Polyester sofas need to be cleaned regularly. Most polyester sofas can be cleaned with regular store-bought detergents. Professional cleaning is rarely used. To clean the sofa, wipe it down with your favorite cleaner, then whisk to restore the softness of the upholstery. Before using the cleaner, test it on an inconspicuous area of the sofa.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Method
Step 1. Examine the label on the couch
The label on polyester sofas can usually be found under the cushions. The label will contain one or a combination of the following letters: W, S, SW, or X. These indicate which cleaning products are suitable for use on the sofa.
- The letter W means that the product can only be cleaned with water, S - only with solvent.
- The SW mark indicates that the product is suitable for a water or solvent based cleaner.
- If there is an X on the label, do not try to clean the sofa yourself. This mark indicates the need for professional cleaning.
Step 2. Find the right cleaner
Take a detergent that is approved for use on the label. Purchase a suitable detergent from your supermarket, hardware store, or online store.
- Sofas with a W mark can be washed with an upholstery cleaner.
- Sofas marked S must be dry cleaned.
- If the label has the SW mark, use an upholstery cleaner or dry cleaning solution.
Step 3. Contact a professional to clean the X-marked sofa
Do not try to clean the X-marked sofa yourself. Unfortunately, sofas with this X-mark must be cleaned with a special upholstery cleaner. If you need to clean an X-marked sofa, get the professional cleaner that you can afford.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the sofa
Step 1. Vacuum the sofa to remove any crumbs
Be sure to thoroughly vacuum the sofa before applying the cleaner. This will remove any crumbs and debris from nooks and crannies. Use a detachable upholstery brush, if you have one, to clean up animal hair, dirt, and debris. Be sure to also walk in hard-to-reach places, especially between the pillows.
If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, use a short-handled brush to remove dirt and debris from your couch
Step 2. Treat the sofa with a cleaner
Take a cleaner and pour it into a spray bottle if needed. Treat the sofa surface with a cleaner until it is damp to the touch. If you want to remove a stain, only treat it.
Step 3. Blot the sofa
Set the cleaner aside and pick up a clean rag. Blot or rub the cleaner onto the upholstery of the sofa. Concentrate on the dirtiest areas and do not stop getting wet or rubbing gently until they are gone.
Most sofa detergents do not need to be rinsed out. It is enough just to get them wet with a rag. But if the product you are using needs to be washed off, be sure to do as it says in the instructions on the package
Step 4. Fluff the sofa upholstery when finished
Cleaners can make polyester upholstery a little harsh. If the upholstery has become stiffer after cleaning, take a soft bristled brush and gently rub the cloth with it when the cleaner is completely dry. This should fluff up the fabric and return it to its former softness.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Step 1. Check your cleaning products before use
Never use a cleaning agent without testing it. Some sofas do not react well to certain cleaning products. Apply the cleaner to a small, inconspicuous area of the upholstery, such as the corner of a sofa. Wait a few hours and inspect the area. If the fabric becomes discolored or you notice other damage, try a different cleaner.
Step 2. Take precautions
Chemical cleaners can be extremely corrosive. When handling cleaning products, wear gloves and stay in a well-ventilated area. Open windows if you need to clean the living room sofa.
Step 3. Use detergent sparingly
The less cleaner you use, the better. And the sofa will not suffer so much. Apply a thin layer of cleaner. If it is not enough to remove the stain, repeat the process.
Step 4. From now on, try to check the labels on the couch before buying
If there is an X on the label, it will be quite difficult for you to keep it clean. Calling a professional cleaner for every little thing can hit your wallet hard. Before buying a sofa, be sure to read the label and do not buy a sofa with an X.