| A: | Furniture manufacturers and professional cleaners agree that furniture owners or users should perform regular, routine maintenance. This includes routine procedures such as vacuuming, prompt attention to spots and spills and the polishing of finished surfaces. Maintenance cleaning helps to keep the upholstery in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear.
Upholstered furniture is more susceptible to soiling on arms and seat cushions, as well as the upper inside back, headrests, pillows and skirt areas. Using arm covers and rotating seat cushions frequently prolongs fabric life and appearance.
Vacuuming and, depending on fabric durability and construction, brushing upholstery routinely is recommended to remove dust and particulate soil. Most spots and spills can be removed easily if the excess is scooped up or blotted and treated immediately with plain water or neutral spotters. If ignored, these spots may bond to fibers, possibly causing permanent stains. Immediate spot cleaning is essential. Extreme caution must be observed when spotting leather or "dry clean only" fabrics.
Periodic professional cleaning of your upholstered furniture is recommended. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the furniture's location, use and exposure to soiling. The greater the level of soiling, the less the likelihood of restoring the upholstery's original color, appearance and fabric texture. Thorough, professional cleaning should be performed by experienced, trained technicians before soiling causes permanent damage to fibers, dyes or fabric texture. |
