Cleaning your upholstery is a perfect way to get your spring cleaning off with a bang and leave your entire living space feeling fresh and new.
However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of clean upholstery go far beyond the aesthetic. Upholstery can host a vast array of bacteria and toxic compounds that can cause adverse health reactions in children and adults alike.
That’s why, if you’re about to use a foam upholstery cleaner, it’s essential that you do it the right way. With that in mind, here are the cleaning mistakes you need to avoid before you get started.
Forgetting the Pre-Test
One of our most important cleaning tips is that all products are not created equal. Even a high-end cleaning agent might be wrong for your particular upholstery material, risking discoloration, erosion, or color bleeding.
That’s why the pre-test is an essential first step. Patch-test your cleaning product on a small, discreet portion of your upholstery before you apply it to the whole thing. If it looks good, you’re safe to proceed.
Too Much Heat With Your Foam Upholstery Cleaner
While steam is generally an excellent way to disinfect and clean fabric, this is not always the case. For delicate upholstery fabrics such as silk or silk blends, steam can quickly strain the fibers and lead to irreversible damage.
If you’re doing DIY upholstery cleaning without the help of a professional, you should always make sure you know exactly what your fabrics are made of before you apply any heat to them.
Over-Saturating the Fabric
Applying an excessive amount of foam cleaner onto the upholstery can saturate the fabric and lead to longer drying times, potential water stains, or even damage to the underlying padding.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the recommended amount of foam cleaner to use for each application. A little goes a long way, and it’s better to start with a conservative amount and gradually increase if necessary.
Scrubbing Too Aggressively
While it may be tempting to vigorously scrub stubborn stains or dirt buildup, excessive scrubbing can damage delicate upholstery fibers and cause them to fray or wear prematurely.
Instead of applying excessive force, use gentle, circular motions when cleaning with foam upholstery cleaner. Allow the foam to penetrate the fabric and lift the dirt particles without aggressive scrubbing.
Forgetting the Follow-Up
Even though your upholstery is dry, the job is not finished just yet. Now that you have cleaned them, you can take simple steps to fortify your upholstery and keep them fresher for longer.
Consider applying a fabric protector that will help repel liquids and stains so that you don’t have to worry about your next spill. It only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of manpower in the future.
We’ll Get It Right for You
Using a foam upholstery cleaner is a delicate balancing act. You need to consider the right amount of prep, the right composition, the right approach, and the right follow-up. If this all sounds like more work than it’s worth, we are here to help.
At Steam Wave Carpet and Upholstery, we have 14 years of experience cleaning all household fabrics at competitive prices. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help today.