If you've noticed that your upholstery is looking faded and worn, you can try to clean it yourself. For bigger jobs, calling an upholstery cleaning company is a good idea. Here are some tips to try if you want to DIY.
DO Spot Clean Stains
For small, everyday stains, you can use off-the-shelf cleaners to spot treat as needed. Spills happen, messes happen, so furniture is made to withstand life. There are many stain treatments available, depending on what was spilled. However, if the stain is really large or won't come out with a spot treatment, you should call a restoration company. They have stronger stain treatments that will get the stain right out.
DON'T Soak Upholstery in Water
Upholstery should not stay wet. When moisture seeps into the furniture, it will lead to buckling or ripples on the fabric. When you clean your furniture, make sure it doesn't get soaked in water. The same can be said for really large spills. For carpets, they can wick if they get waterlogged. Any moisture lurking in the carpet will eventually come to the surface. Upholstery cleaning should be gentle and light-handed.
DO Vacuum Away Crumbs
A vacuum is a wonderful invention. For dust, dirt, crumbs, and other particles, using a vacuum is your best bet for the day-to-day. This can prevent future staining and keep the color of your furniture and carpet looking fresh and new. For carpets, though, you should have them professionally cleaned at least once a year for a tune-up. Professionals will clean anything you may have missed.
DON'T Let Colors Fade
After a while, colors will begin to fade from furniture and carpets. Sunlight, chemicals, and usage all contribute to the fading process. You'll notice it very faintly at first, but after a while, the colors will probably not look the same. That's why there are restoration services for your upholstery. A professional can treat the upholstery and bring back out the colors that were there when you originally bought the furniture. A professional will also be able to tell you when it's time to buy something new.
Upholstery cleaning is a team job. Some things you can do yourself, others should be handled by professionals. Whether you just bought a new couch or have a fading rug that you want to look like new, let a restoration company help you with the big cleaning. Call ANR Restoration today at (812) 220-0671.