Sofa cushions are exposed to a wide variety of influences during their service life. Although furniture cushions are usually made durable, proper care and cleaning will help you make them last longer. Dirt and animal hair can damage fabric. It can also make pillows look untidy, so it's important to keep them clean.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Preparation
Step 1. Determine what fabric the pillows are made of
Different types of surfaces require different detergents. In addition, some fabrics require special care and only need to be cleaned and dried in a specific manner. Most often, cushions are made from the following materials:
- cotton with the addition of other materials;
- leather;
- linen;
- artificial leather (polyvinyl chloride).
Step 2. Look for tags with the recommended cleaning method
The couch or cushions may have cleaning tags on the fabric that the furniture is made of. The following symbols may appear on the tags:
- Container with temperature indication. Wash by hand or in a machine at a temperature not exceeding the specified one.
- Capacity with hand. Wash only by hand at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees, do not rub, do not wring.
- Crossed-out triangle. Do not use chlorine-based cleaning agents.
- An empty circle. You should contact a dry cleaner. This fabric can be vacuum cleaned.
Step 3. Vacuum the pillows first
It is important to collect dirt, hair, fur and other debris that may have collected in the corners of the pillows before proceeding with the liquid detergent treatment. Almost all types of fabrics can be vacuum cleaned.
- Many vacuum cleaners have multiple attachments, including a soft bristled brush. Use them.
- If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, unfasten the pillow cover, remove the pillow and shake the cover thoroughly.
- Vacuum under and around the pillows. If there are no crumbs or dust on the sofa, the pillows will last longer.
Step 4. Check the detergent before use
If you plan on cleaning your pillows with a new product, or even a product you've used before, you should first test it on an inconspicuous area. Select an area of the fabric in an inconspicuous area and apply a little detergent to see if it will damage the fabric.
Step 5. Soak up old stains and especially dirty areas
Most household cleaning products have specialty sprays for removing stains from upholstered furniture. Apply the detergent to the cloth and leave it for a certain time (as indicated in the instructions), or apply a little detergent with a damp sponge, leave it for a couple of minutes and go to the next step.
Step 6. Check if the fabric sheds on contact with water
Apply some mixture of water and detergent to the inside of the pillow, let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse. If the water stains, do not wash the pillow by hand or in the machine. Take it to the dry cleaner.
Method 2 of 4: How to clean removable pillows
Step 1. If the pillows are leather, take them to the dry cleaner
The easiest and safest way to clean your pillows is to have it done by a professional. Remove the pillow cover and take it to a dry cleaner.
- If you just want to freshen up your pillows, dilute the detergent with water, or make a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Soak a soft cloth in the solution and wipe down the pillows.
- Do not use harsh detergents such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners. They can damage the surface so that the pillows cannot be saved.
Step 2. Treat the skin with a mixture of linseed oil
Mix 1 part vinegar and 2 parts linseed oil and pour the solution into a bottle. Shake well, then apply to the surface with a dry cloth. After 10 minutes, wipe the skin with a clean, dry cloth to remove any traces of oil.
Step 3. Vacuum the suede covers
Suede requires special attention and care. Remove the cushions from the sofa and place them on a clean floor. Vacuum up dust, dirt and animal hair in a crisscross pattern. It is best to use a special upholstery attachment for this.
Step 4. Brush the suede
There are special brushes and rags for cleaning and restoring the look of suede. Thoroughly clean all sides of the cushions to remove stuck-on debris and dirt.
Step 5. Treat the stains on the suede with a solution of water and alcohol
Mix equal parts alcohol and warm water and pour into a bottle. Shake the bottle well to make the solution, then dampen a terrycloth cloth in the resulting solution. To avoid wetting the suede too much, apply the solution with light patting movements.
- To clean the stain better, apply the solution crosswise.
- After that, you can rub the suede with a special brush (for suede shoes) or with a regular stationery eraser. Rub the stain from top to bottom if you previously treated it with an alcohol solution.
Step 6. Clean the faux leather covers without removing them from the pillows
Faux leather covers usually do not need to be removed. You can wipe the surface with a damp cloth, or mix a little water and detergent and wipe the cushions with this solution, and then wipe off any marks. Wipe down the surface until all the detergent is removed. Squeeze a rag to a damp state and scoop up any remaining foam from the pillow. Let the pillows dry or dry with a clean towel.
Step 7. Machine wash the covers, if possible
Some covers are machine washable. To check if this applies to your covers, look at the information on the tag. Turn the cover inside out before placing it in the washing machine.
To protect color and fabric, wash covers at the lowest temperature and most gentle program, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer
Step 8. Let the covers air dry
Do not tumble dry or the fabric may shrink and the cover will become useless. Place the covers in a warm, dry place and wait until they dry.
