Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Living Room Upholstery

Your living room upholstery works hard—it’s where you relax, entertain, and maybe even enjoy a snack or two. Over time, dirt, spills, and everyday wear can take a toll. The good news? With the right care, your upholstered furniture can look fresh and cozy for years. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for different types of upholstery materials, plus tips for stain removal and general maintenance advice.

Step 1: Identify Your Upholstery Material

Before you start cleaning, check the care label on your furniture. Most labels have cleaning codes, such as:

W: Use water-based cleaners.
S: Use solvent-based cleaners (dry cleaning only).
W/S: Safe for both water- and solvent-based cleaners.
X: Vacuum only – no water or cleaners allowed.

Understanding what type of material your furniture is made of (fabric, leather, or microfiber) is key to cleaning it safely.

Step 2: General Cleaning Steps for All Upholstery

Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and crumbs. Pay special attention to creases and seams.
Spot Test Cleaners
Always test your cleaning product in a hidden area to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.
Start with Gentle Cleaning
Begin with mild methods and move to stronger treatments only if necessary.

Now, let's break it down by material.

Cleaning Fabric Upholstery

Fabric is common and versatile but prone to collecting stains and dirt. Here's how to clean it:

What You’ll Need:

Mild dish soap
Warm water
A microfiber cloth or sponge
Soft-bristle brush (optional)

Steps:

Vacuum First
Remove all loose debris using your vacuum's upholstery attachment.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
Combine a small amount of dish soap with warm water to create suds.
Blot, Don’t Rub
Dab the soapy mixture onto stains or dirty areas using a cloth or sponge. Be gentle—rubbing can spread stains.
Rinse the Area
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any suds or residue. Avoid soaking the fabric.
Air Dry
Allow the upholstery to air dry completely before using it again. Keep the room ventilated to speed up the process.

Pro Tip: For tougher stains, you can try a fabric-specific upholstery cleaner, but always follow the product instructions.

Cleaning Leather Upholstery

Leather is durable and elegant but requires special care to maintain its supple texture and glossy look.

What You’ll Need:

Mild soap or leather cleaner
Distilled water
Soft cloths
Leather conditioner (optional)

Steps:

Wipe Off Dust and Dirt
Use a dry, soft cloth to remove surface dust.
Clean Gently
Mix a small amount of mild soap with distilled water (avoid harsh cleaners). Lightly dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe the leather.
Dry Immediately
Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any moisture. Leather should never stay wet as water can cause damage.
Condition Leather
Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep the material soft, prevent cracking, and preserve its shine.

Pro Tip: Wipe up spills on leather immediately to avoid permanent stains.

Cleaning Microfiber Upholstery

Microfiber is stain-resistant and low-maintenance but requires the correct technique to avoid watermarks.

What You’ll Need:

Rubbing alcohol or water (depending on sofa label)
Spray bottle
Soft-bristle brush or sponge
Microfiber cloth

Steps:

Vacuum First
Remove surface dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
Use Alcohol or Water Sparingly
For “S”-coded microfiber, use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. For “W”-coded, use a little water. Lightly mist the stained area.
Blot the Area
Use a sponge or cloth to dab the area gently. Avoid over-wetting the fabric.
Fluff the Fibers
Once dry, use a soft-bristle brush to restore the texture of the microfiber.

Pro Tip: Keep rubbing alcohol handy—it evaporates faster than water and works wonders for pesky stains.

Removing Common Stains

Here are quick solutions for common spills:

Coffee or Tea: Blot with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Rinse gently with a damp cloth.
Grease: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to absorb oil. Vacuum it up, then clean with a mild soap solution.
Ink: Dab with rubbing alcohol or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Blot gently until the ink lifts.
Wine: Blot with a mixture of baking soda and water, rinse with a clean cloth, and dry.

General Upholstery Maintenance Tips

Vacuum Weekly
Prevent dirt buildup by vacuuming your furniture at least once a week.
Flip Cushions
Rotate cushions regularly to avoid uneven wear and sagging.
Use Covers
Protect your upholstery with slipcovers or washable throws, especially if you have pets or kids.
Keep Away from Heat and Sun
Prolong your furniture’s life by placing it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause fading or cracking.
Clean Spills Immediately
Address spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains from setting.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll keep your living room upholstery looking immaculate. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your furniture fresh, comfy, and inviting!