Keeping your fabric recliner clean helps maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. Cleaning fabric upholstery typically involves a few key steps, often utilizing a cleaning solution that creates a beneficial foaming action to lift dirt and grime.
Getting Started: Preparation is Key
Before you begin cleaning, it's crucial to prepare the chair and gather your supplies.
1. Check the Fabric Care Tag
Look for a tag on your recliner that provides cleaning instructions. This tag usually has codes:
- W: Use water-based cleaners.
- S: Use solvent-based cleaners (water-free).
- W/S: Use either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
- X: Only vacuum or brush (do not use liquid cleaners).
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Gather Your Supplies
Depending on your fabric type and the care tag, you might need:
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Soft brush or microfiber cloth
- Appropriate fabric cleaner (water-based, solvent-based, or a mild detergent solution)
- Clean towels or microfiber cloths
- Spray bottle (for water-based solutions)
- Bucket
- Fan or good ventilation
3. Vacuum Thoroughly
Start by vacuuming the entire recliner to remove loose dirt, dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Use the crevice tool to get into seams and corners.
The Cleaning Process
Once prepped, you can proceed with cleaning spots or the entire chair.
1. Spot Cleaning
- Test your cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
- Apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean cloth, not directly to the stain.
- Blot the stain gently from the outside edge inward. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.
- For water-based solutions, you might see a nice little foaming action. As the reference video highlights around the 1:50 mark, this foam is great because it helps uplift the dirt and grime from the fabric fibers.
- Rinse the area by blotting with a clean cloth dampened with plain water (if using a water-based cleaner).
- Blot dry with a clean, dry towel.
2. Cleaning the Entire Chair (If Applicable)
If the tag allows for overall cleaning (W or W/S code), you can clean the entire surface after spot treating.
- Follow the instructions on your specific fabric cleaner product.
- For water-based cleaners, you might apply a solution that produces a foaming action. Remember, this foam assists in lifting embedded dirt. Work in small sections.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work the cleaner into the fabric.
- Wipe or blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the cleaner and lifted dirt.
- Follow up by blotting with a dry cloth.
3. Rinse (If Needed and Applicable)
If using a cleaning solution that requires rinsing, use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to gently wipe or blot the cleaned areas. Be careful not to over-wet the fabric.
4. Drying
- Blot the fabric thoroughly with dry towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Allow the chair to air dry completely. Open windows, use fans, or place the chair in a well-ventilated area to speed up drying and prevent mildew.
- Avoid using the chair until it is fully dry.
Practical Tips for Fabric Recliner Cleaning
- Always test cleaners first.
- Work from top to bottom when cleaning the whole chair.
- Don't saturate the fabric, as this can damage the cushions or frame and lead to mold or mildew.
- Clean spills immediately.
- Regular vacuuming prevents dirt buildup, reducing the need for deep cleaning.
By following these steps, paying attention to your fabric type, and understanding how cleaning actions like foaming help lift dirt, you can effectively clean your fabric recliner.
