How often should I deep clean furniture? As winter approaches, everyone begins to spend a lot more time inside. This means spending more time on your couches and other furniture. But, this can also be a reminder to you of how dirty your furniture can really get. Your couch is probably the filthiest item in your home since it cannot be easily wiped down, like your countertops and floors. Read on to learn how often you should consider having your upholstery cleaned.
Frequency of Cleaning Upholstery
How often should I clean my couch? Keep in mind that just spot cleaning and vacuuming is okay, but not the same as having your couch deep cleaned. Frequent spot cleaning is good because it can eliminate dirt and other debris from your couch. Surface cleaning is also good because it can lighten stains that are obvious.
But, this type of cleaning alone is just a minor part of cleaning your couch. This is where deep cleaning comes in. Deep cleaning eliminates allergens that are hiding beneath the surface of your couch and cushions. With professional cleaning equipment, these particles and allergens cannot be removed. With that being said, you should consider having your couches cleaned every few months if you have kids or pets. Otherwise, you can have your couches cleaned twice a year at the most.
Filthy Couches & Health Hazards
Upholstered furniture such as couches can hold a lot of dirt and even trap allergens. They can actually trap these particles and act as an air filter. While this may seem to have a positive impact on the air quality in your home, that is only temporary. This is because it only takes a short amount of time before the fibers in your couches begin to accumulate particles and other contaminants that can result in health hazards.
Many people spend a great amount of time on their couches, without ever cleaning them. This means that body oils and filthy clothes leave your couches dirty and full of allergens. These can then be spread throughout the rest of your home. If you have pets, it can worsen the situation because pets can leave behind urine, feces, hair, and more on your furniture. These can greatly impact the quality of air in your home, which can become problematic for your health if you don’t have your furniture cleaned frequently.
Final Thoughts
It is necessary to have your upholstery cleaned professionally on a regular basis. This is an important part of keeping your home clean and keeping everyone in your home healthy. Spot cleaning is helpful, but deep cleaning is the only way to remove allergens that hide way beneath the surface of your furniture.
When you bought your couch, it looked pristine and you promised you’d keep it that way. So what happened? Well, you weren’t very realistic with making that promise, especially if you have kids or pets.
Fortunately, we have some furniture stain removal tips to help you out.
What to do before you clean common couch stains
Here are some pre-cleaning tips:
- Look at the tags and the manufacturer’s instructions: If you kept the manual for your couch, take a look at how they recommend to deal with stains. Even if you lost it, you can check the tag on the couch. This will include codes like: W (use water to clean); S (do not use water to clean; instead use a solvent-based cleaner); WS (use water or a solvent-based cleaner); or X (professional cleaning required).
- Vacuum: You’ll need a vacuum to whisk away any excess dirt or debris.
- Test out the area: If you’re not sure which type of cleaner to use, start by testing out a less-visible area and see how it looks.
Mud and dirt
Your child or your dog has darted into the house covered in mud or dirt—and gone straight for the furniture. This is one of the most common couch stains. Take a deep breath, and then do the following:
- Let the stain dry;
- Vacuum away any loose debris;
- Apply a solution using a sponge on the stain;
- Blot it dry, and then repeat as needed.
Red wine
This is one of those stains that appears like it will never go away, but don’t panic—follow these steps:
- Use a dry towel or cloth to blot the area dry;
- Pour a bit of carbonated water on the stain, and then blot dry;
- Make a mixture of a quarter cup of baking soda and ⅛ cup of water;
- Put the paste on the stain; let it dry; then vacuum away the excess.
Coffee
Maybe you weren’t so sharp before having your morning cup and dropped it on the couch. Have no fear, and do the following:
- Mix a bit of detergent with warm water;
- Use a paper towel to blot away the stain.
Butter and oil
These common cooking ingredients are liable to find their way onto your couch. To remove them:
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain;
- Allow it to sit for 20 minutes to lift out the grease;
- Use a vacuum on the stained area;
- Take a bit of dish soap and scrub the area using a soft item such as a toothbrush;
- Blot the area clean using a moist paper towel.
Whether you’re looking for furniture stain removal or carpet cleaning, Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center is the name to trust. Since 1948, we’ve been serving our customers with reliable, affordable service. We only use the most up-to-date cleaning equipment and the best-quality products when cleaning your floors, furniture, rugs and tiles. Give us a call today to find out more and request a free quote.
Wicker outdoor furniture is a staple in many patio setups in South Amboy, NJ. Not only is wicker beautiful, it is also versatile and comes in a wide variety of different colors, shapes and looks to match every décor style.
