8 Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Mistake #1: Skipping the Care Label

The first thing you need to do before cleaning your upholstery is to check the care label. The care label will tell you what kind of fabric your upholstery is and how to clean it. Some fabrics are more sensitive than others and need special care or products. For example, some fabrics can go in the washing machine, while others need dry cleaning or spot cleaning only. Some fabrics can handle hot water, while others need cold water or warm water. Some fabrics can take bleach, while others will lose their color or get damaged if you use bleach. If you ignore the care label, you could end up ruining your upholstery or making the stains worse.

Mistake #2: Picking the Wrong Cleaning Products

Another mistake you could make is using the wrong cleaning products for your upholstery. Not all cleaning products work for all fabrics or stains. Some products are too strong or rough and can harm the fabric, change its color, or leave a residue. Some products are not strong enough and won't remove the stains or will spread them more. Some products don't mix well with each other and can cause bad reactions that can hurt your upholstery or your health. To avoid this mistake, you should always test a small hidden area of your upholstery with the cleaning product before using it on the whole thing. You should also follow the directions on the product label and use the right amount and way of applying it.

Mistake #3: Scrubbing Like Crazy

When you see a tough stain on your upholstery, you may want to scrub it hard with a brush or a cloth. But that's a big no-no that can make things worse. Scrubbing too hard can damage the fabric, make it fuzzy, rip it, or push the stain deeper into the fibers. Scrubbing too hard can also spread the stain to a bigger area or create more stains by transferring dirt from the brush or cloth to the upholstery. Instead of scrubbing like crazy, you should blot the stain gently with a clean white cloth or paper towel, starting from the outside and moving inwards. You should also use a soft circular motion instead of a back-and-forth motion to avoid rubbing the stain into the fabric.

Mistake #4: Drying in the Sun

After rinsing your upholstery, you may want to speed up the drying process by putting it in the sun. But that's another mistake that can damage your upholstery over time. Drying in the sun can cause fading, discoloration, or cracking of your upholstery, especially if it's made of natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk. Drying in the sun can also cause uneven drying, which can result in bending or wrinkling of the fabric. To avoid this mistake, you should dry your upholstery in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. You should also avoid using artificial heat sources like hair dryers, heaters, or irons, as they can also harm your upholstery.

Mistake #5: Not Dealing with Spills Right Away

Spills are bound to happen when you have upholstery in your home. Whether it's coffee, wine, juice, sauce, or anything else, spills can happen anytime and anywhere. But how you handle them can make a big difference in how your upholstery looks and smells later. Many people make the mistake of ignoring spills or waiting too long to deal with them, which can result in permanent stains or smells on their upholstery. To avoid this mistake, you should deal with spills right away as soon as they happen. You should blot the spill with a clean white cloth or paper towel, getting rid of as much liquid as possible. You should then use a suitable cleaning product on the affected part and rinse it well. You should also dry the part completely to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Mistake #6: Not Making It Smell Good

Cleaning your upholstery is not enough to make it smell good. You also need to make it smell good regularly to get rid of any bad smells that may stick to your upholstery due to spills, pets, smoke, or other sources. But many people make the mistake of not making their upholstery smell good or using the wrong products to do so. Some products may cover up the smells temporarily but not get rid of them completely. Some products may contain chemicals that can harm your upholstery or your health. Some products may leave traces that can attract more dirt and bacteria. To avoid this mistake, you should make your upholstery smell good with natural products that are safe and effective. For example, you can use baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or essential oils to neutralize smells and make your upholstery smell fresh.

Mistake #7: Not Protecting Your Upholstery

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to keeping your upholstery clean and fresh. However many people make the mistake of not protecting their upholstery from possible sources of damage or stains. For example, some people may expose their upholstery to direct sunlight, which can cause fading or cracking. Some people may let their pets or kids jump on their upholstery, which can cause tearing or scratching. Some people may eat or drink on their upholstery, which can cause spills or stains. To avoid this mistake, you should protect your upholstery with covers, slipcovers, throws, or blankets that can shield it from dirt, dust, sunlight, or spills. You should also teach your pets or kids to respect your upholstery and keep them away from it when possible.

Mistake #8: Not Hiring a Professional Upholstery Cleaning Service

While you can do a lot to keep your upholstery clean and fresh by yourself, there are some situations where you may need the help of a pro. For example, if your upholstery is super stained or dirty beyond your ability to clean it. If your upholstery is made of delicate fabrics that need special care or equipment. If your upholstery has mold or mildew growth that is a health hazard. If your upholstery has bad smells that you can't get rid of by yourself. If you want to bring back the original beauty and quality of your upholstery. Calling a pro can save you time, money, and trouble in the long run. A pro can use advanced techniques and products to deep clean your upholstery without damaging it. A pro can also give you advice on how to take care of your upholstery after the cleaning.

If you're looking for a trustworthy and affordable pro in Saskatoon, SK, and the surrounding areas, look no further than North Star Cleaning & Restoration Inc. We have years of experience in providing top-notch cleaning services for residential and commercial clients. We have trained and certified technicians who can handle any kind of upholstery cleaning project with ease and efficiency. We have state-of-the-art equipment and eco-friendly products that can ensure a thorough and safe cleaning of your upholstery. 

North Star Cleaning & Restoration Inc. is the go-to provider of upholstery cleaning services in Saskatoon, SK, and the surrounding areas. Our comprehensive and reliable services are suitable for any kind of upholstery cleaning project. Contact us now on (306) 374-7827 to learn more about our services and get a free quote.