How to clean upholstery fabric?

To deep clean upholstery and fabric furniture, HG offers effective solutions such as HG carpet cleaner, HG stain remover extra strong and HG stain remover. These products remove dirt and stains while giving the fabric a dirt-repellent coating. There are also several household methods, such as vacuuming, dry brushing, wiping with a damp cloth and using natural cleaning products. While these can help, professional products are often more effective and safer for your upholstery. Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming weekly and treating stains immediately, helps prevent soiling from daily use, dust, pollen, food, drink and pets.

HG solutions for cleaning upholstery and fabric furniture

For deep cleaning your fabric furniture and upholstery, HG offers the following solutions:

• Use HG carpet cleaner to remove dirt from your upholstery and provide the fabric with a dirt-repellent coating. This product fills in the uneven fibre surfaces, which means dirt is less likely to stick.
• For stubborn stains, such as wine, coffee, chocolate and grease, you can use HG stain remover extra strong. This product is enhanced with active oxygen and removes even deeply embedded stains from many textile types.

For more information about cleaning your fabric sofa, you can also read our guide to cleaning a fabric sofa.

Solutions for cleaning fabric furniture

While professional cleaning products are often preferred, there are several household solutions you can try to clean your fabric furniture. Please note that these methods do not always guarantee optimal results and require caution.

• Vacuuming: Start by thoroughly vacuuming the furniture piece to remove loose dirt particles. Use a soft brush head to prevent damage to the fabric.
• Dry brushing: Use a clean, dry brush with soft bristles to loosen stubborn dirt. Brush gently in one direction to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Wiping with a damp cloth: Make a clean, soft cloth slightly damp with water and wring it out well. Dab gently on the stains and do not rub hard, to prevent colour bleeding or fabric damage.
• Natural cleaning products: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for a mild cleaning solution. Test this first on an inconspicuous area and use the solution sparingly to avoid excess moisture.

While these household solutions can help, HG stresses that they are not always the most effective or safest methods. For the best results and to prevent possible damage, it is advisable to use professional cleaning products that have been specifically developed for the type of fabric on your furniture.

Causes of upholstery soiling

There are various reasons why your upholstery can become dirty. Here are the most common:

• Daily use: Fabric furniture is used regularly and comes into contact with body oils, sweat and skin flakes, which can lead to a build-up of dirt and stains.
• Dust and pollen: Fabric surfaces attract dust and pollen, which can build up over time and make the fabric look dull.
• Food and drink: Spilling food and drink can cause stains on your upholstery, especially if not treated immediately.
• Pets: Pets can leave hair, saliva and dirt on your furniture, which can lead to stains and odours.
• Lack of regular maintenance: If you do not vacuum and deep clean your fabric furniture regularly, dirt can build up and become harder to remove.

To prevent these problems in future, it is important to maintain your fabric furniture regularly. Vacuum the fabric weekly and treat stains immediately. You might also consider having your furniture professionally cleaned periodically for a thorough deep clean. Regular maintenance not only keeps your upholstery looking fresh but also extends its lifespan significantly.