How to Clean Upholstered Chairs

Whether you have a plush recliner or a formal dining room chair, your upholstered furniture will eventually need a cleaning. Luckily, this is a straightforward process. Sometimes, a simple vacuuming is all you will need to do to remove the dust and brighten the fabric. But even if you need to tackle years of pet stains, food spills, and grime, you can still succeed.

Read on to learn how to clean your upholstered chairs.

Before you Begin

Before you begin, it is important to know what kind of upholstery is covering your chair. Since 1969, furniture manufacturers have added a tag to help you determine the best and safest way to clean upholstery. Look for the tag underneath the chair or cushion and follow the cleaning guidelines for the code.

Code W: Fabric can be cleaned with water-based cleaning solvents.

Code S: Use only a dry cleaning or water-free solvent to remove stains and soils from the upholstery. The use of these chemicals requires a well-ventilated room and no open flames like fireplaces or candles.

Code W-S: The upholstery can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based products.

Code X: This fabric should only be cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional. Any type of home cleaning product can cause staining and shrinking.

If there is no tag, you must test different cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area to see how the fabric reacts when treated.

How Often to Clean an Upholstered Chair

Spills and stains should be cleaned away immediately. Lift any solids away from the fabric with the edge of a credit card or a blunt knife as soon as they have formed. Never rub a spill or stain when it happens, as that only pushes it deeper into the upholstery. Blot liquids until no more moisture transfers to a paper towel as soon as they occur.

While you should vacuum your upholstered chairs and couch weekly, stain removal and overall upholstery cleaning should be done on an as-needed basis or at least seasonally.

Vacuum the Chair

Vacuum the chair to remove loose dirt that may get pushed around during a deep clean. Use a vacuum with a hose, upholstery brush, and crevice attachment to help loosen dust and crumbs and get deep between the cushions and the chair's frame. A vacuum with a HEPA filter will capture as much dust and allergens like pet dander as possible.

Start at the top of the chair with the vacuum, and remember to reach the lower sides and back of a fully upholstered chair, even if it is placed against the wall. Remove the cushions and vacuum both sides. Tilt the chair over and reach the bottom and around the legs.

Tip

To freshen a smelly chair, sprinkle the upholstery with dry baking soda. Work it into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush and leave it for at least one hour (overnight is fine). Vacuum away the baking soda and the dust and odor.

Treat Stains and Heavily Soiled Areas

Treat the stains using a commercial upholstery cleaner following the label instructions. If the upholstery can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner (W or W-S code), you can create a homemade solution by following these steps:

Mix one-fourth cup of dishwashing liquid and one cup of warm water in a medium bowl.

Use an electric mixer or a whisk to create some suds.

Dip a sponge (or soft bristled brush for heavily soiled areas) into the suds (not the water) and gently scrub the stained areas.

Rinse the sponge continually in a separate bowl of water to remove dirt. Wring well so the sponge remains damp but not dripping.

If the upholstery requires a dry cleaning solvent (S code) follow the label instructions or consult a professional upholstery cleaner.

Perform a General Cleaning

For routine cleaning of chair upholstery with a W or W-S code, prepare a less-concentrated solution of dishwashing liquid and water.

Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid per one gallon of warm water.

Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in the solution and wring until just damp.

Start at the top of the chair and wipe down every fabric surface. Work in small sections at a time.

Take care not to over-saturate the upholstery or any metal or wood components of the chair.

Tip

When performing a general cleaning, pay extra attention to arms and headrests. These have the most contact with body oils and may have more grime.

Rinse Upholstery

Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in clean water to blot away any cleaning solution from areas treated or the entire chair. This "rinse" is very important because any detergent left in the fibers can attract more soil.

Dry Upholstery

Blot the upholstery with dry cloths to absorb as much moisture as possible. Then you can simply leave it alone to air dry. Speed up the process using a circulating fan, but avoid using direct heat, such as a hairdryer, or placing it in direct sunlight.

Tips to Keep Your Upholstered Chair Clean Longer

Treat stains and spills promptly.

Vacuum regularly to remove dust that weakens fibers.

Cover arms and headrests with washable covers that can be removed and cleaned easily.

Pretreat a new upholstered chair with a stain protection product.