomas cleaning the sofa

The device has two tanks, for clean and dirty water. The first one adds ProTex cleaning foam, and the second one sucks up dirty water and foam. The advantage of Thomas' vacuum design is that no water is pumped into the furniture. The smart machine washes only the surface of the upholstery and prevents the backrest, seats and armrests from getting wet. As a result, there will be no moisture, mold or musty smell. A Thomas vacuum cleaner can remove stains from upholstery. Necessary:

• Dilute detergent (20 ml per 1 liter of water);
• Lather the stain by hand;
• Turn on the vacuum cleaner, scrub the stain with the upholstery nozzle;
• After 15 minutes, dampen the sofa using the wet cleaning mode.

How to clean a sofa with a steam cleaner

The appearance of the steam cleaner marked a new stage in the development of home dry cleaning and sofa cleaning. Karcher's technique has proven its effectiveness. The simplicity of the design is surprising:

• Water is poured into the tank;
• The heating element brings it to a boil;
• A set of attachments (attachments of different sizes and shapes) is designed for processing furniture, textiles, walls, ironing curtains, and clothes on the go.

We are interested in caring for upholstered furniture. Supplying steam to textile upholstery dissolves dirt, removes stains, removes saprophytic mites, disinfects bacteria, and eliminates odors.

IMPORTANT: Do not use the steam generator to clean natural leather, wool, silk, viscose, or innovative synthetic materials with water.

Cleaning a sofa with Karcher

Körcher ferry water purification algorithm:

• Filtered water is poured into the tank and heated to a boil;
• Check the effect of steam on the upholstery in an inconspicuous place;
• Steam a small area of ​​the upholstery. Use a dry microfiber cloth to immediately remove dirt from the treated area. Slowly clean the entire sofa in this manner. Pay maximum attention to fatty areas;
• If you are going to remove a stain from a fabric, point the steam generator nozzle at it as if you were trying to blow dirt off the surface.

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Cleaning a fabric sofa from dirt, dust and grime

Depending on the degree of contamination of the fabric covering, we use the required cleaning method:

• slight dirt, dust

Dissolve 4 tbsp in 3 liters of water. l. dishwashing detergents. Add 150 ml of vinegar and beat into foam. Apply it to the upholstery and leave for 30 minutes. Gently wipe the stains with a brush and leave for another 30 minutes to dry. Clean thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.

• heavy pollution

In a spray bottle, mix 100 ml of vinegar, 1 tsp. dishwashing detergent and 400 ml hot water. Add 1 tsp. soda and quickly close. Spray on the surface of the sofa and wait 5 minutes. Wipe off heavy dirt with a brush. After removing stains, wipe the surface with a clean damp sponge. Next, wipe dry with a towel and dry the surface.

• greasy

Prepare a mixture of vinegar, ammonia and warm water in a ratio of 1:1:20.
Apply to the surface of the sofa with a sponge. Wipe off any dirt with a rag and rinse off the mixture with water. On a note! We first check the effect of mixtures containing hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area of ​​the sofa, since it discolors most fabrics.

Chemicals

Chemical cleaning products can be divided into:

• In popular and specialized ones, produced by the chemical industry specifically for cleaning furniture and textiles;
• For professionals (wholesale quantities are purchased by specialized companies) and households, which are sold at retail for household use;
• For standard and environmentally friendly cleaning (plant based.

Cleaning with stain remover

Household chemicals for upholstered furniture and textiles are popular among those who:

• You don't like experimenting with home remedies to remove stains;
• You don't want to ruin your favorite sofa by cleaning it incorrectly;
• You value your time and do not want to waste energy on hard and dirty work.

The choice of household chemicals is quite wide. Manufacturers produce a variety of upholstered furniture care products. The main advantages of their products are affordable price, convenient packaging and dispenser, efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Sama for cleaning the sofa

Ukrainian chemists worked on Sama’s formula. They managed to create an inorganic liquid product that meets consumer expectations. Convenient packaging (dispenser spray) facilitates application, distribution of the product, and ensures penetration into the fabric structure for thorough and uniform cleaning.

