How to Clean Upholstered Microfiber Furniture

Microfiber upholstery is a popular choice among many homeowners when it comes to furniture. This may be due to the fact that microfiber is both luxurious looking and is just begging to be lounged upon.

Furniture made of microfiber resembles furniture that is made of suede. Despite this, the difference is night and day.

Suede is similar to leather as it is made from the flesh side of an animal hide, while leather is made from the outer layer.

Compare that to microfiber, which is a man-made fiber. Ultra-thin strands of polyester and nylon are wound together to create upholstery that is durable, hypoallergenic and attractive for your home.

Now, being both water resistant and dust proof, you may think to yourself, "what's the catch?"

Well, let me tell you.

Even though microfiber is easy to clean, just like anything else, it is vulnerable to stains if you aren't careful. This is why I have some common sense cleaning tips for your beloved microfiber upholstered furniture.

So if you have a stain, there is no need to fret! Just follow my advice that is listed below.

Prior to Cleaning:

Before trying a new cleaning method, always do a spot check in an inconspicuous place beforehand. If the color is affected, do not use!

To avoid water rings or stains, do not over saturate the area you are cleaning. If you happen to do this, clean the stain as soon as possible as this will make your job so much easier.

Check The Fabric Label:

All furniture products and fabric coverings have a label with the recommended cleaning method to use.

You might find the tag with the cleaning codes on a printed label under the seat cushions, on the underside of your couch or chair or on fabric samples.

These labels are extremely useful when it comes to cleaning your upholstered microfiber furniture.

• W: use water-based cleaning solutions.
• S: use a water-free dry-cleaning solvent.
• S-W: use S or W type cleaners.
• X: vacuum or brush the upholstery lightly to remove dirt.

Always Avoid These Chemicals:

When it comes to cleaning microfiber upholstery, there are several types of cleaning solutions that you should never try. They include:

• Bleach or products containing bleach.
• Nail polish remover.
• Carpet cleaners.
• Standard upholstery cleaners.

Furniture made with microfiber upholstery is a bit more challenging to work with than regular fabrics, but they do tend to hold up well if vacuumed regularly and cleaned with the proper products.

Use The Right Kind Of Cleaner:

If you elect to use a commercial product, make sure you buy the correct cleaner.

If you received a manual with your furniture, check and see what products the manufacturer recommends to clean your microfiber upholstery. If you can't find any information, it is perfectly fine to call the furniture store where you purchased your piece.

I have microfiber furniture and I use Resolve Carpet/Multi-Fabric Cleaner when cleaning it. The reason for this is because it is highly concentrated and does an amazing job at removing dirt and odors. Also, it is safe for carpets and various types of fabrics so you know you'll be getting your money's worth!

Cleaning Non-Water Safe Microfiber Upholstery:

If the label on your microfiber upholstery clearly states that you cannot use a water-soluble product, you need to go by a whole different set of rules.

1. Vacuum your microfiber furniture thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt or debris, as you do not want these to get trapped in the fabric once you begin cleaning.
2. You will need to find a gentle dry-detergent to solve your cleaning woes. Lightly brush your dry-detergent of choice into the stained or dirty area with a soft bristle brush.
3. Vacuum to remove all the dry-detergent.
4. Repeat if necessary.

If this method does not work well enough, you may want to think about calling a professional cleaner.

Cleaning Water Safe Microfiber Upholstery:

1. Blot up any excess moisture with a clean, colorfast cloth.
2. Spray the soiled area with the cleaner.
3. Blot at the stain gently with a clean, damp, colorfast sponge.
4. Rinse the sponge and cloth and repeat if necessary.
5. Blot any excess moisture from fabric with a clean colorfast cloth.

How to Remove Microfiber Upholstery Stains:

The supplies needed to remove stains from your microfiber furniture:

• Vacuum cleaner and a soft brush attachment.
• Gentle liquid soap such as Dove.
• Lukewarm water.
• Soft bristled brush.
• Clean, cotton rags.

This cleaning method will help to remove a variety of stains, including but not limited to: ink, red wine, mustard, soda, tea and coffee.

Keep in mind that if you are trying to remove a large stain from your microfiber furniture, I advise that you working in sections, as this will help you achieve the best results.

1. If there is a spill on your furniture, hurry and grab some paper towels or rags and start dabbing the liquid. 
2. Do not rub or scrub, as this can cause the stain to set. The key is to absorb as much of the liquid as possible while not damaging your furniture in the process.
3. Let your furniture air dry before moving on to the next step.
4. Remove any miscellaneous dirt and grime by vacuuming your furniture with the soft brush attachment.
5. Add a couple squirts of the gentle liquid soap to a bowl and then fill the bowl with lukewarm water. This should cause lots of suds or bubbles, which will be used for cleaning.
6. Dip a clean, cotton rag into the suds and start lightly dabbing the upholstery. Clean gently and work in small circular motions. If necessary, dip the rag in the water until it is slightly damp, but be sure you do not over saturate!
7. Take a clean, dry rag and blot your microfiber upholstery until it is dry.
8. If, when dry, your furniture is not as exquisite as it was prior to cleaning it, take a soft bristled brush and lightly brush in one direction. Repeat again if necessary.

Keeping Your Microfiber Looking Great:

Properly caring for your furniture can provide you years of comfort. However, you need to follow these rules to keep your microfiber upholstery in tip-top shape:

• Vacuum your furniture with a soft brush attachment weekly.
• Clean all spills immediately! Microfiber might be water resistant, but rings and stains from liquids can form if not cleaned and dried correctly.
• If your microfiber upholstery isn't as soft as it once was, lightly run a soft brush through it.

Image Courtesy of Elizabeth Burnett, CC BY-ND Flickr.

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