So you want to clean Dad’s chair before the holiday comes in. We don’t blame you… it probably doesn’t smell great and looks a little worse for wear. But he loves it. So before you Google “cleaning antique upholstery near me,” take some time to understand the basics of cleaning antique upholstery. You may find that cleaning antique upholstery isn’t as intimidating or challenging as you thought.
First, a Warning: Don’t Beat Your Antiques!
An old wives’ tale suggests beating dust and other debris from your upholstery is a good way to remove those particles easily.
We say that if you don’t actually care about the condition of your vintage upholstery, especially upholstery, on an antique piece of furniture, then go ahead and beat it. However, if you want to maintain the original quality of that furniture, then we suggest you refrain from hitting it with anything.
Striking furniture with a whisk or beater doesn’t remove significant dirt, regardless of its fabric.
Just don’t do it.
Surface Clean and Airing Out
Your first step is the easiest. First, clean surface dirt from the old upholstery. This can be a little tricky, depending on the age and condition of the fabric, but for the most part, a vacuum with a gentle upholstery brush should do the trick. A gentle brush with a handheld brush will typically result in a solid surface cleaning.
Note that you don’t want to use anything with harsh bristles, as this can loosen fabric or exacerbate existing issues in the upholstery itself.
Once you’ve done an initial surface cleaning, then go ahead and let your furniture air out. This can be accomplished in an enclosed but open space in your home, especially a place with open circulation. While this step is less necessary for furniture that hasn’t been used heavily (or furniture that hasn’t been sitting in musty storage spaces), it always helps with any “old” smell that sometimes accompanies antique furniture.
Extraction Foam Cleaning Vs. Steam Cleaning
For deep cleaning antique upholstery, there are two approaches to consider:
- Steam Cleaning is easy and gets deep dirt out of fabric. Steam cleaners are typically available for rent, are easy to use, and don’t cost much. However, using hot water on older fabric can prove problematic if it causes the fabric to shrink or weaken. And as stated above, using chemicals can also prove to be a problem, so always test.
- Extraction foam cleaning, a “dry” method, is also an option. Using specialty cleaning foams, you can directly apply the cleaning agent to the fabric without direct water contact. After a period of time (typically outlined by the product), you can gently remove the cleaner with a dry or wet cloth. This method isn’t truly “dry” but doesn’t require heated water or high-pressure cleaning. However, It carries the same issues as any cleaning agent, so test on an unobtrusive location on the furniture.
Regular Care and Maintenance
Beyond deep cleaning antique upholstery, always regularly care for old, heavily-used furniture. That means
- Clean stains and sports immediately when they happen.
- Don’t eat or drink on upholstered chairs to avoid smelly and unsightly stains.
- Don’t smoke cigars, cigarettes, or other tobacco products on or near the furniture to avoid lingering smells.
- Keep the furniture out of direct sunlight if possible, as the UV rays can damage the upholstery and lighten the coloring.
- Don’t jump on or scoot furniture around.
Following some of these basics, you can take Dad’s old chair and make it look and smell as good as new. However, just because you can doesn’t mean that you always will, and that is in part because different fabrics, cleaners, and techniques produce different results.
When in doubt, go with the pros. Call your trusted cleaning antique upholstery professional to give you an estimate on how to clean Dad’s old chair without damaging it. The peace of mind is worth the cost.
Many carpet warranties also require regular cleaning, with proof of that cleaning, in case you need to file a claim. In these cases, you want a professional cleaner to do the work so that you don’t invalidate your warranty.
Preventative Measures for Carpet Health
Following a few basic routines, you can also minimize dirt and allergens from sticking to your carpet.
- Institute a “no shoes” policy in your home. If your family doesn’t wear their shoes in your home, then they aren’t going to track dirt throughout your house.
- Place floor mats strategically, including where people enter and exit the home.
- Use rugs to cover high-traffic areas. These rugs can take some of the brunt of the damage from foot traffic, reducing wear and tear. Don’t forget that you should also clean these rugs and the carpeted area underneath.
Protect Your Carpet and Keep Your Home Inviting
There is more than one reason to make sure your carpets stay clean. You’ll want to maintain the warranty on your carpet in case of damage, and you’ll want to have a clean carpet that doesn’t trap pollen, dust, mold, or other allergens.
But perhaps most importantly, you’ll want a carpet that makes your home warm and inviting. You want your family to be comfortable and your guests to feel welcome. Nothing says uncomfortable or uninviting like a dirty carpet.
So, maintain your carpet regularly. Ensure you vacuum and spot clean when necessary and take preventative measures to clean antique upholstery that protects your carpet from wear. Most importantly, ensure that a professional carpet cleaner regularly cleans the carpet. This helps keep the carpet clean and disinfected.
Your carpet shouldn’t be the last thing on your mind. But, if you take a few easy steps, you can make carpet maintenance easy. Contact us today for cleaning antique upholstery!