Looking for something to do when you’re cooped up at home? Well, it’s for the best. That means it’s time for your annual deep cleaning.
But where to start? A good place to start is a thorough cleaning of your couch. After all, it’s been in quarantine for a while now, and it’s already looking a little “settled,” if I do say so myself.
So here are a few tips for deep cleaning your couch. Leave it on the chair and it will be fresh in no time.
How to read the furniture cleaner code?
Before you put the deep sofa cleaning tips into action, take a step back, breathe and look under the sofa. If you’re having trouble wiping up fresh stains or spills or tidying up your furniture, you need to know the right cleaning products for the job.
Indeed, it is not always easy to use cleaning products on old furniture. Some textiles can even be severely damaged or discolored if you use the wrong cleaning products.
So how do you refresh your furniture with the right products? You can only do it if you know the cleaning codes for your furniture.
You can find out what each code means below.
First of all, where can I find my furniture cleaning code?
The cleaning code for your upholstery machine can be found on the back of the machine itself, just like the detergent label on your clothes. For example, the cleaning code for a sofa is usually found on the seat cushion. The label is usually on the side of the cushion, next to the armrest, or on the back of the sofa.
If you cannot reach the sides of the sofa cushions, it is possible that the cushions were sewn to the frame during upholstery. If this is the case, you should check the sofa platform (the hard part under which the cushions are placed). And if you put your hand on the front, you will find the cleaning label. To do this, move it away from the platform until you see the letter marks (these may contain the letters “W”, “S”, “S-W”, or “X”).
If the cleaning label has been removed or cut off, please refer to the manufacturer’s website for complete cleaning instructions for your furniture.
What does the cleaning code mean?
“W”.
If the upholstery is marked with a “W”, it means that it can only be cleaned with water-based solutions. This includes soaps, detergents, carpet cleaners, and shampoos specifically designed for upholstery. Harsh cleaning products such as alcohol should be avoided at all costs, as they attack the surface layer of the fabric and cause premature wear.
However, when washing these fabrics, care must also be taken with the amount of water used. Regardless of the intensity of the stain, the fabric or cloth should remain damp (without drips).
Tip: As a general rule, always wipe stains and spills without rubbing. Rubbing anchors the stain in the fabric and makes it difficult to clean later.
Tip: Tap water can contain chemicals that can leave unsightly marks after cleaning. To keep your furniture in good condition, we recommend using distilled water whenever possible.
“S”.
“S” stands for “Solvent”, which means that only waterless solvents can be used on this type of textile. This includes only those solvents specifically intended for cleaning. For example, rubbing alcohol, pure alcohol, and dry cleaning solvents are ideal for this type of fabric.
For cleaning smooth fabrics such as leather or vinyl, baby wipes can also be used to remove dirt. In general, other fabrics coded “S” are natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, and linen.
Tip: Long pile fabrics should be brushed after cleaning. This will help the nap return to its natural “raised” state.
TIP: To save time and effort, start by deep cleaning inconspicuous areas. This will prevent damage to the main part of the furniture.
“S-W”.
“S-W” is a mixture of “Solvent” and “Water”, which means that both dry solvents and wet cleaners can be used for this type of fabric (you will also find “W-S”, which is essentially the same thing).
The cleaning cord can be used with upholstery shampoo, mild detergents, or neutral dry cleaning solvents. As mentioned earlier, immersion in liquids during the cleaning process should be avoided as it can cause irreversible damage.
Tip: Always remember to apply the upholstery cleaner (water and dry solvent-based) directly to the fabric or cloth. If applied directly to the fabric, it can damage or discolor the delicate surface.
General Note: As a general rule, always wipe up spills or stains without rubbing.
Tip: Tap water may contain chemicals that can leave unsightly marks after cleaning. To keep your furniture in good condition, we recommend using distilled water whenever possible.
“X”.
Unlike the other cleaner codes on our list (which are labeled for convenience), the “X” code is not unique. As the term “vacuum cleaner” implies, these delicate fabrics can only be cleaned with a vacuum or brush.
If you accidentally spill or soil these fabrics, you must have them cleaned at the dry cleaners (unfortunately, this is non-negotiable: you must pay for it). (Unfortunately, this is non-negotiable: fabrics marked with an “X” require special equipment and cannot be cleaned with household or commercial cleaning products).
Tip: If you have a pillowcase with a zipper that needs to be cleaned, don’t force it. They fit the fabric perfectly and if you remove them, they may shrink or tear when washed separately.
Tip: Regardless of the cleaning instructions, we recommend vacuuming your furniture covers at least once a week to remove stubborn dirt, allergens, and odors.
How to care for your upholstery
So you’ve followed the sofa upholstery deep cleaning guide to the letter, and your sofa is now sparkling clean. Now all you have to do is make sure it maintains its perfect style.
It’s easy to do if you follow these expert tips to keep your sofa looking like new for a long time.
Ink Stains
Keeping kids entertained before bedtime often seems like a losing battle. This is especially true when kids try to turn the couch into their own work of art.
Fortunately, we have the know-how to get your upholstery clean again.
Red Wine Stains
We’ve all experienced it at one time or another. An occasional hand, a clumsy foot, or a red wine stain on a clean sofa.
But instead of making the spilled wine look like an abstract pattern, you can tackle this stubborn stain head-on.
Stinky Sofa
Even if you’re careful not to let your pets on the couch, it still smells like old stuff.
But that’s okay. You don’t have to put up with the unpleasant smell of it. From scented sachets to homemade air fresheners, here are some tips for deep cleaning your couch and getting rid of bad odors.
Hire a professional
Sometimes stains, odors, and spills can’t be removed no matter how hard you try. In these cases, you need to call in a professional.
Fortunately, professional dry cleaners use high-tech cleaning equipment to remove the toughest stains from your furniture. Best of all, they don’t damage the fabric of your sofa.
When you return your furniture, you can be sure that your sofa will be as clean and pleasantly scented as the day you bought it.
You can also seek the help of a professional upholsterer at our bakery if you’ve left it too long and can’t restore it. Our experts will give your upholstery a new look at no extra charge.
Tip: only send your furniture to a professional cleaner when it is visibly dirty. If you want to extend the life of your furniture, have it cleaned regularly (preferably once a year).
