How to Clean Upholstery Fabric Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Upholstered furniture adds comfort, style and personality to your home. But it can be a challenge to keep clean. Whether you're dealing with spills, stains or just everyday wear, knowing how to properly clean and care for your upholstery fabric is key to keeping it looking fresh and extending its life. In this guide, we'll walk you through the general steps to clean upholstery fabric. We'll also offer specific care tips for some of the most popular brands we stock, including Outdura®, Sunbrella®, Crypton® and more. Keep reading to discover how to keep your upholstery looking like new using simple maintenance and cleaning techniques.
General Upholstery Cleaning Tips
Before diving into brand-specific tips, let's cover the basics for every upholstery fabric:
1. Check the Care Label: Always start by checking the care label on your upholstery. The manufacturer usually provides cleaning instructions or a cleaning code specific to the fabric.
Learn more about fabric cleaning codes in our companion blog.
2. Vacuum Regularly: Dust, dirt and debris can accumulate on the fabric’s surface. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove loose particles. This will help prevent them from settling into the fibers and causing wear.
3. Spot Clean Spills Immediately: If you spill something on your upholstery, blot the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
4. Test Cleaning Solutions: Before using any cleaning mixture, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.
5. Avoid Excessive Moisture: Saturating your upholstery can lead to water stains, mildew and other issues. Use cleaning solutions sparingly and blot up excess moisture with a dry towel.
Care & Cleaning Tips by Brand
Here are the cleaning instructions for the most popular woven upholstery fabrics we carry. For brands not listed here, refer to the fabric page. Check the Specifications tab for the cleaning code or the Documents tab for the Care & Cleaning PDF.
Outdura Upholstery
Outdura fabrics are indoor/outdoor performance fabrics you can use on your patio and inside your home. These fabrics are durable, stain and water resistant, fade resistant, and easy to clean.
Regular Cleaning: Brush off loose dirt and debris, and rinse with clean water to remove surface stains.
Spot Cleaning: Prepare a mixture of cold to lukewarm water and mild soap. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues and air dry. Do not machine dry.
Tough Stains: For stubborn stains, a diluted bleach solution can be used. Soak fabric for 1 hour in a mixture of 1 gallon cold water, 1/2 cup bleach and 1/2 cup mild soap. Rub in mixture with a soft-bristle brush and rinse thoroughly; air dry. Do not machine dry.
Mildew Prevention: Outdura is mildew resistant. If mildew does form due to dirt accumulation, use a solution of 1 gallon cold water, 1 cup bleach and 2 oz. detergent. Clean as above.
Note: You can use detergents on Outdura fabrics without harm. However, they may remove some of the water- and stain-resistant properties. Use a product like 303® Fabric Guard to restore water and stain repellency.
Crypton Home Fabrics
Crypton fabric is known for its stain resistance, moisture barrier and odor resistance. This makes it a popular choice for high-traffic areas and households with kids or pets.
Regular Maintenance: Regular vacuuming and occasional wiping with a damp cloth will help keep Crypton fabrics looking fresh. Most liquids roll off Crypton fabrics, or they can be quickly blotted away with a dry towel or sponge.
Spot Cleaning: First, blot up any liquids and use a spoon to scrape away thicker substances. Mix 1 teaspoon of an enzyme detergent (Tide® or Dawn®) with 16 ounces warm water. Apply the solution using a spray bottle. Work area with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Repeat steps as necessary and allow to air dry.
Tough Stains: For tougher stains, Crypton offers its own line of cleaning products that are specifically formulated to work with its fabrics. Always follow the instructions provided by Crypton for the best results.
Sunbrella Upholstery
Sunbrella is another indoor/outdoor performance fabric resistant to fading, stains and mildew. Along with high water resistance, it’s a great choice both inside and outside your home. When cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface from seam to seam. This helps to prevent water rings and water stains after air drying.
Regular Cleaning: Regularly vacuum furniture and brush off dirt and debris. Rinse with water when needed.
Spot Cleaning: Blot liquid spills. For oil-based spills, apply corn starch, then scrape the spill off with a straightedge. Use a mild soap and water solution. Apply it to the affected area and scrub gently with a soft brush; rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Tough Stains: Some removable covers are machine-washable. To wash, close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. Allow fabric to air dry.
Mildew Prevention: Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water. Spray entire area and allow to soak for 15 minutes. Clean with a sponge or soft-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Note: Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are treated with a water- and stain-repellent finish that may require replenishing after a thorough cleaning. Sunbrella recommends 303® Fabric Guard to restore water and stain repellency.
Sunbrella Care & Cleaning Guide
Covington Fabric + Design
Covington fabrics are versatile and often used in both residential and commercial settings due to their durability and wide range of designs.
Regular Cleaning: As with all upholstery, regular vacuuming is key to maintaining Covington fabrics.
Spot Cleaning: Treat spills immediately with a mild soap and water solution. Blot the area with a clean cloth and avoid rubbing, which can cause the stain to spread.
Tough Stains: For stubborn stains or deep cleaning, it may be best to seek professional dry cleaning services to avoid damaging the fabric.
Magnolia Home Fashions
Magnolia Home Fashions offers a wide range of stylish interior upholstery fabrics. These printed fabrics are best used for decorative accents and occasional-use furniture, not high-traffic furniture pieces.
Regular Cleaning: Regular vacuuming will help prevent dirt from embedding into the fibers.
Spot Cleaning: Use a mild soap and water solution. Dab the area with a soft cloth, taking care not to oversaturate the fabric. Blot dry with a clean towel.
Tough Stains: The manufacturer recommends seeking professional dry cleaning services for difficult stains to avoid damaging the fabric.
Final Thoughts
Proper care and cleaning of your upholstery fabric can extend its life and keep it looking vibrant for years. By following the brand-specific tips outlined above, you can ensure that your furniture remains both beautiful and functional. Remember, regular maintenance is key — don't wait for a major stain to start thinking about cleaning your upholstery!
For best results, always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions. Consider consulting a professional upholstery cleaner if you're unsure about how to treat a specific fabric.
Need to Reupholster?
If your furniture fabric is beyond repair, consider replacing it yourself. Sailrite makes it easy to learn upholstery work with our free how-to blogs and videos. We also stock first-quality upholstery fabrics, including the brands listed in this article, that will last through years of wear and tear from kids and pets.
Click here to browse our selection of décor and upholstery fabrics.
