To perform a proper cleaning of your furniture, you will need to know the differences in cleaning techniques for the material it’s made from. Each material requires different techniques and cleaning liquid solutions to properly clean them.
For example, you can’t clean a leather couch the way you clean a linen couch. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of each material and how you should clean them based on the category of furniture type. The goal is to properly perform the correct cleaning of the furniture that you own.
To perform the proper cleaning of your furniture, you will need the basics: A Bissel wet vacuum, Cloth Rag, Spray Bottle with cleaning solution, and a fan. Depending on the material that your furniture is made from, you will want to follow the corresponding steps below to accomplish the best clean.
How to properly clean your couch
The couch comes in different types of materials. In this section I’ve listed the main 5 types of materials used on a couch. There are many more material types, but these are the 5 that are commonly found in a household. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Linen:
Linen is usually found on furniture that is for adults only. This is due to it being prone to staining and wrinkling easily. Because of this, you will want to use the properly technique to clean.
First, you will vacuum and pick up debris that will make it easier to clean for the next step. Make sure to get all the corners and cracks in between the cushions.
If your cushions have removable covers, put the covers in a washing machine for a normal wash. Next, use Oxi Clean (No bleach!) and a brush on any stain. Make sure to saturate it enough to make this step easier.
You will then use a Bissel wet vacuum to clean the rest of the couch. Once you’re done with this. Place a fan on rotate mode in front of you couch to dry for about an hour.
Wool:
You will start of cleaning the wool material by vacuuming the couch first. Make sure to get all the hidden spots that tend to accumulate in cracks and under buttons.
Use a water-based detergent that is recommended for wool. Dilute the detergent by adding more water so it’s easier to rinse off.
You will then use a damp cloth to remove the solutions residue. Make sure to avoid scrubbing because you don’t want to damage the fibers of the wool.
Let it sit and dry for a couple of hours or use a fan to speed the drying process.
Synthetic and blends:
Start by using a vacuum first to pick up any loose dirt. If the cushions have removable covers with zippers, put them in a gentle wash in a washing machine.
Then you will use a Bissel wet vacuum all over the coach to get a deep clean. Because Synthetic blends are stronger material, you can go a little harder on them with the scrubbing action on the Bissel head.
Depending on the size of the couch, it may take up to an hour to get a thorough cleaning. Finally, let it air dry or use a fan to speed it up.
Cotton:
Again, you will start off by vacuuming the couch first.
Mix 2 cups of distilled water with 1 tbsp of dish soap and 1tbsp of vinegar. With a damp cloth you will use the mixed cleaning solution on it and gently blot it on visible stains.
Use distilled water to saturate the mixed solution to help remove the soap. Then, with a dry cloth you will blot the area to let it absorb the stains. Point a fan in the wet spot to speed the drying process.
Finish off by spraying scented fabric spray to eliminate any odors.
Leather:
Start off by vacuuming the couch to remove any loose debris. Leather is much more complicated to clean because the material needs to be preserved to prevent cracking or pealing.
Second, use a damp towel to remove any surface stains on the leather. Make sure to get the whole couch. Then, use a dry towel to completely dry the surface.
Next you will use any preferred leather conditioning solution and apply it to the couch. Let it air dry and this will conclude the cleaning.
How to properly clean your bed and mattress furniture
To properly clean your bedding furniture, you should first wash all bed covers in the washing machine. This includes all pillowcases, covers, blankets, duvets, and anything else on the mattress. You can also throw your pillow in the washing machine if they are rated to go in.
As for the remaining mattress, you can spot clean visible stains, or you can spray the whole mattress with a mixed solution. You should mix warm water with dish soap in a spray bottle to create a mixed solution. You can also use an All-Purpose fabric spray as the materials on mattresses are strong.
Apply the mixture with a spray bottle and brush the mattress. Use a dry cloth to pick up any over saturated solution. Then let it air dry and/or use a fan to speed up the drying process.
How to properly perform cleaning of table surfaces furniture
Because all surfaces are not created equally, you need to perform the right proper cleaning with different types of surface furniture.
Wood:
Use a damp microfiber cloth to first pass over the wooden surface. This will remove any dust or grime that is on the surface. Then use a dry microfiber cloth to completely dry the surface.
If you run into any sticky spots on the wooden surface, use a dab of dish soap on a damp cloth to remove it. Make sure to dry this by first going over it again with a damp cloth to remove the soap, followed by a dry cloth to dry.
Next you will apply wood oil or conditioning to protect the wood. Use a paper towel for this and spread it evenly all over the wooden surface. Let it sit for about an hour so the wood can absorb it.
Finally, you will get a dry microfiber cloth and go over to remove any oil that remains on the surface. This will also buff the remaining oil into the surface.
Glass:
To clean the glass furniture properly, you want to use a glass cleaner and saturated well. Most people don’t saturate it enough and it prevents the glass from getting clean. You want to be generous when spraying.
Next use a paper towel and wipe the surface vigorously. You will need to put a little muscle at this point because glass needs pressure to get a good clean.
After you’re done wiping the glass surface down, if you see any spots left behind or need extra attention, go over it again. Re-wipe as needed.
For the final step, you will use a microfiber cloth to make sure no residue is left behind. This will leave a clean and crisp glass finish.