PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE: FOUR EXPERT TIPS FOR UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, Mission Viejo, CA

For more than 30 years, Mission Carpet Cleaners has provided expert carpet cleaning to customers in Mission Viejo and the greater Orange County, CA area. We’ve successfully completed thousands of upholstery projects, so we think we’re qualified to provide our many loyal customers with expert tips for upholstery cleaning.

Without further ado, here are four things you can do to ensure your upholstery looks pristine year-round.

ADDRESS STAINS IMMEDIATELY

Whenever something spills on your couch, loveseat, etc. it’s critical that you take care of it post-haste. Grab a paper towel or clean white cloth and blot (don’t rub) the spill, working from the outside to the center. Rubbing a spill could make the stain bigger, an effect known in the upholstery biz as “blossoming”. Keep blotting until the stain is completely dry. Also, be sure not to over-wet the upholstery, as this could not only enlarge the stain but also dampen the padding beneath the cover, leading to mold or mildew.

REGULARLY CLEAN YOUR UPHOLSTERY

A pinch of prevention is worth an ounce of cure, and most things can be kept looking good (upholstery, floors, your car) with regular cleanings. Every week, pull out your vacuum, engage the upholstery attachment, and vacuum your soft furnishings. Of particular use is the angle-tipped “crevice tool” – if your vacuum comes with one of these, it’s perfect for cleaning folds and creases where dirt and crud collect. We also recommend taking your cushions outside once a month and hand-beating them. This keeps dust from getting too comfortable within the cushion fibers. When you’re done, flip the cushion before putting it back – this helps maintain even wear on both sides.

INVEST IN EXTRA PROTECTION

Home furnishings often constitute a significant investment – and like any investment, you want to keep it well-protected. To this end, consider buying and applying a professional-grade upholstery protector. These products don’t guarantee 100 percent protection, but they will drastically reduce the chances of permanent damage from spills and discoloration. Our upholstery cleaning experts are happy to provide you with a quote for this service, and talk further with you about the cleaning products we recommend.

TREAT YOUR UPHOLSTERY TO A DEEP CLEAN

Just like your body benefits from a yearly massage, your upholstery will benefit from a yearly deep-cleaning treatment. If your cushion covers are removable and machine-washable, throw them in the washing machine and put the water setting on cold. To prevent fading, turn the covers inside-out before washing. If your covers are “dry-clean only”, or are particularly dusty/dirty, we recommend having them professionally cleaned. This is the best way to ensure everything is cleaned thoroughly and correctly, especially when dealing with big spills that may be even larger in the padding beneath the cover.