The demand for microfiber upholstery is rapidly increasing nowadays in modern American households. It has several pros over other upholstery materials. Microfiber upholstery is more durable compared to upholstered furniture of different materials.
People with children prefer microfiber because of its stain resistance. Also, the microfiber upholstery holds its colors for a longer time and does not fade even if placed at a place with uneven temperatures.
Along with the benefits, the main disadvantage related to microfiber upholstery is its capacity to hold dirt, hairs, and other dust particles. That is the reason most cleaning cloths are made up of microfibers. It has a high grime and debris gripping capacity.
That is why it becomes a tough job to keep it clean. Also, the use of cleaning methods and chemicals is limited in the case of microfiber material. You have to be very gentle while cleaning it. Check out how to clean microfiber upholstery.
Before you start
Upholstery manufacturer provides cleaning instructions, especially for furniture made from microfiber. Before you start cleaning, check the instruction tag on the upholstery. It might look something like this-
- W means use a water-based cleaning solution.
- S means using a solvent-based cleaner.
- SW means use solvent- or water-based cleaners.
- X means vacuum or use light brushing only(avoid any cleaner)
#1 Vacuum & Brush
It is the first step of the cleaning process. Start with vacuuming the whole furniture thoroughly, including the underside of cushions, and brush gently to remove hairs and soil. It will help get rid of the dirt particles present on the surface of the upholstery. You can keep your microfiber upholstery clean by just vacuuming and soft brushing if you do it daily or regularly.
#2 Cleaning Solution
The most crucial thing while microfiber upholstery cleaning is the cleaning solution, one wrong chemical can ruin your whole furniture. You can make a harm-free solution with commonly available items. For the “S” tag, you can use undiluted rubbing alcohol. And for the “W” tag, prepare a solution with warm water and mild dish soap in a 4:1 ratio.
#3 Test before clean
Microfibers are unpredictable when it comes to solvent-based cleaners. You must check the effect of these cleaners before applying them to a larger area. To test it, apply or spray the solution on one inch square on the back or lower side of the upholstery. Blot the mixture after a few minutes and observe if any color transfer or fading is there. You are good to go if nothing happens.
#4 Cleaning
For Solvent-Based Cleaning
- Spray the rubbing alcohol thoroughly on the upholstery.
- Blot the dirt and soil mixed with cleaner.
- Let the furniture air dry.
- Vacuum and brush if necessary.
For Water-Based Cleaning
- Spray the fabric with the soap water solution, Avoid saturation at any point.
- Scrub gently using a sponge or soft-bristle brush to form foam.
- Blot the foam with a clean cloth.
- After that, soak a clean cloth with water and gently wipe down the area.
- Allow the furniture fabric to dry completely.
In Conclusion
Microfiber upholstered furniture is more durable than other materials, but it also traps more dirt and grime. You can clean them with some easy steps though you need to be very careful while cleaning these types of furniture.
Be gentle while cleaning a microfiber upholstery. Do not rub the sponge or brush harshly else, which can damage the fibers. You also have to be very careful while selecting the cleaning solutions. Strictly avoid solutions available in the market if you are not sure about them. Taking the help of professional upholstery cleaners can be beneficial in such cases.
