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Three Things To Keep In Mind Before Cleaning Your Fabric Couch

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    Apart from all the comfort and cosiness couches have to offer, they can add so much charm to your living room. However, they can become a major nightmare sometimes when it comes to cleaning. No matter how careful you are, spills are common to happen every once in a while. These spills can be anything from orange juice to coffee and can stain your couches badly. To avoid this, most people cover their couches with a plastic sheet, but cleaning them is still crucial to maintain their appearance and eliminate odour. If you’re concerned about your couch’s lounge-worthy status, keep reading because we’ve made a list of some simple things to keep in mind for fabric couch cleaning.

      The Manufacturer Knows Better

    The first thing you should do before starting the cleaning process is to read the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Before you attempt to remove stains from your sofa or freshen up your couch, it’s important that you get an insight into the couch’s material and the cleaning methods the manufacturer has suggested. Doing otherwise could cancel the warranty or, in the worse case, leave you with a ruined couch.

    The Tags Can Be Helpful:

    There is no need to worry, even if you can’t find the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, there is a tag on the sofa cushions. One side of these tags may have adequate information about important facts, such as the nature of the material and whether it is water-soluble or not. Keep in mind that the other side of these tags also provides information about washing the cushions themselves. So, make sure to see the tags too before cleaning.

    Typically, you’ll find one of four letters on the cleaning tag of your sofa. Here’s what each means:

    • W: Can be cleaned using water
    • S: Needs a special solvent-based cleaner, can’t be cleaned with water.
    • WS:Water or solvent-based cleaner, either can be used.
    • X: Only vacuum cleaning is suitable.

    Never Use Other Methods Than The Recommended Method:

    Water may seem harmless, but if the cover of your couch is made of a water-soluble substance, cleaning it with water will leave a stain on it. Similarly, if your cover has the W mark and you use a solvent-based cleaner to clean it, you’ll have the same results. You must never deviate from the recommended methods.

    How To Clean A Fabric Sofa If It’s Stained

    Fabric couches that are marked with S or X have clear instructions about the cleaning method of those specific couches.  Below is a simple guide for the cleaning of sofas that are marked with W or WS:

    You’ll need the following items and ingredients:

     

    • A vacuum cleaner
    • Three microfibre cloths (at least); make sure they’re light coloured or colourless.
    • Distilled water (The minerals present in normal water often leave residue)
    • Dish soap (liquid)
    • Distilled white vinegar

     

    Note: A wiser approach to cleaning is that you test your cleaning method on a small area of the material first. If it leaves a stain or does any harm, there’s no need to continue with it. Seeking a professional’s help might be the best solution in this case. Lounge Master is the best go-to place if you’re looking for a professional Fabric couch cleaner.

     

    Start with vacuum cleaning your couch to avoid rubbing in dirt or debris. Then make a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon of vinegar in 2 cups of distilled water. Using a microfibre cloth, gently dab the stained areas with the cleaning solution. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing at this stage because it will damage the fibres. Then with a moist, fresh microfibre cloth (no cleaning solution this time), clean the affected area to remove any remaining soap. Then take another microfiber cloth (dry this time), sweep the area one more time. In the end, point a fan towards your couch to make sure it dries completely.

    Final Thoughts:

    Going DIY will only be effective if you do it right. The best solution for getting your couches cleaned is to hire a good upholstery cleaning company like Lounge Master. We provide the best upholstery cleaning in Sydney at the best prices available in the market.