Good owners have upholstered furniture always clean and unworn, and ideally it looks like new, even after years of use. How to clean upholstered furniture at home in the most affordable, effective, and also non-aggressive ways, I will tell in this article.
Home cleaning of armchairs and sofas can be done in two ways: with or without special household chemicals. Many of the contaminants we can easily eliminate on our own. And only in desperate cases dry cleaning will help.
Consider what needs to be considered when working:
- We choose a means for cleaning upholstered furniture according to the type of upholstery, the type of pollution and its prescription. Specifically, I will talk about each below.
- Some upholstery materials require exceptionally delicate care. The instructions for the purchased furniture will inform you about this.
- Removable covers are powder-washable and some even in the washing machine. But we will also clarify what temperatures the fabric can withstand, and what washing mode will not damage it and does not deform the shape of the covers of sofas and armchairs. Of course, hand washing with gentle powders is safer.
- Before using any (even specially designed by manufacturers) product, you need to check it in an inconspicuous place on the upholstery fabric. For example, on the bottom of furniture. Soak a cotton cloth in the solution and rub the cloth, and after drying, decide whether to remove dirt or experiment with other compositions.
- There will be no streaks on the skin if you do not combine industrial and domestic products.
- After the coating has dried, we will collect the remains of the preparation with a vacuum cleaner. However, a universal steam cleaner will help clean quickly.
Dry wash
When vacuuming at home, we follow important rules that will preserve the upholstery fabric.
- The vacuum cleaner at the beginning or at the end of the process should only work at minimum power.
- If he pulls the upholstery of upholstered furniture into the nozzle, then it will quickly fray. And velvet, velor from a vacuum cleaner can become disheveled.
- Separate elements (backs, armrests) are removed, vacuumed and wiped separately.
- Dry cleaning will be of high quality if you use a steam cleaner for disinfection at the end.
Traditional wet cleaning
A washing vacuum cleaner will quickly cope with this work. But even without it, dirt and dust can be cleaned.
- If there is no special solution or powder at hand, we make a cleaning soap solution from liquid or laundry soap.
- The upholstery itself is cleaned with a cotton cloth moistened with this composition. After all, then the dirt from the skin will remain on the napkin, and will not leak with this soapy solution deep into the sofa.
- We wash the napkin under running water several times - it depends on the degree of contamination.
By the way, just such a traditional method with dissolved soap will remove many stains, and even stains from the baby's urine on a fabric that allows moisture. Also, this always-available composition instantly eliminates a fresh stain.
Folk remedies and affordable ways to remove any stains
If there are children or allergy sufferers in the house, then we will replace household chemicals with homemade folk remedies.
- Candle wax stains. Carefully scrape off the hardened wax without damaging the upholstery. Then cover with a paper towel or napkin and iron with a warm iron.
- Wine stains. Remove fresh stains from red wine with salt. Liquid will be absorbed into it, and not into the upholstery of a chair or sofa. Then we wipe the fabric several times with an alcohol or vodka solution, changing napkins.
- Sticky chewing gum. We peel it off the skin, cooling it with ice from the freezer. We wrap the ice cubes in a plastic bag so as not to wet the canvas. And the remnants of the gum that are fragile from the cold are carefully scraped off.
- Sweet foods, tea, coffee simply remove with warm water and any non-aggressive (chlorine-free) detergent. However, it is not necessary to impregnate the fabric. We only repeatedly wet it with a moistened cloth and immediately remove the moisture with a dry one.
We always treat any stains from the edges and to the center. Then the area of pollution will not increase!
- traces of beer on upholstered furniture with your own hands, it is also possible to eliminate it with ordinary soapy water. And then wipe them with diluted vinegar (1:5) to eliminate the smell.
After wet treatment of the stain, dry the upholstery with a hair dryer - it’s faster, and hot air will remove moisture from the furniture filler.
- From fruit juice stains a mixture of ammonia, vinegar and water (1:1:2) will help. We apply it to the pollution itself and let it dry. Then we will wash off the dirt with a wet cloth.
- traces of blood quickly wash with cool water with aspirin (1 tablet in a glass) or with salt (30 g per liter).
- I will collect the urine with a napkin. And we will treat the wet mark with a gel composition for carpets or liquid soap.
- Dried cream, fat, plasticine first we clean it from the fabric with a brush and soda. And then we moisten the trace and sprinkle with salt - it absorbs fat even without special means.
Salt, chalk and soda only work on fresh wet spots. And dried stains must be moistened before such processing.
General cleaning with vinegar
A vinegar-salt solution is an effective but safe way to clean all contaminated items. Although from the same components we can prepare a more aggressive drug. It will not only remove local stains, but will restore freshness to the sofa, and will get rid of dust no worse than a vacuum cleaner.
- Let's dissolve 50 g of vinegar and salt in a liter of water.
- In this solution, soak and wring out the sheet.
- Then we will cover the sofa with it and knock it out with our hands.
- All dirt will be on a moistened sheet, which is easy to wash in a typewriter. And so we will save him from dust without a vacuum cleaner.
Universal professional products
The versatility of special detergents - in cleaning all the dirt on any upholstery fabric. They will save us time, money and the product itself.
Cleansing foam
The popular washing foam perfectly restores the freshness of moody fabrics without moistening them:
- We apply it by shaking the bottle.
- Wipe the treated area with a rag.
- If the stain is still noticeable, leave the foam for 15 minutes, and rub it again (you can use a brush).
- Then remove with a vacuum cleaner or dry wipes.
We can make a similar product with bath foam plus shampoo (1:1). But only without oils in the composition and the indication “moisturizing” - they form a film. Beat the mixture with a mixer. When the mass becomes dense, its minimum of water will no longer penetrate inside the sofa.
Powders and cleaning products
Professional dry cleaning at home will be provided by powder products for cleaning upholstered furniture. So we use the powder:
- pre-clean the furniture with a vacuum cleaner;
- evenly scatter, rub the powdered agent;
- we go to rest for 20 minutes;
- remove the powder with a vacuum cleaner.
Even easier with a cleaning agent: spray, wipe with a brush. All!
Cleaning depending on the type of upholstery
We will reread the instructions for the care of furniture products that we are going to process in advance. Then cleaning upholstered furniture at home will be safe and effective.
The steam cleaner will restore the purity of the product, disinfect the fabric and even the filler.
It will clean suede and velor well. And when processing viscose and especially silk, it is necessary to test locally first.
We wipe natural and artificial leather with a dry cloth. And wipe the remaining stains with very diluted vodka.
Velor, flock, chenille are more often used for sheathing. After all, they are more practical, easier to care for. And it is easier to clean upholstered furniture with such upholstery.
Remove fat from them with a soapy microfiber cloth. And cosmetics, ink will eliminate the alcohol solution. Moisten coffee and wine stains and rub with powder.
Silk is capricious, so let's put aside both chemistry and a steam cleaner. Better take a soft clothes brush, wrap it in a white cotton napkin and clean the stain, moistening it a little with a weak solution of alcohol or peroxide.
Dry cleaning is sufficient for suede. And the foam will get rid of persistent marks on it. But then we will restore the volume of dry pile with a rubber brush.
We wash the greasy surface
Glossy dark spots on the skin appear from the constant touch of hands, head, legs. They are formed by dust and sebum.
- On substitutes and natural leather upholstery, we will eliminate them with a sponge dampened with diluted dish detergent or homemade soap and soda composition.
- On tapestry coverings, hold the foam for 5 minutes, and then remove it with a brush. Wet first with a damp, then dry cloth. After that, we clean the entire product to blur the boundaries of the treated area.
- We clean the greasy fleecy products with a foam rubber sponge and upholstered furniture cleaner.
Fight bad odor
Any furniture in the home is saturated with odors. To remove them, special shampoos are produced.
I offer a homemade remedy for amber:
- The smell of beer, juice, urine is removed with diluted vinegar (50 g per liter of water). But we moisten only a napkin with which we cover the soiled area.
- We press it down so that the solution even wets the flooring material.
- After 2-5 repetitions, let the sofa dry.
- The smell of vinegar disappears in a maximum of 3 days. Although you can add fragrant diluted fabric softener.
Conclusion
After reading the article and familiarizing yourself with effective methods for cleaning upholstered furniture and the most effective means, you can safely proceed to cleaning procedures. I assure you, any upholstery will look updated if you follow these recommendations.
It is also useful to watch the video in this article with a specific and illustrative example. And if you have questions or new practical ideas for cleaning - write in the comments!
Upholstered furniture is a great way to create a feeling of comfort in a room. People put sofas and armchairs at home, dreaming of relaxing in a pleasant environment, surrounded by family and friends. It is very nice to come home after a hard day and relax on a soft sofa. But the idyll is often disturbed by unpleasant stains on your favorite sofa. You should not worry too much about this and look for something to replace it, home cleaning products for upholstered furniture can solve this unpleasant problem. The owners do not have to call specialists or transport large items to their office.
At the moment, a huge number of ways to clean furniture from stains and eliminate unpleasant odors have been developed. When choosing one or another tool, you need to remember some requirements for the cleaning process:
- The cleaning agent should not cause skin irritation and an allergic reaction in family members. No matter how well the product is washed off after cleaning, a small part of it runs the risk of remaining on the surface of upholstered furniture;
- Upholstered furniture should be cleaned with a minimum amount of water. Sofas and armchairs, in addition to upholstery, have filler, after getting wet it will take a long time to dry. Currently, for the production of furniture, only synthetic hygroscopic materials are used that do not retain moisture. But even a modern sofa will accumulate moisture inside and require prolonged drying. It cannot be taken outside and dried in the sun, the only thing the owners can do is open windows in the apartment and create additional air movement. However, this method does not work in the cold season. It is much more convenient to use a minimum of water when cleaning;
- The agent should not have a pungent odor. All work is carried out at home, indoors, therefore, a pungent smell, which in ordinary life no one notices when in contact with human receptors for a long time, causes a headache, darkening in the eyes and general poor health;
- The upholstery cleaner you choose should clean gently without damaging the upholstery fabric. Even if the product is selected in accordance with all requirements, it will have to be checked directly on the upholstery before cleaning. To do this, choose the most distant and inconspicuous area, apply the agent and evaluate possible reactions.
At the moment, there are several types of cleaning products for upholstered furniture:
- Folk - many people do not even suspect how you can use the usual substances and objects that are in every home;
- Household - this group includes chemicals that remove any pollution without problems, they can be bought at every household chemical store, and thanks to a wide range, choosing the ideal substance will not cause difficulties;
- Technical - this includes steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners that help the owners keep clean not only furniture, but the entire apartment.
Technical
Folk
By type, stain removers and cleaners can be divided into:
- Powders - diluted with water in the ratio indicated on the package;
- Gels - diluted with water and give a persistent foam, which is applied to the stain;
- Sprays - stain removers in a ready-to-use form;
- Pencils are a convenient stain remover that will last for a long time.
The pencils
household
Household chemicals are presented in a wide range in many stores, but when choosing such substances for upholstered furniture, you will have to read the recommendations for use very carefully. For each type of upholstery, its own type of household chemical products is suitable. It should be selected according to the recommendations of the furniture manufacturer. Professional furniture cleaners are selected very carefully, before use they must be checked in an inconspicuous area. If you choose the right household chemicals, then the problem of pollution will be solved.
Household products are usually universal. They easily cope with the most common types of pollution, especially if the stain has not had time to dry.
Read the label carefully - avoid products with chlorine. The substance can provoke the appearance of stains on the upholstery, which then cannot be removed! It is better to choose an oxygen purifier. On the label there will be an inscription - "active oxygen" or "with active oxygen".
Folk
To clean furniture, you can use not only household chemicals, but also folk remedies that are available in every home. You can clean upholstered furniture from dirt at home using one of the following methods:
- Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. Fabrics that do not have a strict pile structure are cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. To do this, it is necessary to fix a gauze cloth soaked in saline at the end of the hose. The tissue should be in the solution vessel for about 10 minutes. It is prepared in the proportion: 1 teaspoon of salt per half liter of water. The gauze can be attached to the vacuum cleaner with a rubber band;
- Delicate fabrics can be cleaned by applying a waffle towel. It should be dipped in a solution of vinegar, water and salt: take one tablespoon of salt and vinegar per half liter of water, mix thoroughly and soak the fabric. It is placed on the surface to be cleaned and knocked out. The fabric must be of an exceptionally light color so that its contamination is noticeable. Each time the canvas is washed and re-wetted in the solution. The procedure is performed until the color of the cleaning cloth stops changing;
- Do-it-yourself cleaning of upholstered furniture with a soapy solution. To do this, you need to take a napkin, moisten it in soapy water and gently wipe the furniture in the direction of the pile. Do not use too much water so as not to soak the chair through.
Cleaning with soapy water
Applying a wet towel and vinegar
When we clean furniture from stains, the nature of the stain becomes the main criterion for choosing a product:
- Laundry soap is suitable for removing coffee traces. It is applied to the surface and after a short period of time removed with a damp cloth;
- Red wine can be removed with salt. The stain is sprinkled with salt, and after the contamination is absorbed, it is removed with a damp cloth. This method works well on fresh stains;
- Blood is easily wiped off with a cloth dampened with cold water. If the contamination does not disappear, then a little soap should be added. In no case should hot water be used: it causes the blood to clot, and it will forever eat into the tissue;
- Grease stains are removed in the same way as wine: sprinkle with salt, wait until the dirt is absorbed and remove with a rag;
- The wax is removed in several stages: first, the parts protruding above the fabric are removed with a non-sharp knife, then the contamination is covered with a sheet of paper and ironed. The action is repeated until complete cleansing. It is important to monitor the temperature of the iron, it should not melt the material;
- Chewing gum leaves the upholstery well when frozen, so to clean the furniture, you will have to get a piece of ice from the freezer and apply it to the place of contamination for several minutes;
- Juice stains are removed with soapy water, if this does not help, then it is necessary to dilute ammonia and vinegar in equal proportions. This solution will not leave juice marks on the couch.
To remove the smell, you can take a solution of vinegar and wipe the place from which the stain was removed. It should be remembered that the younger the stain, the easier it is to remove. Do not wait, you should remove contaminants immediately after they are detected.
Soap helps with blood stains
Coffee stains can be removed with laundry soap
Chewing gum on upholstered furniture
Grease stains are removed with salt
Selection rules depending on the upholstery
When it became clear how to clean upholstered furniture at home with folk remedies, several cleaning rules can be identified depending on the materials. Each type of upholstery requires a special attitude on the part of the owner:
- Velor and flock are extremely capricious in the way of cleaning, they do not tolerate a change in the direction of the pile and strong chemicals. To clean them, use steam or a microfiber cloth. Before that, the surface is cleaned of dust. The soft brush should move in the direction of the pile. A napkin dipped in soapy water should move exclusively in the direction of the pile;
- Tapestry is a rough fabric, it can be cleaned with a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner. But tapestry upholstery cleaners should not be used with large amounts of water, the fabric loses color and shape upon contact with it;
- Suede and nubuck are cleaned with a brush with soft rubber bristles. A steam generator can be applied to these tissues;
- Leather is quite easy to clean, it does not absorb moisture, dirt is easily removed. To clean the leather chair, you need to take a cloth soaked in soapy water and gently wipe the contaminated area. Do not use steam generators or chemicals to clean this material.
Many stains can be removed on your own, but to protect furniture, it is better to use removable covers. They can harmoniously fit into the interior of the room, the covers can be changed, depending on the renovation of the room, then the sofa will always harmoniously fit into the interior, and the furniture will not have to be changed along with the wallpaper. Furniture covers can be removed and washed in a typewriter, it is very convenient, because in this case you do not have to buy additional funds and spend your time on it.
Tapestry requires a lot of water
A brush is used for suede
Velor and flock are steam cleaned
The skin is cleansed with soapy water
Top Producers
When choosing cleaning products for upholstered furniture at home, people pay attention to the reputation of manufacturers. Variety of companies providing their products:
- Shampoos for upholstered furniture and carpets "5+" - the products of this company are odorless, do not irritate human receptors. After diluting the agent, it is used as a foam for cleaning upholstered furniture, and in an undiluted state, the preparation becomes a good stain remover. You can apply "5+" while cleaning furniture or carpet with a washing vacuum cleaner. In addition to removing stains, the product removes static electricity.
- Vox is a Russian-made product. It is characterized by the appearance of lush foam when diluted with water. It is this foam that is applied to the contaminated surface, left to dry completely, and then removed with a vacuum cleaner or brush. The tool has an extremely pleasant aroma, does not leave streaks and is inexpensive. It is able to remove stains of various contaminants without significant effort and does not require rinsing with water, which saves the strength of the owners.
- "Help" is a tool in a convenient package. It is equipped with a sprayer with different modes of operation. Unfortunately, such a tool is quite caustic, you can only work with it with gloves. The product is sprayed onto contaminated areas, left for a few minutes and removed with a damp cloth. It is necessary to wipe the place of purification several times until the chemical is completely removed. It is not able to wipe off every type of dirt and requires preliminary testing on inconspicuous areas of the fabric, as it can damage the structure of the fabric. But this tool effectively eliminates odors.
- Selenium is an inexpensive tool that can clean any surface. It can be used to remove old and stubborn stains. Not suitable for treating a large surface, it is used exclusively for point impact on stains. It is poorly washed off, so you have to make an effort. On the plus side, it doesn't have a strong smell.
The best preparations and cleaners are chosen depending on the characteristics of the upholstery and the work required. For example, some substances are suitable for general cleaning of furniture, while others are suitable for removing old stains that are difficult to remove.
What you need for wood and fittings
Upholstered furniture does not consist entirely of textiles, it includes wooden and metal fittings. These parts are somewhat easier to care for, but can still be difficult.
An effective tool for cleaning metal fittings is an ordinary cloth dipped in soapy water. The metal does not absorb dirt, so removing them is not difficult.
The situation with wooden parts is a little more complicated. The tree absorbs all the stains, it can be quite difficult to remove them from a non-varnished surface.
- You can try to remove the stain with an iron. To do this, the steam mode is turned off on the device, unnecessary cotton fabric is placed under it. At the lowest power, the damaged area should be held under the iron. If the stain has not disappeared, then the procedure is repeated;
The need to clean upholstered furniture arises quite often, because even if there are bedspreads on sofas and armchairs, they still get dirty from time to time. Many housewives prefer to figure out how to clean upholstered furniture at home, so as not to call specialists and not subject it to chemical treatment. Doing it yourself is not as difficult as it might seem, although the process is lengthy and has its own characteristics.
Cleaning upholstered furniture at home involves the use of special cleaning products, which are selected depending on the type of material and the characteristics of contamination. Different stains can be removed using a variety of tools and preparations. At what it can be both purchased chemical compounds and improvised products that are in almost every home.
When starting to remove stains or dirt, you need to take into account the features of this process in order to quickly and easily get the desired result. Furniture care should be regular, then the sofa and chairs will always look like new. Experts give several basic recommendations, thanks to which the cleaning of upholstered furniture will be easier:
- Any stains are best removed fresh, as soon as they appear. Then it will be easier to wash them off than old pollution.
- Before cleaning the furniture, you need to thoroughly vacuum it in all accessible places. If the device has such a function, it is better to do wet cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.
- Some contaminants can be easily and quickly removed with a steam cleaner. Then no additional cleaners are required.
- When starting to clean or remove stains, it is important to consider the properties and characteristics of the material with which the furniture is upholstered. First, the selected product must be tested on an inconspicuous area of \u200b\u200bthe fabric and check the reaction. If the material does not deteriorate and the color does not wash off, you can use it for the entire surface.
How to clean silver at home
Dry cleaning a sofa or chairs is acceptable when the dirt is not strong, or you just need to remove dust from the upholstery. Removing stains usually involves damp mopping and the use of good cleaning products.
Cleaning with household chemicals
The modern household chemicals market offers a variety of products that will help you quickly and easily remove any dirt from the surface of sofas and armchairs. Some of them are also suitable for home carpet cleaning. The most effective and popular household remedies are:
- Astonish Carpet & Upholstery. Cleaner in the form of a spray that is easy to apply on furniture, lathers well and removes dirt. Suitable for both natural and synthetic fabrics. Helps to get rid of even old stains.
- Vanish Shampoo. Sold as a cleaning agent and liquid for refilling washing vacuum cleaners. Thick consistency and abundant foam remove stains of any origin.
- Cleaner for furniture, car seats and carpets "Oceanic" Silvia. A versatile product that is suitable even for delicate fabrics. Allows you to quickly and easily get rid of old contaminants. It is easily washed out of the upholstery and does not leave a chemical smell.
- Organics Carpet Cleaner Probiotic Shampoo is also suitable for furniture and carpets. This is an effective and environmentally friendly tool that provides deep cleaning of the fibers of the material and the surface of the fabric.
- Stain remover Vitex Blis. Removes stains of any origin, and even eliminates unpleasant odors from upholstered furniture. Available as a spray, which is easy to apply to the surface and rinse off.
There are other products for cleaning sofas at home, and sometimes it can be difficult to choose one of the whole variety. To decide which drug to use, you need to read the instructions and try it in practice. After several attempts, you will be able to find the best option that will help you always keep the furniture in good and clean condition, and home care for it will not be particularly difficult.
How to clean a baking sheet from soot: tips and tricks for using various detergents
Cleaning home furniture without the use of chemicals
The use of store-bought chemicals is not the only way to remove stains and dirt from upholstered furniture. Many improvised means also effectively cope with this task. Some of the most common upholstery cleaning methods include:
- Soap solution foam. In a bowl of warm water, stir the soap or any other detergent thoroughly until foam forms. Using a brush, apply foam to the fabric, brush, and then rinse with a clean brush. Remove excess moisture with a dry cloth or towel.
- A solution of shampoo and ammonia. In warm water, add 0.5 cap of regular shampoo, 10 drops of ammonia, mix thoroughly. Apply the resulting foam to the contamination, leave for 10-15 minutes, and then clean and wash.
- For a light fabric, a solution prepared from 500 ml of hot water, 1/3 cup of vinegar, powder and soda, taken in 1 tbsp, is suitable. The mixture will foam, it must be applied to the upholstery and washed off with a soft sponge.
Removing a stain involves washing one particular area, and often this leaves behind stains on a sofa or chair. To avoid this, it is better to wash and clean the entire surface of the furniture completely, and do this from the edges to the center.
To refresh and renew the upholstery of furniture, on which there are no special dirt and stains, you can use this method: dissolve 1 tbsp in a liter of warm water. baking soda. Moisten the gauze with the resulting solution, wrap the vacuum cleaner brush around it and vacuum the sofa through the gauze. This method will remove dirt and dust from the inside of the furniture much more effectively, and the upholstery fabric will look fresh and new.
How to remove stains of different origin
When it is known where this or that pollution on the furniture came from, it is much easier to deal with it. For example, if there are children in the house, they often spill juice, tea or milk on the sofa. You can remove the stain from the juice with a solution of vinegar and ammonia, taken in equal amounts. The mixture should be applied to the contaminated area and left to dry completely. For other stains, there are little tricks and secrets:
- The greasy stain should be covered with edible salt as soon as possible, allowing the white powder to absorb the fat. After that, it can be wiped with soapy water and dried with a dry cloth.
- Traces of tea or coffee can be removed with ordinary laundry soap. First you need to clean the upholstered furniture with a damp sponge, then wipe it with moistened soap several times, and then use a brush to clean the stain. After 10 minutes, remove the soap residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow to dry.
- Wine stains are harder to remove. If it is fresh, it should be immediately blotted with a dry cloth so that it does not increase in size, and sprinkled with salt. After 10-15 minutes, rub the salt with a brush, remove it, and blot the stain with a piece of cloth soaked in alcohol. When the residue of wine marks has dried, they can be washed with a sponge and soapy water.
- It is advisable to remove the blood while the contamination is fresh, then it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth or a wet cloth. An old blood stain should be soaked with a solution of vinegar and water, and then cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush.
- Chewing gum sticking to furniture is easiest to remove with cold. You need to attach a piece of ice wrapped in a bag to it and wait for it to solidify, and then scrape it off with a sharp knife. If the stain still remains, you can remove it with a cloth dipped in alcohol.
Currently, there are many tools that allow you to effortlessly clean both upholstered and wooden furniture, disinfect, and remove stubborn stains.
The hostess no longer needs to think too much about how to get rid of the smell of new furniture or tidy up an old closet saturated with unpleasant odors. To do this, just go to the store and buy the appropriate remedy, or if you don’t want to use chemicals, use one of the proven folk remedies at home.
Both old and new furniture do not always have a pleasant aroma: therefore, the question of how to get rid of the smell of furniture in an apartment often worries the owner of the apartment. If we are talking about a new wardrobe made of chipboard, green tea bags will help get rid of the unpleasant smell: they should be laid out in different corners and left for a week, not forgetting to ventilate the room as often as possible. Tea will absorb all unpleasant aromas.
As for old wooden polished furniture, in order to remove the smell, it is necessary to ventilate the room frequently, periodically clean the closet, completely removing all clothes and wiping the dust with a damp cloth from the polished surface. Special deodorants will help get rid of the unpleasant odor, and you can buy both a professional disinfectant and make it yourself at home.
It can be a cotton bag with herbs poured inside, an empty perfume bottle, cotton-wrapped soap, an open jar with a small amount of coffee, green tea bags. All these disinfectants will successfully help get rid of unpleasant odors and give the house a unique aroma.
Work technique
Cleaning furniture with steam easily cleans all surfaces of the house from dirt: upholstered furniture, windows, curtains, floors, polished surfaces, etc. Steam generators for cleaning Karcher, Gorenje, Clatronic, Redmond have proven themselves well in the market. A branded steam cleaner is not cheap, but with its help you can save time, effort, and the quality of cleaning will only please.
Cleaning with a Karcher steam cleaner polished and other surfaces is as follows:
- water is poured into the tank and heated;
- a jet of steam is supplied to the contaminated surface through the nozzle;
- the dirt softens so much that it can be easily removed with a cloth without the use of cleaning agents.
Despite the convenience of steam cleaners, before removing stains from velor, leather upholstery, from soft plastic items, you need to consult with the manufacturer: not every Karcher, Gorenie, Clatronic or other steam generator can be used for this type of coating.
Cushioned furniture
When it comes to cleaning furniture at home, upholstered furniture occupies a special place. It is on it that dust constantly collects, it gets dirty very easily, it is difficult to clean, greasy stains are often so difficult to remove that not every professional tool is able to cope with them. To make your job easier, it is very important to know how to properly care for upholstered furniture.
When starting to clean furniture, regardless of whether it is fabric upholstery, leather or other material, it must be borne in mind that any cleaning agent must first be tested on an inconspicuous area: this will make it possible to determine whether it will discolor the fabric. If there are no traces left, you can start cleaning at home.
You need to start cleaning furniture with minimal doses of disinfectant powder, gradually increasing the amount of cleaning agent. Mixing different drugs with each other is not recommended, as well as using them in turn to get rid of the same spot. If the upholstery care instructions at home allow, you can use a vacuum cleaner or steam clean the furniture with a Karcher, Gorenie, Clatronic, Redmond steam cleaner.
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner, instead of dry vacuuming, you can use a wet sheet and remove dust much more effectively. To do this, dissolve two tablespoons of vinegar and salt in a liter of water, then soak a sheet in the solution, spread it on the sofa and knock it out well using a carpet beater. Rinse the sheet in the solution as it gets dirty.
If the pollution is small, you can clean upholstered furniture at home by wetting a piece of cloth in a warm soapy solution, rubbing an anti-lint agent. How to clean more serious stains depends on the type of soiling and the type of upholstery, and the sooner you start cleaning, the easier it is to remove the stain.
Velor, velvet, jacquard and tapestry can only be dry cleaned. At the same time, velor and velvet cannot be vacuumed: since the pile can be damaged, only a dry or damp brush for upholstered furniture can be used. Jacquard and tapestry can be vacuumed, foam can be used to clean the upholstery, dissolving a special agent in water, washing only as a last resort.
So that leather furniture does not lose its appearance, it is enough to regularly wipe it with a damp cloth, and then wipe it dry. Stains from leather furniture must be removed immediately, before they are absorbed. After cleaning, it is desirable to polish the coating with a special tool to protect it from dust and dirt. If a polishing agent is not available, you can beat the protein and soak the leather surface. Microfiber and flock are very easy to clean, you can use both a brush and a washing vacuum cleaner.
If there are no chemicals to remove stubborn stains at hand, you can make a cleaning agent yourself, while it must be borne in mind that when using products that can discolor the upholstery, the solution must first be applied to a small area:
| Coffee Tea | Dilute detergent in a liter of water, add two tablespoons of vinegar, moisten the sponge, rub the contaminated area and dry with a dry cloth. |
| The juice | Mix ammonia with water, apply to the stain, wait to dry and rinse with warm water with a sponge. |
| Beer | Scrub the stain with a bar of soap, then with a damp cloth. You can remove the smell if you dilute three tablespoons of vinegar in a liter of water and wipe the stain. |
| Wine | Immediately after the wine is on the upholstery, it must be blotted with toilet paper or a damp towel. Sprinkle the stain from red wine with salt, wait a bit, brush it with a brush, soak a piece of cloth in alcohol and wipe it. A trace of white wine will easily remove alcohol. |
| Chocolate, jam | Before proceeding with the removal of chocolate or jam, you must wait for the stains to dry completely, having previously collected everything that you can with a spoon. Then wipe with a warm soapy solution with vinegar, dry the cleaned area with a dry cloth. |
| Fat | Sprinkle the greasy spot with plenty of coarse salt, leave for a while, then wipe the area with greasy spots with a dry sponge. Dampen a cloth with alcohol, rub the stain again, rinse with warm water and leave to dry. |
| Blood | You can get rid of a fresh stain by rubbing with a cold soapy solution. Rinse the sponge as it gets dirty. An old blood stain can be removed by dissolving an aspirin tablet in a glass of water and rubbing the contaminated area. In the absence of aspirin, you can use salt or soda: dilute a tablespoon in a liter of water, soak the stain and leave for an hour, then, after wetting a rag in the solution, rub until it is cleaned and dried with a towel. |
The removable cover makes it much easier to clean upholstered furniture at home: if there is a stain on it or to refresh its appearance, it is enough to remove it and wash it. At the same time, you can usually wash both manually and in a washing machine. When the cover is slightly damp, you need to pull it over the furniture and leave to dry.
Any furniture gets dirty sooner or later, whether it's an office leather sofa or a polished table in a residential apartment. During operation, dust, dirt, greasy or other stains may appear on the furniture.
How to clean wooden furniture
Wood is most often used in the manufacture of furniture, but wooden products must be constantly looked after. For example, dust must be wiped daily, and general cleaning should be carried out once a week. Here are some ways to clean wood.
- Lemon essential oil. The mixture is applied to a soft sponge or cloth and the wooden surfaces and individual elements of this material are wiped. The essential oil has a pleasant fresh scent and is great for polishing wood.
- Baby soap. Take a suitable container and pour 2 cups of water into it. Add some baby soap. Soak a soft cloth in this liquid and wipe the contaminated areas. After that, wipe with a cloth soaked in clean water and then dry.
- Vinegar and olive oil. For this cleaning method, you will need 100 ml of table vinegar 9% and 50 ml of olive oil. Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle. Spray on desired areas and wipe well with a tissue. This treatment will update your furniture, making it clean and radiant.
- Lemon juice. Mix 50 ml of lemon juice with the same amount of water. Soak a soft cloth in the solution and wipe the surface of the wood. This method is great for daily cleaning.
- Ammonia. If the wooden surface is very dirty, it can be cleaned using this solution: add 10 ml of ammonia to 50 ml of water. With this liquid, rub the contaminated areas well using a sponge.
- Petrolatum. If you or your family were careless to put a hot cup or plate on a wooden surface and left a white mark, try treating this place with petroleum jelly. Leave it on all night and polish it in the morning.
Furniture cleaning folk remedies
- Brine from sauerkraut. Soak a sponge or cloth with the brine and wipe the stained areas on the polished surface.
- Vinegar. Stubborn stains from lacquered furniture will help eliminate table vinegar 9%. Lightly dampen a cloth and rub the stained area.
How to clean polished furniture from grease stains
Removing grease stains from polished furniture is not as difficult as it might seem. There are several ways.
- Baby powder. Sprinkle baby powder or talc over the grease stain. Within 10 minutes, the powder will absorb the fat. After that, remove it with a soft cloth and wipe it with a dry cloth.
- Potato. Take one medium sized potato. Wash well and dry. Then, cut in half. One of the halves needs to be rubbed on the grease stain, and after 3 minutes this area should be polished well using a soft cloth.
How to restore the shine of polished furniture
Any polished surface tarnishes over time. The following remedies will help restore the original shine.
- Polish made from turpentine and oil. If you want to use natural ingredients to polish your furniture, you can make your own polish at home. To do this, you will need turpentine and any vegetable oil in equal proportions. Mix them together, and, applying to a soft cloth, wipe the tarnished areas of the furniture.
- Kerosene and oil. A mixture of 5 tablespoons of kerosene and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil can also help you. Any one you have will do. Using a sponge, apply the mixture to the surface and wait until it dries. Then polish thoroughly. When polishing, use a soft natural cloth.
- Shampoo and antiseptic. In a small container, pour 8 tablespoons of water, as well as one tablespoon of hair shampoo and antiseptic. Mix everything thoroughly. Pour the resulting liquid into a convenient bottle. Use to polish lacquered furniture as needed.
How to use furniture wax for restoration
It happens that not only dirt, but also scratches appear on wooden furniture. To date, this is not a serious problem, since such damage is easily eliminated with the help of special furniture wax.
Furniture wax is a special universal tool with which to eliminate various damages from wooden surfaces. It can be used both on the raw surface of the tree and on the varnished one. There are two types of wax, soft and hard.
- Soft furniture wax. This type is best suited for removing small chips and scratches. To do this, you will need to rub the damaged surface with a soft wax. If the groove is deep, you can use a knife blade or spatula to apply the wax. After 15 minutes, remove the residue and polish using a cotton cloth.
- Hard furniture wax. This is a professional tool, it is better to work with such a product with certain skills. It is more expensive than soft wax, but the effect is much better. Before applying wax, it should be melted and applied to cracks and scratches, as well as around them. Next, you need to wait until the tool hardens. This happens very quickly, in just a few minutes. Then the wax residues are removed and the surface is polished.
How to make furniture wax at home
Furniture wax can be prepared at home. To do this, you will need a bee product such as wax and turpentine. If it is necessary to repair damage on light-colored furniture, use a clarified product, as the natural color of wax is yellow.
- You should arrange a water bath. Place a pot of water on the stove.
- When it boils, put a grid on it (a grid from a multicooker is perfect).
- Place a small container on the grid into which you need to pour turpentine. It should be half as much as beeswax.
- Wax must be crushed with a knife and put in turpentine. Wait until it melts and a homogeneous mass is obtained. The tool is ready.
When preparing this mixture, do not leave turpentine near an open fire, control it in a steam bath. This liquid is highly flammable and careless behavior with it can lead to very disastrous consequences.
Cleaning polished furniture at home is not so difficult, but you should follow some rules to avoid possible problems:
- Put on rubber gloves before using one of the furniture cleaners. If the product has a pungent odor, also put on a respirator or cotton-gauze bandage. You will protect yourself from contact with aggressive agents and their vapors on the skin and in the respiratory tract.
- Before proceeding with the surface treatment, test the product of your choice. It is necessary to apply a small amount of it to an inconspicuous area and wait a while. If no unexpected reaction has occurred, you can safely use the tool.
- If the composition used does not work and you want to try another, thoroughly rinse off the previous remedy. Otherwise, the components may enter into a chemical reaction, after which stains, stains and other unforeseen consequences may remain.
- If the recipe says the product needs to dry, let it dry naturally. Do not use a hair dryer or other heating devices;
- Do not use large amounts of water when cleaning.
If you properly and regularly care for polished furniture, it will serve you for many years, delighting you and your loved ones.
Not really