Upholstered furniture adds comfort and style to any room, but it can also accumulate dirt, dust, and stains over time. Ottomans, in particular, can see a lot of use and can quickly become dirty. Cleaning your ottoman regularly can help extend its life and keep it looking its best. In this article, we will explore how to clean upholstery on ottomans.
Before getting started, it’s important to determine the type of fabric on your ottoman to choose the appropriate cleaning method. Look for a cleaning code on the tag, which indicates what type of cleaning method is recommended.
- W: Water-based cleaning agents or foam may be used.
- S: Only solvent-based cleaning agents should be used.
- SW: Water-based or solvent-based cleaning agents may be used.
- X: Vacuum or brush only. Do not use water or cleaning agents.
Now, let’s explore the steps to clean an ottoman based on the cleaning code:
For W-coded fabric:
Step 1: Vacuum the ottoman thoroughly using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust.
Step 2: Mix a small amount of gentle detergent or upholstery cleaner with water in a bucket. Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Step 3: Dip a clean, white cloth into the solution and wring it out until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
Step 4: Gently blot the stained area with the damp cloth, taking care not to rub the fabric. Continue blotting until the stain is removed.
Step 5: Rinse the cloth in clean water and blot the area again to remove any remaining soap residue.
Step 6: Use a clean, dry cloth or towel to absorb as much moisture as possible from the ottoman.
Step 7: Allow the ottoman to air dry completely before using it again.
For S-coded fabric:
Step 1: Vacuum the ottoman thoroughly using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust.
Step 2: Purchase a solvent-based upholstery cleaner that is safe for your fabric. Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Step 3: Apply the cleaner to a clean, white cloth and blot the stained area, taking care not to rub the fabric. Continue blotting until the stain is removed.
Step 4: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Step 5: Use a clean, dry cloth or towel to absorb as much moisture as possible from the ottoman.
Step 6: Allow the ottoman to air dry completely before using it again.
For SW-coded fabric:
Step 1: Vacuum the ottoman thoroughly using a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and dust.
Step 2: Choose a cleaning method based on the type of stain. If it’s water-based, use a solution of water and upholstery cleaner. If it’s oil-based, use a solvent-based cleaner.
Step 3: Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Step 4: Dip a clean, white cloth into the solution and wring it out until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
Step 5: Gently blot the stained area with the damp cloth, taking care not to rub the fabric. Continue blotting until the stain is removed.
Step 6: Rinse the cloth in clean water and blot the area again to remove any remaining soap residue.
Step 7: Use a clean, dry cloth or towel to absorb as much moisture as possible from the ottoman.
Step 8: Allow the ottoman to air dry completely before using it again.