Method 3 of 4: How to clean non-removable covers
Step 1. Read the information on the tags
The tag will tell you how to clean and care for your furniture. If this information is not there, look for it in the product passport. Remember what products you can use and how you can apply them. The following icons may appear on the tag:
- Crossed-out capacity. Washing is prohibited.
- Triangle leading to CI inside. It is allowed to clean the fabric with chlorine-containing products. Use only cold water and make sure the powder is completely dissolved.
- Crossed-out triangle. Do not use chlorine-based cleaning agents.
- An empty circle. You should contact a dry cleaner. This fabric can be vacuum cleaned.
Step 2. Get a cleaning vacuum cleaner with a steaming function or a special furniture steamer
A washing vacuum cleaner can thoroughly clean furniture fabrics. This will make the furniture take longer to dry as the pillows will absorb a lot of water during cleaning.
Always pick up dirt and dust with a regular vacuum cleaner first. When the pillows are dry after vacuuming, vacuum them again
Step 3. Try to knock out the pillows
Take a beater and go over all the front and back cushions. If you don't have a beater, you can use a clean broom, but first take the pillows outside and place them on a clean surface. To avoid grass or dirt on the pillows, spread a towel or unwanted cloth.
In the process of knocking out, a large amount of dust appears in the air, therefore it is better to work with a mask
Step 4. Check the resistance of the fabric dye to water and detergents
Apply some mixture of water and detergent to the inside of the pillow, let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse. If the water stains during rinsing, do not wash the pillow either by hand or in the washing machine. Take it to the dry cleaner.
Step 5. Dilute the detergent in water
Mix equal parts of a mild dish detergent and cool water, stir the solution thoroughly to leave only bubbles. Dip a sponge in the lather, squeeze out excess water, and start applying the product to the pillows.
Step 6. Sponge the fabric gently
It is generally best to take long moves. Work the entire pillow against the direction of the pile to remove stains and grime.
When finished, repeat everything from the beginning, only this time move in the direction of the pile
Step 7. Rinse the detergent off the pillows
Rinse a sponge in clean water and run it over wet pillows once along the pile and once against. This will rinse off any remaining foam and complete the cleaning process.
Step 8. Speed up the drying process with a hair dryer
Although high temperatures can cause fabric shrinkage, you can dry your sofa with a regular hairdryer to speed up the process. If you sponge the furniture, the fabric will be very damp, so it is important to dry the pillows thoroughly.
To speed up the drying process, you can also blot the pillows with a dry towel while rinsing off the lather
Method 4 of 4: How to Clean Your Pillows with a Professional Cleaner
Step 1. Buy a detergent
Professional products are usually available in liquid form, but they do not use water.
You can find a suitable product in specialized household chemical stores. If you cannot find anything similar in stores, search the tool on the Internet
Step 2. Open windows and doors
Professional products have a strong odor that can be harmful to health with prolonged exposure. You can turn on the fan to direct the fumes outside.
Step 3. Prepare a large rag
You cannot apply a professional product directly to the fabric, as this product is very aggressive and can damage the pillow. To prevent this from happening, apply a small amount of the product to a rag and follow the directions.
Step 4. Test the product on an inconspicuous area of the fabric
When the product has already been applied to the rag, rub a small area of the sofa in an inconspicuous place with it. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, take a clean piece of paper towel and press down on the spot where you applied the cleaner. If ink remains on the paper and the fabric fades, the product is too strong.
Step 5. Clean the pillow
Rubbing the pillows with a cleaner can be dangerous because it will be too harsh. Therefore, you will need to press the pillow into the cleaning cloth, although this may take longer. Press the dirty areas against the rag to remove stains.
- Do not apply too much product to the rag to avoid damage or discoloration of the fabric.
- Try to pause frequently to allow the pillow to dry out while cleaning. This will prevent it from getting too wet.
Step 6. Rinse off any remaining cleaning agent
Even leftovers from professional products can ruin the fabric if not rinsed off. After the product has been on the fabric for the manufacturer's recommended time, dampen a clean cloth and blot all treated areas.
Make sure that the rag does not get too wet. Rinse and squeeze frequently
Advice
- If your pillows get dirty quickly, try covering them with a blanket or throw pillows.
- Do not machine wash the pillow filling. Just vacuum it and leave it in the sun for a couple of hours.
- Before putting the clean pillows back in place, clean the sofa to keep dirt and dust out of the pillows.
- Treat cushions and the entire sofa with a special upholstery cleaner that repels dust and dirt.
- Vacuum your sofa cushions at least once a week to prevent dirt and hair from getting deep into the fabric.
Warnings
- Zip up your pillowcases before washing to avoid damaging the fabric and avoiding puffs.
- Be careful with hot steam. Excessive moisture can damage the pillows.
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, especially if the pillows are microfiber or contain down.
What do you need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Dishwashing liquid or non-aggressive detergent
- Steaming vacuum cleaner (optional)
- Rags
- Sponge
- Carpet beater (optional)
- Fabric protectant in spray (optional)