Upholstery Cleaning Techniques

Hot Water Extraction Technique

• Professional upholstery cleaners use the hot water extraction method, sometimes also referred to as the steam clean method, to clean fabric upholstery. In this method, they soak the furniture in hot water and upholstery cleaning solution, and then use a strong suction tool to suck up the hot water.

Dry Cleaning Technique

• Unlike many other methods of cleaning, upholstery cleaning does allow for a completely dry cleaning method. Professional cleaners simply sprinkle dry cleaning solution over the surface of the fabric upholstery. They then use a tool that applies heat and pressure to the upholstery to clean it.

Wet Shampoo Technique

• The wet shampoo technique utilizes water and upholstery shampoo to remove dust and grime from upholstery. Professionals use a specific type of shampoo and vary the strength of the bristles depending on the type of upholstery they are cleaning. Homeowners also commonly employ this method, because it does not require the use of a professional or industrial strength cleaner.

Dry Foam Technique

• The dry foam technique is useful for cleaning fabrics that cannot get wet, such as some silks and suede or nubuck leathers. In this method, cleaners mix hot water and soap until generous amounts of suds form. They then apply the suds to the upholstery with a dry brush or a sponge. The suds and brush are used to clean the upholstery before they are vacuumed up with a vacuum hose.

Leather Upholstery Technique

• Cleaning leather upholstery is relatively easy if you have finished leather furniture. Finished leather is smooth and it does not have a nap. The cleaning process for finished leather upholstery involves gently washing the surface of the leather with a cleaning solution and very little water. Over-soaking the leather can cause it to warp or wrinkle and can ruin the surface condition.

  Clean difficult stains such as wine, lemon juice or pen marks on upholstery with soda water or vinegar.