Keep your chairs looking brand new with this quick project
From paw prints to spilled drinks, upholstered furniture can get in some sticky situations from everyday use. But learning how to clean upholstered chairs can be all you need to restore them to their former glory—and the job only takes about an hour. In this guide, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean chair upholstery.
Some over-the-counter or DIY stain removers can make stains worse. If you are unsure of the material and the stain is over a week old, a professional cleaner will know the correct solution to use.
Not all upholstered chairs are made the same. Each has a designated way to safely clean it without damaging it, which you can find on its cleaning code. You can locate this information on your chair’s tag, which is often attached to the bottom. Here are the codes that’ll help you learn how to clean upholstered chairs properly:
W: You can clean this furniture with a water-based solution. A W code means it’s typically safe to use an upholstery cleaning solution.
S: You can only use a dry cleaning solution. You can’t use water on this fabric, since it can damage it.
W/S: You can use a water-based cleaner or dry cleaning solvent. Using a water-based solution first is recommended; if that doesn’t work, try a solvent.
X: You can’t clean this fabric and can only use a vacuum on it.
No tag: If you’ve looked all over and there’s no code on your chair, check the manufacturer’s website to see if you can find information there.
Always test your solution in a small, hidden area, especially if you’re cleaning suede or another delicate fabric.
Using the proper attachments, vacuum your chair to remove all dirt and debris before applying the cleaning solution. With this step, you can avoid spreading more dirt on your chair and potentially worsening it. Start at the top of your chair and work your way down slowly and methodically. Don’t forget to vacuum between the crevices to catch those hidden crumbs.
Ideally, you’ll want to figure out what caused the stain you want to tackle. If you know what it is, use the appropriate cleaning solution to get rid of it. If you’re dealing with a mystery stain, a multi-purpose DIY cleaner or store-brought upholstered solution should do the trick. Let’s look at what you need to clean chair upholstery furniture by codes.
To remove stains:
1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of isopropyl alcohol
Once created, put the mixture in a spray bottle.
As a general cleaning solution:
1/4 cup of liquid dish soap
4 cups of warm water
Grab a large bowl and mix the supplies until there’s a layer of suds.
Put two cups of isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle for a DIY solution that’s safe to use on fabrics with an S cleaning code.
If you’re cleaning leather, create a solution with four parts water and one part isopropyl alcohol (undiluted alcohol can damage leather).
To clean upholstered chairs, lightly spritz the cleaning solution on your chair, then let it sit for two minutes. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently dab the stain until it’s gone. If this isn’t working, try using a little more force.
For furniture with S cleaning codes, use your DIY mixture and lightly spray the stain, then dab the area with a microfiber cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone. If this doesn’t remove the stain, consider using a dry cleaning solvent (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Solvents have volatile chemicals, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated space—outdoors is ideal—and wear the appropriate protective gear.
After you’ve treated all the stains on your furniture, for fabric with a W or W/S cleaning code, get a soft microfiber cloth and dip it into suds, not the water. Then gently scrub the mixture into the entire upholstered surface. Rinse your cloth in a separate bowl with only water to help keep your suds clean. You’ll want to ensure you don’t let your furniture get saturated with the solution. If you feel your chair is getting too wet, use a paper towel to remove all the excess moisture.
For S cleaning codes, it’s best to hire an upholstery cleaner near you if the chair needs a full cleaning. This will ensure your furniture is properly cleaned and will limit your exposure to chemicals.
Once your chair with a W or W/S code is clean, dampen a fresh cloth with water to rinse your furniture of any remaining cleaning solution. Using a separate bowl, periodically submerge the cloth in clean water and ring it out. Repeat until you don’t feel a soapy residue on your chair. Then use a dry microfiber cloth to remove most of the liquid.
If you spot cleaned a stain on a chair with an S cleaning code and noticed it’s still a little damp, use a dry cloth to blot out any remaining solution.
After everything’s done, let your upholstered chair air dry. Consider using a fan to speed up the process.
Since you can typically clean your upholstered furniture with products you have around your home, this is a simple DIY for most homeowners. However, there are situations in which it’s best to bring in a pro. For example, if you’re unsure what fabric your chair is, what cleaning code it has (or if it has an X code), or if it's vintage or antique furniture, you should hire a local upholstery cleaner. They’ll have the supplies and expertise necessary to thoroughly clean your furniture without damaging it. Upholstery cleaning costs $170 per piece, on average.
To prevent water spots from appearing on your upholstered chairs after cleaning, avoid saturating the furniture or applying water directly on it, and don’t use direct heat to dry it. Instead, use damp (not wet) cloths and suds from water-based solutions and let your chairs air dry inside.
Once you’re done cleaning your upholstered chairs, here are a few ways you can keep them looking fresh for longer:
Use removable chair covers that are machine washable
Blot spills as soon as you see them
Consider treating the fabric with a stain protector
