Upholstery Care

Routine Maintenance of Upholstery: Regular cleaning is the most effective way to keep your upholstery looking like new. A weekly vacuum using a gentle brush attachment helps get rid of tiny dust particles, which can adhere to the fabric and cause abrasion. Vacuuming also aids in reducing allergens.

Avoidable Hazards: Direct sunlight can cause any indoor fabric to fade or damage over time. Monitor daily sunlight and make necessary adjustments. The seat of a sofa is always under significant tension due to the springs. Discourage activities like walking, jumping, or falling onto the upholstery, as these can potentially damage the frame and lead to costly repairs.

Spot Cleaning: Immediately blot fresh spills with a tissue or a 100% white cotton cloth. For spills on removable cushions, unzip and place a folded 100% white cotton cloth beneath to absorb any seeping moisture. For thicker spills, gently scrape it onto a tissue using a spoon or the blunt edge of a butter knife.

Before treating older stains, look for product tags with cleaning recommendations. Use our Cleaning Codes guide to determine whether a water-based cleaner or a commercial solvent cleaner is suitable. Always pre-test your cleaning solution in a less visible area.

Vacuum to remove dust or loose dirt. If using a water-based cleaner, clean with a warm solution of distilled or purified water and mild liquid detergent. At Underkut, we recommend a ratio of one teaspoon of a gentle dish soap to one gallon of distilled water. If you're using a solvent cleaner, follow the instructions on the product. Use a small, soft brush or a damp cloth for cleaning, being careful to avoid unnecessary wear or changing the fabric's texture. Spot cleaning may leave a ring around the treated area. To prevent this, use minimal liquid, absorb moisture quickly using a blotting motion with dry, absorbent rags, and keep your work area as small as possible.

Why 100% Cotton and Distilled or Purified Water? The aim of stain removal is to dissolve the stain into the water and detergent solution, then transfer it to an absorbent cotton cloth.

White cotton, being the most absorbent fiber, effectively lifts the stain from your upholstery. Its absorbency is highest when it is dry, warm, prewashed, and made of fine threads.

Distilled or purified water enhances your detergent's cleaning capabilities. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that interfere with the detergent's efficacy and leave a residual ring as it dries. Using distilled or purified water reduces the chances of a residual ring.

Understanding Fibers: Upholstery typically comprises two types of fibers: natural and synthetic. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and care. Natural fibers like white cotton and linen have a pleasing look and feel but are more absorbent, making them prone to stains and more challenging to clean. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, olefin, and nylon resist moisture, are stain-resistant, and are relatively easy to clean. Many fabrics combine different fiber types to achieve specific properties, which can complicate cleaning. Knowing these concepts can help you care for your upholstery. Always approach cleaning cautiously to avoid exacerbating the issue.

Cushion Care: Every time a person sits on a sofa, the fabric tends to shift backward over the foam core. If your seat cushions are reversible, flip them regularly to counter this process and prevent excessive fabric movement. If possible, rotate cushions from high- to low-use areas to distribute wear evenly. You can also manually adjust the cushions to align the seams. Remember, zippers don't imply that covers can be machine washed. Even if successful, the clean cushions might not match the rest of the sofa due to differential wear and cleaning. Rather than risking damage or mismatch, we advise contacting a professional cleaner for comprehensive cushion maintenance.