Accidents happen, often leaving stubborn stains and unpleasant odours on our furniture. However, there is no need to spend a fortune by hiring professional cleaners to keep your furniture looking and smelling fresh.

With just a few easy steps, you can learn how to quickly and easily remove stains and odours from furniture using simple household items. In this article, we’ll share some top furniture cleaning tips that will help restore your furniture to its former glory.

Why You Should Clean Your Furniture?

Keeping your furniture clean is not just about maintaining its appearance but also about promoting a healthy environment for your family.

Regular cleaning can prevent wear and tear on your furnishings and help keep your home clean and hygienic.

From sofas and mattresses to wooden furnishings and carpets, each piece requires specific cleaning techniques to maintain its quality and appearance. These furniture cleaning tips will help you to tackle various cleaning tasks effectively.

Removing Odours From Your Furniture: Deodorising

Unpleasant odours can be challenging, but the right cleaning solution can help neutralise and eliminate them. Follow these steps to deodorise your furniture and get rid of unwanted smells:

1. Identify the source of the odour. Before you start cleaning, locate the source of the smell. If the scent is on a fabric surface, such as a sofa or mattress, try using baking soda to neutralise the bad odour and then deodorise with a multi-purpose cleaner(check the video below).
2. Choose the appropriate treatment. A cleaning solution containing baking soda[1] or vinegar[2] should suffice for minor odours. Consider using a specialised cleaner or deodorising spray if the smell is more severe.
3. Apply the treatment. Apply the cleaning solution or spray the affected area and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, wipe it away with a damp fabric and vacuum it.

Furniture Stain Removal Techniques

Stains can be challenging, but the right cleaning method can help you remove them effortlessly. Here’s how to apply effective stain-removal techniques:

1. Act promptly. The longer a stain sits on your furniture, the harder it is to remove. So, act fast and start cleaning the stain as soon as possible.
2. Select the right cleaning solution. Depending on the sort of stain, you may need a specific cleaning solution. For example, use a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent for food stains or rubbing alcohol for ink stains.
3. Apply the cleaning solution. Apply the cleaning solution to the affected area and let it works for a few minutes. Then, scrub it with a soft brush and rinse it with water.
4. Repeat the process if necessary. If the stain doesn’t come out on the first try, repeat the process until it does.

Additional Furniture Cleaning Tips

• Test any cleaning solution on a small, unnoticeable area first. That ensures the cleaning solution doesn’t damage your furniture or cause discolouration.
• Vacuum clean your furniture to remove any dust or debris before starting the cleaning process. It helps the cleaning solution penetrate the stain or odour more effectively.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away stains gently. Avoid using harsh scrubbing tools or chemicals that can damage your furniture.
• Always finish cleaning with water to remove any cleaning solution residue. That prevents damage to the furniture’s finish or material.
• Consider hiring a professional cleaner for tough stains or odours. If you’ve tried everything and the stain or odour still won’t come out, it’s time to call in the professionals.

Home Cleaning Solutions: Cleaning Different Types of Furniture

Now that you know the basics of removing stains and odours, let’s dive into specific home cleaning solutions for various types of furniture:

Cleaning Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs, can be challenging to clean, particularly if the fabric is delicate. Here’s how to clean upholstered furniture and carpets using effective DIY cleaning methods:

1. Vacuum first. Pull any loose dirt or debris from the fabric with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Spot-clean stains. Use a fabric cleaner to spot-clean any stains on the fabric. Be sure to test the cleaner on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric material.
3. Deodorise the fabric. To deodorise the fabric, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then, vacuum the baking soda away.

For more details, check our step-by-step guide for cleaning upholstered furniture.

Cleaning Wood Furniture

Wood furnishings are beautiful but requires special care to maintain its appearance. Here’s how to clean wood furniture with proper techniques:

1. Dusting. Use a duster or soft cloth to remove dust or debris from the wood surface.
2. Cleaning. Use a specialised wood cleaner to clean the wood surface, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
3. Polishing. Apply a wood polish to give the wood a shiny, protective finish. Ensure you choose a polish appropriate for the timber you’re cleaning.

For more detailed information on cleaning and caring for your wood furnishings, check out our comprehensive guide to cleaning wood furniture.

Cleaning Mattresses

Over time, mattresses can accumulate dust, dirt, and sweat, leading to unpleasant odours. Here’s how to clean your mattress using home cleaning solutions:

1. Vacuum the mattress. Use a hoover with a brush attachment to remove debris or loose dirt from the mattress surface.
2. Spot-clean stains. Apply a fabric cleaner to spot-clean any stains on the mattress. Remember to test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
3. Deodorise the mattress. To deodorise the mattress, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, vacuum the baking soda away.

For more tips on keeping your mattress clean and hygienic, check out our comprehensive guide to cleaning mattresses.

Final words

Cleaning your house doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the proper techniques and tools, you can easily remove stains and odours from your furniture, keeping your home looking and smelling fresh.

Remember to act quickly when you notice a stain or odour, choose the appropriate cleaning solution and test any new cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first.

With these helpful furniture cleaning tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any mess that comes your way. Happy cleaning!

Professional Upholstered Furniture Cleaning in Cork

If you need professional upholstery cleaning and live in Cork, don’t hesitate to contact our local cleaning service for assistance. With our expertise and specialised techniques, we can help you keep your furniture looking and smelling fresh, promoting a healthy and hygienic environment for your home.

So, why wait? Book your professional upholstered furniture cleaning service today and enjoy a clean and beautiful home.