Cleaning Tips for Fabric Furniture

It's important to keep your furniture looking good for as long as possible, especially if it's a piece you love. Even if you want to replace it, if you keep it looking fresh you can sell it on. 

Follow our simple tips and you'll be sitting pretty for longer:

• Regularly vacuum all furniture - the smallest amount of dust and dirt will damage the fabric over time
• Rotate the cushions regularly so they wear evenly
• Once a year, have your furniture professionally cleaned by a Chem-Dry® furniture cleaner.

In a spill - stage 1 - limit the damage

When you've spilt something you need to act fast to minimise the damage - the longer you take, the harder it'll be to remove the stain later:

• Blot the spot: For liquid spills always use white absorbent cloths or paper towels to blot up the liquid - rubbing will damage fabric
• Scoop it up: For solid spills, like food, gently remove what you can, working from the outside in, using a spoon or other blunt object.  Then treat as a liquid spill.
• Don't damp: Dry spills, like ash or make up, should never get wet. Vacuum first, then beat the area with a flat object and vacuum again.  Use a spot cleaner for any remaining stain.

In a spill - stage 2 - clean it quick

Follow these steps so the stain won't set:

• Test it: Use your cleaning product on a hidden area to see if it causes loss of colour, dark rings or shrinkage
• Check it: Consult the cleaning code for guidance, it's usually found under the seat cushions
• Don't scrub or rub: Use a clean white cloth to apply cleaning fluid in a blotting motion, working from the outside in.
• Dry it: As soon as you've cleaned the spot, brush gently with a clean and white, dry cloth to blend the edges and dry with a fan to prevent rings forming
• Swab it: With very small stains, use a cotton swab to apply the cleaner to remove stains or marks. 
• And repeat: If a stain won't budge, repeat these steps until it does.

In a spill - stage 3 - get set for next time

Acting quickly is critical for preventing a permanent stain so always make sure you have everything you need when you need it and only use quality products that won't damage your fabrics:

• Homeserve Fabric Upholstery and Carpet Care Kit is only £25.00 and includes:
  • Foaming shampoo 250 ml
  • Spot stain remover 250 ml
  • Dried in stain remover 75 ml
  • Oil, ink and shoe polish spotting wipes
  • Sponge
  • Micro Fibre cleaning cloth
• Always follow our care kit instructions

Get your Fabric Upholstery and Carpet Care Kit through Homeserve Warranties on 0800 408 0004.

Call centre opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am till 5.30pm.

Payments can be made with a debit or credit card only.  Please allow 10 working days for delivery.

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The purpose of this section of the website is to provide homeowners with only general guidance and useful tips on 18/08/06. It does not necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals.  It is not designed to provide professional advice and should not be relied on as such. 

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