Note of caution: If a piece is a cherished heirloom or rather expensive, consult a professional before attempting to clean it yourself.
What You’ll Need:
Vacuum 2-3 clean white cloths 1 can of compressed air Gentle clear dish soap Horsehair upholstery brush Small bucket Capture Soil Release Pre-Mist Capture Carpet and Rug Dry Cleaner
The Best Way to Clean Upholstery
RELATED: How to Make Your House Smell Good—Experts Share 8 Secrets If the stain remains after two rounds, leave it alone or you might harm the fabric; call a pro if you can’t live with it. For stains on leather and vinyl, spray Pledge on a cloth and gently rub the area. Wipe well with a dry cloth so no residue remains. Don’t use cleaners containing silicone—they close up the pores of leather and vinyl, causing them to tighten and potentially crack. After you’ve sudsed the entire piece, wipe the fabric with a clean, damp cloth. Let the upholstery dry completely before using the piece again. If you want to wash the other sides of the cushions, do it the next day, when the fabric on the front is fully dry.
- This step is for upholstery with labels containing the code W or WS. (Look for a label beneath a cushion or on the underside of the furniture.) If the label says S, you can vacuum and spot-clean, but skip the sudsing—water is no good on your upholstery. An X means vacuum only; hire a pro for a deeper cleaning. RELATED: How to Keep Towels Smelling Fresh