Properties of the product for the furniture itself:

• Quickly, easily and effectively cleans the surface of textile upholstery of upholstered furniture from any dirt;
• Cover the fabric with a thin protective layer to prevent soiling of the sofa;
• Eliminates extraneous unpleasant odors and leaves a light aroma of freshness.
• Eliminates unpleasant odors and gives a fresh scent to your carpet and furniture;
• Optical brightener gives a special shine to white and light-colored upholstery.

The algorithm for using the drug Sama includes:

• Preparatory dry cleaning of textile upholstery with a vacuum cleaner;
• Spraying the product and treating with a soft sponge;
• Rinse off after 1-5 minutes with a clean damp cloth.

How to clean a sofa with Vanish

The manufacturer indicates on the packaging the procedure for cleaning things with the product. Please read all information, including warnings, carefully. Follow the Vanish cleaning procedure, which includes:

• Preliminary dust removal (vacuum cleaner);
• Treating dirty and greasy areas with stain remover;
• Ready-to-use active cleaning foam that provides minimal wetting of the entire surface of the sofa;
• Instead of foam, you can use dry cleaning powder; good for upholstery where moisture is not allowed;
• The traditional method is with foam (solution) of Vanish Textile shampoo. The line includes preparations for manual cleaning, vacuum cleaning, and antibacterial shampoo.

IMPORTANT: When choosing a shampoo, try to minimize moisture getting on the upholstery. Moisture leads to the appearance of mold, mildew, and a lingering fungal odor.

Cleaning with powder

An excellent option for cleaning upholstery that should not be cleaned with water. The special formula of the powder guarantees gentle cleaning without getting wet, shrinking or deforming the fabric. The product is evenly distributed over the surface to be cleaned, distributed with a brush with soft bristles, lightly rubbing the contaminated areas. After complete drying, the dust is collected with a vacuum cleaner.

Spray

Convenient packaging with a spray dispenser for targeted application and inexpensive to use. After applying the stain remover, wait (maximum 5 minutes) and wipe the treated area well with a damp cloth.

Foam for cleaning fabric sofas

Vanish Active Foam is packaged in aerosol bottles. The product is completely ready for use:

• Shake the bottle;
• Spray foam onto the previously vacuumed surface of the sofa;
• Rub with a sponge or soft brush. Vacuum dry textile foam.

Instructions for cleaning furniture sets

To properly clean the furniture surface, you should follow the following procedure:

1. Remove dust. Vacuum the upholstery, focusing on the joints and corners. It is better to use a special furniture attachment with a brush. Knock out the fleecy sofa. Wet the sheet with water or soapy water and wring it out. Cover the furniture with a cloth and vigorously beat out the dust with a carpet beater. Using a sheet, you can remove dust without raising it into the air.
2. Manually remove any hard dirt if there is any. You can clean it with the blunt side of a knife, a spatula, or any other object with a blunt edge. Do not use this option for fabrics with pile - the dirt must first be softened with soap foam.
3. Clean the upholstery from stains and grease. To do this, use a suitable household chemical for cleaning sofas or a traditional method.

If the soft set smells, you can additionally treat the upholstery with a water solution of soap or shampoo with a pleasant aroma.

For fluffy sofas, cleaning is completed by passing over the entire surface with a soft or medium-hard brush. This procedure will refresh the color and add volume to the pile.

Products for cleaning vacuum cleaners

The vacuum cleaner directs water onto the surface being treated and immediately removes everything, along with dust and dirt, which during this time must be separated from the fibers of the carpet or upholstery. In such conditions, only special fast-acting formulations can be effective.

Help Carpet cleaner for washing vacuum cleaners

For quick and effective cleaning, it is recommended to refill washing vacuum cleaners with the help of a Russian manufacturer. The water ratio is indicated on the back of the bottle. A solution for manual cleaning is made in the same proportion. For added convenience, the liquid is poured into a spray bottle and applied evenly to the carpet or upholstery. After this, everything is cleaned well with a sponge. After a while, when everything is dry, you should sweep everything with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.

Concentrated help eliminates odors and does not require rinsing with water. The content of Ampava, APAS, NSAIDs of each type is less than 5%. It can be used in children's rooms.

Advantages:

• economical consumption;
• for washing vacuum cleaner and can be cleaned by hand;
• a wide range of applications, in addition to carpets, all kinds of upholstery materials;
• safely;
• does not require rinsing;
• eliminates unpleasant odors.

minuses:

• Only large containers, 1000 ml each.

Customer rating

Marianna S. Clean good. He wiped away the marmalade stain. Does not eliminate unpleasant odors.

KVAGA F. Cold cleaning. My husband brought the car seat (entirely), cleaned it with powder beforehand, sat down, warmed it up, and waited for it to get warm. I poured it into a spray bottle, diluted it, sprayed it on, after 20 minutes I rubbed it a couple of times and washed it off. The effect is wow!!! Do the same with sofas and rugs. And I take it to the kitten with a washing vacuum cleaner

KARCHER Carpet wet cleaner RM519

KARCHER RM519 liquid is intended for adding to water when refilling washing vacuum cleaners. The product is well suited for cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture. Eliminates dust, dirt, unpleasant odors. Removing stains when cleaning. In case of persistent contamination, it is necessary to re-clean with a washing vacuum cleaner.

The sofa cleaner can be used for manual cleaning. Pour the RM519 solution into a spray bottle and apply a thin layer to the stain. Then, after 15-20 minutes, scrub with a sponge. After 2 hours, remove everything with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.

KARCHER RM519 easily removes everyday dirt before cleaning. Application to the surface of the pile with simultaneous aspiration. One pass with a vacuum cleaner is enough and the surface is clean. For stains, repeat treatment on individual stains.

Advantages:

• fast and high-quality cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture;
• removes stains;
• eliminates unpleasant odors;
• does not require rinsing;
• can be used for manual cleaning;
• economical consumption - concentrated.

Minuses:

• does not remove marker marks well;
• The packaging does not indicate the proportions for dilution with water.

Customer rating

Denis S. Good product, I recommend it. Lemon color, when diluted with water the water becomes clear. Does not foam, does not have an unpleasant odor, a light pleasant aroma when diluted, after application to textiles there is no aroma (although if it were light, this would not be a problem).

Upholstery care rules

To protect furniture from persistent dirt and deformation, start taking care of it immediately after purchase. If you follow certain principles, the upholstery will look like new for a long time:

• Do not keep interior items in rooms where the temperature is below two degrees Celsius and the humidity is above 70 percent.
• Place sofas at least a meter away from heating sources.
• Protect upholstered furniture from direct sunlight.
• Wash your pet's paws after a walk.
• Teach children to take care of furniture.

No matter how beautiful the upholstery of a new item is, it will quickly lose its original appearance if you do not use a blanket, a removable cover or a protective blanket from the first days. The heaviest load falls on the headrests, seat, back, armrests and sides of the sofa.

If you are unable to remove dirty stains on your own, you should use the services of cleaning companies. Professional dry cleaning involves the use of special equipment and cleaning products, as well as the work of specialists with extensive experience.

Mechanical cleaning of upholstered furniture

Contamination can be removed using hand tools or tools. A suitable product for removing litter, wool, dust, grease and stains from the sofa.

Knockout

The method allows you to clean deep layers of upholstery from dust. Suitable for cotton, jacquard. The remaining materials will deteriorate. From your inventory you will need any whisk and a slightly damp cloth (a piece larger than a sofa).

How to knock down upholstered furniture:

1. The sofa unfolds.
2. Cover the upholstery with a cloth.
3. They hit the covered upholstery with a mallet.
4. Remove the fabric.
5. Vacuum the sofa.

The embossed sofa is allowed to dry and then folded.

Steam cleaner

Devices with a steam generator + accessories for upholstered furniture + temperature control in the range of +40-150 ºC are used. The classification includes steam cleaners Polaris PSC 1102C, Kitfort KT-903, steam vacuum cleaners MIE Bello, SV 7 Premium.

