Need Some Help with Upholstery Cleaning?
The truth is, everybody does. Simply put, human beings love sitting on couches and we all create some amount of mess. Some time these messes are visible, but your upholstered furniture has an even bigger unseen mess that is constantly growing.
Your couches, sofas, loveseats, and other furniture act as an air filter for your home. That means they collect bacteria and allergens all day every day. If you don’t clean it regularly both on your own and with a San Francisco furniture cleaning service, your furniture and health could be at risk. As one of the best upholstery cleaners in the Bay area, the team here at North American Chem-Dry put together a quick guide to show you the best upholstery cleaning practices in 2021.
Part 1: How to Clean a Fabric Sofa or Chair
Fabric sofas and chairs are a staple of the San Francisco home. There are a few approaches you can take regularly and at larger intervals or when a spill occurs depending on the type of fabric. However, each one of these approaches will involve the following:
Using a Dry Brush
Sometimes all you need is to brush some crumbs or dirt to the floor using a dry brush. Other times it’s just the first step in cleaning. Either way, dry brushing is important to catch it in something or vacuum/sweep the floor immediately after.
Vacuum Up Grime, Dirt, and Dust
Who doesn’t love seeing a freshly vacuumed couch? This will be more effective than the dry brush to get a more powerful clean. Without having to get into water and water-based solutions, you can utilize a hand-held vacuum to clean and get into the nooks and crannies.
Wash the Removable Covers
The fabric of your couch may actually be a removable cover that can be washed in your laundry machine without a problem. If yours has these covers, be sure to check for the specific washing instructions for that material.
Remove Odors with Baking Soda
Let’s face it, your upholstery sees a lot of butts throughout the day. Between that, stinky pets, and the staining from food, it’s pretty clear to see why your couch might have an odor issue. Sprinkling some baking soda on the fabric couch can be a great way to remove odors and loosen stains, before vacuuming it up. You can also create a solution for a deeper clean or spot clean, with equal parts baking soda and water.
Of course, stains and odors from pet urine will often need something much stronger than baking soda. Learn more about the Chem-Dry Pet Urine Removal Treatment that has been proven to remove virtually any pet stain from upholstery.
Part 2: How to Clean Leather Furniture
Please don’t fall for the trap of thinking that leather is easy to clean. We’re not saying don’t buy leather furniture, but just don’t do it if you think it’s more simple to keep clean than a fabric couch. Leather is a tricky material that can dry out easily after an improper cleaning. If you want to buy, or currently have a leather couch or chair, follow these simple steps to keep it clean without damaging the expensive material.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Spills can and do occur while you’re sitting on your nice leather couch. It’s crucial that you get them wiped up immediately to avoid the stain setting in. Using the wrong kind of towel can scratch your leather though. So use a soft and absorbent towel or cloth to lower your risk of scratching the leather surface.
Don’t Place Leather by a Sunny Window
Sun can dry out and discolor your leather quickly. You need to be sure you place it in the right spot to avoid sun damage that will greatly lower the value and look of the leather.
In truth, you’re going to need a professional leather cleaner to really keep leather clean the right way. You can trust the team here at North American Chem-Dry of San Francisco’s leather furniture cleaning service to get the job done right for you.
Green Furniture Cleaning in San Francisco
The Chem-Dry team is ready to get your furniture looking and feeling as fresh as ever. We use safe and non-toxic ingredients as part of our low water, green-certified upholstery cleaning process. Don’t mistake safe and non-toxic for ineffective. An independent study found that the cleaning method we use here can remove an average of 98.6% of common bacteria and allergens from upholstered furniture. So if you’re looking for more natural furniture cleaning in San Francisco, CA, give us a call today at 415-751-3379!