Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500276
06/24/03
Cleaning Upholstery
General Cleaning Methods
Dust settles on upholstered furniture just as on hard
surfaces, and should be removed regularly, about once a
month, depending on environment and use, with vacuum
cleaner attachments--the upholstery nozzle and crevice
tool. A brush will remove some dust if you do not have a
vacuum, but will also scatter dust around. However,
down-filled cushions that are not lined with down-proof
ticking should be brushed as vacuum may draw out down.
Reduce greasy soil in air by use of range hood when
cooking; clean furnace filters reduce soil in air.
Arm and headrest covers of matching or harmonizing
fabric protect those areas against early build-up of soil
from skin and hair. In summer, if people will be sitting
on furniture in shorts, cover with washable throws,
sheets, or large pieces of terrycloth to protect from
body soil.
Most upholstered furniture sold today has a label or
tag telling how it should be cleaned as explained under
"Fabric Cleaning Code Labels".
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500277.html
Follow those instructions for best results! Four basic
methods--shampoos,
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500436.html
solvents,
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500437.html
hot water extraction,
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500439.html
and dry powders
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500438.html
--are explained generally below. Pretest on small hidden
area as explained under "Testing Cleanability",
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500280.html
before starting overall cleaning.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Wisconsin
Extension bulletin, Care and Cleaning of Upholstered
Furniture.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .