How to Clean Upholstery with A Steam Cleaner?
 The Short Answer is: |
| To clean upholstery with a steam cleaner, you need to prepare the steam cleaning machine by adding water and cleaner to the machine. Remove any pillows and cushions on your couch and use the steam cleaner to clean those first. To use the steam cleaner, simply press the button to spray the steam onto the upholstery and then vacuum up the moisture with the hose. It is important to vacuum your furniture before steaming to remove any loose debris, dirt, pet hair, lint, and other items from the upholstery. For dried solids, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the dried matter and vacuum it away. To pretreat the stains, follow the label instructions. |
If you’re looking for a way to freshen up your furniture without using harsh chemicals or spending hours pulling off and putting back on covers, steam cleaning is a great option.
In this article, we’ll focus on how to clean upholstery with a steam cleaner. Whether you’re dealing with a couch, chair, or other upholstered furniture, there are a few simple steps you can follow to get it looking and smelling like new again.
We’ll cover the basics of using a steam cleaner for upholstery, including tips from experts on how to get the best results. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Precautions and Preparation Before Cleaning
Before cleaning upholstery with a steam cleaner, it is important to take certain precautions and prepare the area properly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Check the fabric: Before using a steam cleaner, make sure to check the tag on your furniture to see if it can handle water-based cleaning methods. If there is an “X” on the tag, it means that water will permanently damage the fabric, and you should not steam clean it.
2. Test a small area: If you are unsure if a cleaner or steam cleaning is safe for your fabric, test it on a small, unseen area of the upholstery. Clean the area and wait for 24 hours. If there are no changes in color or texture, it is safe to proceed with steam cleaning.
3. Pre-vacuum: Start by vacuuming the upholstery to remove loose dirt, debris, and pet hair. This will prevent dirt from being pushed deeper into the fabric during steam cleaning.
4. Precondition the fabric: Prior to steam cleaning, you can precondition the fabric to prevent it from hardening after cleaning. You can spray a soil emulsifier or a thin layer of shampoo or upholstery cleaner onto the fabric. Let it sit for a sufficient amount of time to seep into the fabric.
5. Prepare the area: Clear the area by removing any loose cushions, pillows, or other items from the upholstery. This will make it easier to clean and ensure that all areas are accessible.
By following these precautions and preparing the upholstery properly, you can effectively and safely clean it with a steam cleaner.
Choosing the Right Steam Cleaner for Upholstery
When it comes to choosing the right steam cleaner for upholstery cleaning, there are a few things to consider. Here are some tips based on the search results:
1. Consider the type of steam cleaner: Canister-style steam cleaners are versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including upholstery.
Handheld steam cleaners are portable and easy to carry, making them a good option for spot cleaning.
2. Look for attachments: Some steam cleaners come with attachments specifically designed for upholstery cleaning, such as a fabric tool or a crevice tool.
3. Check the water tank size: If you plan to clean a lot of upholstery, look for a steam cleaner with a large water tank.
4. Consider the ease of use: Look for a steam cleaner that is easy to set up and use. Check the noise level of the steam cleaner, especially if you plan to use it in a small space.
5. Read reviews: Look for steam cleaners with high customer satisfaction ratings.
Overall, when choosing a steam cleaner for upholstery cleaning, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Think about the type of steam cleaner that will work best for you, the attachments you need, and the size of the water tank. Don’t forget to read reviews to find a steam cleaner with high customer satisfaction ratings.
Steps for Steam Cleaning Upholstery
Steam cleaning is an effective way to clean upholstery, and it can be done at home with a steam cleaner. Here are the steps to steam clean upholstery:
Step 1. Prepare the upholstery
Remove any pillows and cushions from the couch or other furniture you want to clean. Vacuum the surface of the upholstery to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris.
Step 2. Prepare the steam cleaning machine
Add water and cleaner to the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you will remove a container from the steam cleaner and fill it with warm water and upholstery cleaner. Make sure you don’t fill it too full, as this can cause too much water and steam to be released on your fabrics, which will oversaturate them.
Step 3. Steam clean the upholstery
Start by cleaning the pillows and cushions first. To use the steam cleaner, simply press the button to spray the steam onto the upholstery and then vacuum up the moisture with the hose. Work in a pattern to ensure you cover the entire surface of the upholstery. Be careful not to over-saturate the fabric, as this can cause damage.
Step 4. Pretreat stains
If there are any stains on the upholstery, pretreat them before steaming. This can help to avoid going over the same spot multiple times and waterlogging the couch. Use a dedicated fabric or upholstery steamer for the best results.
Step 5. Dry the upholstery
After steam cleaning, allow the upholstery to dry completely before using it again. You can speed up the drying process by opening windows or using a fan.
It’s important to note that not all furniture can be steam cleaned. Check the upholstery cleaning code on your furniture to make sure it can be safely steam cleaned.
Furniture with a W (wet) or WS (wet cleaning and solvent) code can be steam cleaned, while furniture with an S (solvent) or X (no cleaning) code should not be steam cleaned.
Special Considerations for Different Upholstery Fabrics
When using a steam cleaner to clean upholstery, it is important to consider the type of fabric you are working with. Different fabrics have different cleaning needs.
Here are some special considerations for cleaning different upholstery fabrics with a steam cleaner:
1. Cotton
Being a natural fiber, you need to be careful not to get it too wet so that it can dry completely after cleaning. You can use soap and water to clean cotton.
Don’t rub too hard on cotton upholstery, the best technique is to blot at any spots or stains. Rubbing at a stain can actually force it further into the fibers, making it almost impossible to clean.
2. Wool
The best way to clean upholstery made from wool is to give it a regular vacuuming, at least once per week is best. Wool, made from sheep’s hair, is very resistant to stains.
If you spill something onto wool upholstery, blot it up as quickly as possible. If you can, you want to avoid washing wool, as it starts to lose the lanolin oil that protects the fibers from bacteria and stains.
3. Microfiber
Microfiber is a wonderful material for upholstery because it is very difficult for dirt and other staining agents to make their way into it.
To clean microfiber, you can wait for any spill to dry, then brush it with a fabric brush and vacuum up any material that comes out. Hiring a professional steam cleaner is also a good option for microfiber upholstery.
4. Other fabrics
Before you steam clean your upholstery, make sure the fabric can handle water-based cleaning methods. You can find this information on the tag of your furniture.
If you see an X on the tag, it means that water will permanently damage the fabric, which means you cannot steam clean it.
If you aren’t sure if one of the cleaners you have is going to work on the fabric, or if you aren’t sure if your fabric can handle steam cleaning, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Drying and Post-Cleaning Maintenance
After cleaning upholstery with a steam cleaner, it is important to properly dry and maintain the furniture to ensure it stays clean and in good condition. Here are some steps to follow for drying and post-cleaning maintenance:
1. Allow the furniture to dry completely before using it again. Depending on the type of fabric, it can take from six to 24 hours for a steam-cleaned couch to be completely dry.
2. Open windows or turn on fans to help speed up the drying process.
3. If there are any stains or spills left after steam cleaning, use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the area.
4. To prevent future stains, consider applying a fabric protector to the upholstery. This will help repel spills and make it easier to clean in the future.
5. Regularly vacuum the upholstery to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate over time.
6. If you notice any new stains or spills, clean them up as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in.
By following these steps, you can keep your upholstery looking clean and fresh for years to come.
Benefits of Using a Steam Cleaner for Upholstery
Using a steam cleaner for upholstery cleaning has several benefits, as outlined below:
1. Removes dirt and dust completely: Steam cleaning is effective in removing all sorts of pollutants, which may hamper the beauty and quality of the upholstered furniture. This method of cleaning upholstery helps in extending the life of your furniture.
2. Kills bacteria: Steam cleaning kills 99.99% of bacteria, molds, and viruses. This makes it an effective method for sanitizing upholstered furniture.
3. Sanitizes the upholstered furniture: Steam cleaning is a chemical-free method of cleaning, which makes it safe for your family and the environment. It is also safe for most types of upholstery.
4. Improves air quality: Steam cleaning removes allergens and pathogens, which can improve the air quality in your home.
5. Reaches small spaces: Upholstery steam cleaners can reach small spaces, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas.
6. Versatile: Steam cleaners can be used to clean nearly every surface in your home, which makes them a versatile cleaning tool.
It is important to note that steam cleaning should be done by professionals with rich experience in steam cleaning, as a naïve attempt at cleaning with a DIY hack may cause damage to the upholstery.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Topic:
Is steam cleaning good for upholstery?
Yes, steam cleaning can be good for upholstery, but it depends on the type of fabric and the condition of the upholstery. Steam cleaning can be an effective way to remove stains and dirt, and sanitize upholstery without using chemicals.
However, it is important to check the furniture tag to ensure that it can handle water-based cleaning methods. Additionally, steam cleaning can be tough on surfaces if not done carefully due to the high temperature, so it is recommended to test a small area before steaming larger areas.
Steam cleaning can be a good option for cleaning upholstery, but it is important to consider the type of fabric and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the steam cleaner to avoid damaging the upholstery.
Can I use any steam cleaner for upholstery, or do I need a specific type?
While there are different types of upholstery cleaners, steam cleaners are a popular option for cleaning soft surfaces like furniture and carpets.
Steam cleaners can be used on almost any hard or soft surface, including upholstered furniture, and are effective at removing stains, dust, and mites.
Therefore, you can use a steam cleaner for upholstery, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and choose the appropriate attachment and temperature for the material you’re cleaning.
Is it safe to steam clean delicate or antique upholstery?
To determine if it is safe to steam clean delicate or antique upholstery, you should check the tag of your furniture to see if it can handle water-based cleaning methods. If the tag has an X on it, it means that water will permanently damage the fabric, and you cannot steam clean it.
If you are unsure if your fabric can handle steam cleaning, test out a small area of the upholstery that is unseen on a day-to-day basis. Clean the area and wait 24 hours. If the area looks the same, it is safe to clean it. If it has any changes in color or texture, then the fabric is not safe to clean.
It is also important to note that antique or delicate furniture may not be suitable for steam cleaning, and it is always prudent to check with the manufacturer of the item or surface you want to clean to determine if it can be safely cleaned using a steam cleaner.
How often should I steam clean my upholstery to keep it clean and fresh?
To keep your upholstery clean and fresh, it is recommended to steam clean it at least once a year. Steam cleaning is a process of cleaning the fabric of upholstered furniture with steam, which will be at a very high temperature and will clean all types of bacteria, eggs, mold, etc.
Steam cleaning is also a great way to disinfect furniture and can clean surfaces and fabrics that are stained or dirtied. Regular upholstery cleaning removes dust and improves the durability of the upholstery, making sure your furniture lasts a long time.
Conclusion on How to Clean Upholstery with A Steam Cleaner-
In conclusion, steam cleaning is an effective and chemical-free way to clean upholstery, including delicate fabrics and mattresses. However, it is important to check the furniture tag to ensure that it can handle water-based cleaning methods before steam cleaning.
Steam cleaning works by using high-temperature steam to lift stains without releasing too much moisture into the fabric and padding. It is also possible to use a mild detergent or cleaning agent with a steam cleaner to accelerate the removal of stains.
While it is possible to steam clean upholstery yourself, there is a risk of damaging the fabric if you don’t have experience using a steam cleaner.
Therefore, it may be best to hire a professional to steam clean your upholstery to ensure the best results and avoid damaging valuable furniture pieces. Overall, steam cleaning is a great option for keeping your upholstery clean and fresh.
