We all want to keep our furniture as clean as possible, but we don’t always know how to do it without damaging it. Even if you have the best intentions, some mistakes you make when cleaning your furniture make it look worse than before you started.
Here are seven furniture cleaning mistakes we bet you didn’t know about:
6 Furniture Cleaning Mistakes We Bet You Didn’t Know
Rubbing off the Stain Instead of Blotting
We’re all for being efficient, but rubbing off a stain is not the way to go. It can make matters worse by spreading the stain and making the mark permanent. Instead of rubbing at it with a cloth or paper towel (even if you think those are clean), blotting up excess moisture is better for removing any spill or liquid.
Blotting will absorb more liquid than simply wiping it away, which means less moisture will be on top of your furniture—and less chance there’ll be water stains over time!
Trying to Remove Stains on Your Own
The first mistake most people make when cleaning a piece of furniture is attempting to remove stains on their own. This is not only risky, but it can end up causing permanent damage to the fabric.
Instead, if you have any doubts about whether or not a stain should be treated right away, seek help from an expert upholstery cleaning Vancouver. An experienced professional will know precisely the chemicals and procedures needed for any given type of fabric.
Not Cleaning the Stain Immediately
If you get a stain on your furniture, don’t delay cleaning it. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove. If the stain is still fresh and damp, just use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away as much of the stain as possible.
Use an enzymatic cleaner if the stain isn’t fresh or has dried on your furniture piece. It contains enzymes that eat away proteins or even some soap and water mixed into a paste. You can also add baking soda and vinegar. Once you have applied these cleaners to your fabric, let them sit for about 20 minutes before wiping off any remaining residue using warm water and paper towels. Be careful not to rub too hard not to damage any fibres underneath.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Technique
Another common mistake is using the wrong cleaning technique. For example, you might think that a stain on your couch is caused by coffee or some other liquid, but in reality, it’s caused by oil from someone’s skin. If you try to clean the couch with soap and water as you would with a liquid spill, then this will cause damage to your fabric.
Using too much water when drying can lead to shrinkage and discolouration of your furniture over time because fabrics need as much air circulation as possible during the drying process. It ensures that no moisture stays trapped inside of them for too long. If there isn’t enough air circulating these fabrics while they dry out completely (which could take days), then condensation will build up inside them, causing damage over time!
Forgetting to Vacuum before Cleaning
One of the most critical steps in cleaning your furniture is to vacuum the surface before you begin. Dust, dirt, and hair can build up on furniture surfaces, especially if you have pets or kids. By vacuuming first, you’ll remove these particles from the surface and make it easier to clean.
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner available, use a soft brush such as a dusting mop to gently sweep away any loose particles from the surface of your piece.
Improper Fabric Care
Caring for different fabrics is essential, as improper cleaning methods can damage or destroy some. For example, upholstery and carpeting are best cleaned with an upright vacuum cleaner or a specialized attachment for these materials. Wipe down wood surfaces with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and mild soap, then dry with another clean cloth; don’t use paper towels because they can scratch the finish.
The same goes for linens—use only mild detergents on woven fabrics. Avoid chlorine bleach at all costs, as it will cause yellowing. And no matter what fabric you’re dealing with, always test a small area before starting any large-scale upholstery cleaning in Vancouver, so you know what reaction will occur.
Cleaning Mistakes Conclusion
The last thing you want is your beautiful furniture damaged by a DIY job gone wrong. So, if you want to avoid making any of these mistakes and have peace of mind that your furniture will be appropriately cleaned, hire professionals who can easily handle all cleaning tasks.