But even more than this, wicker as it is used for outdoor furniture is exceptionally durable and long lasting. The wicker material is woven together, reinforcing its strength even in the face of harsh weather elements. For outdoor use, there could perhaps be no better match.
What is wicker, anyway?
Wicker is rattan, bamboo or other reeds woven together to create a solid surface. The materials of the wicker can be molded into just about any type of furniture, from side tables to rocking chairs. Wicker can be used indoors and outdoors for plant stands, coffee tables and even entire dining tables. Its versatility is what has made it a particularly popular choice for outdoor patio setups.
One thing to look out for when purchasing wicker furniture is loose weaving, which can result in loose strands of reed or bamboo sticking out in various directions and causing discomfort. Additionally, look out for wicker furniture that is crafted too upright or lacks the ability to add cushions. This can also be uncomfortable and may detract from the outdoor patio experience for you and your guests.
Why is wicker used outdoors?
First and foremost, wicker is used outdoors in South Amboy, NJ because it is easy to maintain. Wicker is made of materials that don’t rot or succumb to water damage easily. In fact, wicker discourages mold growth. Wicker materials also prevent infestations of bugs or mites.
Wicker is lightweight, too. This makes it easy to move around or transfer indoors at the outset of winter. Additionally, it is safe for small children in that it’s delicate yet substantial. Wicker furniture will not tip easily.
One of the best reasons wicker is great for every outdoor patio is that it can be customized to best reflect your space. Not only does wicker come in a variety of different shades and lacquers, but you can also add unique pillows and cushions to reflect your unique style.
Although it’s exceptionally easy to maintain, outdoor wicker furniture in South Amboy, NJ still needs some attention. To keep wicker furniture strong year after year, use a protective spray to coat the outside of your chairs or tables. This will deter water damage and mildew, enhancing the wicker’s strength and durability for the long term. For even better protection, look for a resin-based wicker—furniture made of this type of wicker will only need to be wiped clean when it gets dusty.
You may spend a good amount of money investing in a set of wicker chairs or tables, but you will also be able to rest easy knowing that your investment will last for years, require little to no maintenance and serve as a comfortable relaxation place for all your guests and family.
For more information on cleaning services for your wicker outdoor furniture in South Amboy, NJ, contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Cleaning today.
Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements day and night, meaning it can get dirty fast. Especially if you have white or light-colored cushions, furniture or outdoor rugs, dirt can show quickly, look unseemly and deter guests from enjoying the space.
But keeping your outdoor furniture clean in South Amboy, NJ, requires only a few simple steps. Fortunately, regular upkeep is not only achievable, but when incorporated into a routine, can take just a few minutes a day to complete.
Maintain fabrics and textiles outdoors
One of the best ways to keep your outdoor pillows, couches and rugs clean is to use a protective, water-resistant spray. A generous coating of this spray prevents dirt from getting ground into fabric during cleaning. You can also use it on your outdoor umbrella.
A protective spray also mitigates water damage. Even so, during a heavy rain, it is always best to store cushions and other removable fabrics away in a wicker chest or garage.
Excessively windy and stormy weather can blow all sorts of leaves and debris around, and your outdoor textiles will not be spared. As odd as it sounds, using a leaf blower or small handheld broom to take care of this loose debris after a storm is quick and painless. Waiting to clear debris from your outdoor furniture will only allow dirt to settle, and make cleanup more difficult. Don’t delay—clear your outdoor spaces regularly and save yourself the headache later.
One last line of defense is to use a removable outdoor couch or furniture cover. Because it’s machine-washable, cleanup is as simple as removing the dirty fabric and replacing it after a quick cycle. If this isn’t possible for you, however, an all-purpose cleaner can be great for spot-cleaning especially dirty areas. Let the cleaner soak for heavier stains before scrubbing.
Create a checklist
Daily or weekly upkeep is a chore, but putting it off is worse. Buildup of dirt and water can permanently damage your outdoor furniture if left unaddressed for long stretches of time. That’s why having a daily or weekly checklist can help you spend less time over the long run caring for your outdoor furniture.
The items to include on your checklist vary depending on the region you live in. Consider how much rain you get, how much time you spend using your outdoor furniture and the features of the furniture you own.
If you get a lot of rain and don’t expect to use your outdoor furniture during the winter, retire it in the late months of fall to protect it for another season. If you live in a sunny region where your outdoor furniture gets used all year long, dusting may be your top priority.
Different types of furniture require different types of care. Check the cleaning and maintenance requirements on the tag or packaging when you purchase new furniture for your outdoor patio. Save these in a book or bin for easy access and reminders.
For more information on keeping outdoor pillows and furniture clean in South Amboy, NJ, contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center.
Fabric Protection Warranty Plan