How to clean upholstered furniture with steam:

1. The sofa is being vacuumed.
2. Boiled filtered water is poured into the steam cleaner. For tough stains or dirt, you can use detergent solutions.
3. Turn on, adjust temperature, steam pressure.
4. The nozzle moves slowly across the sofa and is immediately cleaned with a dry microfiber cloth.

The device can cleanse various contaminants without chemicals, destroy parasites and odors. The method is contraindicated for wool, linen and silk products.

Vacuum cleaner

Dust removal units can be used to remove dry dirt and dry cleaning. Contraindicated for use on damp upholstery.

For wet dry cleaning, use vacuum cleaners and power washers. There are manual units for upholstered furniture or multifunctional household appliances with a set of furniture fittings. The classification includes Bosch BWD41720, KARCHER SE 4001.

The devices are used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Professional dry cleaning

No matter how hard the owners try to clean the sofa from dirt at home, this is not always possible to achieve. In the worst case scenario, furniture loses its aesthetic appearance. Therefore, if you have a question about how to effectively clean a sofa from stains without streaks, it is better to entrust this task to professionals. Dry cleaners use special chemicals, dry and wet cleaning methods. This not only returns the sofa to its original appearance, but also increases its service life.

We are waiting for you in the showrooms of the ANDERSSEN upholstered furniture factory

publication date 02/27/2018

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Elimination of unpleasant odors

To get rid of unpleasant odors, you can use special shampoos designed for furniture. But sometimes the “aroma” is too persistent and cannot be eliminated by such means, then you can resort to the following means:

• lemon juice solution. Dilute 3 tbsp in 0.5 liters of water. l. lemon juice. This solution can eliminate the smell of cat and human urine, but the procedure will have to be repeated several times;
• vinegar solution. Dilute 2 tbsp in a glass of water. l. vinegar. Soak a clean rag in this solution. The latter is placed on a spot that emits unpleasant odors. The rag is pressed down a little so that the vinegar solution saturates the inner layers. After 3-5 minutes, it is removed and replaced with a clean and dry one. If the smell is too persistent (for example, from cat urine), then the procedure will have to be repeated 2-3 times.

Vinegar or lemon juice will help get rid of unpleasant odor.

What if it’s just some water?

In some cases, stains are removed with plain water - without stain removers or folk remedies. This method only works when removing fresh water-soluble stains from the upholstery of a sofa or chair - for example, protein stains (blood, milk) and tannin stains (tea, wine).

Important: protein stains must be washed only with cold water to prevent the protein from curdling.

Wash the upholstery of upholstered furniture with a clean damp cloth or sponge, moving from the edges of the stain to the center. Use a small amount of water so as not to soak the top layer of filler.

When you shouldn’t immediately rinse a stain with water:

► The stain was placed a long time ago. Old stains must first be treated with a stain remover.

► The stain does not dissolve in water (oils, fats, paints, varnishes, chewing gum, wax, paraffin, plasticine). First you need to treat the contamination with a solvent.

► When heavily wet, the upholstery material “shrinks” or loses its performance properties. Water “procedures” are contraindicated for upholstery made of tapestry and silk.

Before dry cleaning

Read the blog:

Don’t do this: the main mistakes when dry cleaning carpets yourself

7 delayed-action problems: what can happen after dry cleaning upholstered furniture

What can happen when removing a stain using “chemistry”

Materials, stains and products are “bundles” of chemicals. When interacting, these substances may react (or may not).

In the absence of a chemical reaction, nothing will happen, but in its presence, different consequences will be observed:

► The stain will disappear, the material will not be damaged.

► The stain will be firmly fixed, the material will not be damaged.

► The stain will dissolve, but the fibers of the fabric will be damaged.

► The stain will not dissolve and the upholstery will be damaged.

Sofa after successful dry cleaning

Some substances in stain removers and “folk” remedies negatively affect certain upholstery materials of sofas and armchairs - they damage fibers and/or react with dyes. For example, acetone can dissolve synthetic fibers and discolor fabric.

Order dry cleaning of a sofa in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region
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