Cleaning Microfiber-based Fabrics

Microfiber fabrics are sometimes used to upholster furniture. Microfiber is soft to the touch, much like suede. However, one additional selling point is that it repels water and other stains, making it an obvious choice for furniture. With that said, microfiber-upholstered furniture is not stain-proof. If you own microfiber furniture, you will probably need to clean it at some point, which can pose a challenge if you’ve never done it before. The following article can help you to get started with the correct microfiber cleaner.

Getting Started

The first step is to consult the care manual that came with your furniture. Most microfiber-upholstered products come with instructions as to which cleaning solutions to use and which to avoid.

If for some reason you no longer have the manual or if you never received one in the first place, the next place to look is the tag on your sofa or chair. The tag should be marked with one of the following letters:

  • W: Use a water-based cleaning solvent
  • S: Use a water-free cleaning solvent
  • S/W: Use either a water-based cleaning solvent or a water-free cleaning solvent
  • X: Do not use a cleaning solvent

Vacuum First

Always vacuum your microfiber furniture before using a solvent on it. If the tag of your sofa is marked with an X, a vacuum is the most you should use. Vacuuming can help you to remove dust, dirt, and particles clinging to the fabric. Make sure to use an extension hose with your vacuum, as you will need to get into small areas and crevices in the furniture. The furniture brush attachment also works well in this case.

Scrub, Scrub, Scrub

Use a dry brush to scrub stains before you apply solution. Microfiber reacts to stains differently than normal fabrics and you may find that scrubbing with a dry brush actually removes the stain. In the least, it will help to remove crusted-on particles before you apply liquid.

Remove the Cushions

In order to do a truly thorough job, you will need to remove the cushions in order to clean the undersides of the furniture. Make sure to get each side, using the vacuum and the dry brush on them before you proceed to use cleaning solution.

Using Cleaning Solution

Find the appropriate cleaning solution for your furniture. Some of the best water-based cleaning solutions include hand soap, dish detergent, upholstery shampoo, and carpet cleaner. If you need a water-free solvent, alcohol-based solvents work best. Try rubbing alcohol, clear alcohols like rum, gin, or vodka, baby wipes, or dry-cleaning solvent. If you’re not sure if the product you have chosen is correct, consult the care manual or call the company to make sure.

Tips:

  • If you’re not sure, visit the website of the furniture retailer. Get in contact to find out how to care for your furniture. You can also contact a company that specializes in cleaning furniture, as they will have some suggestions for you.
  • Try the cleaning solution on a small area of the furniture first. It’s best to try it on an area that isn’t conspicuous, for instance on the back. This way, you can ensure that you’re using the right product and you aren’t going to leave a stain on the fabric.
  • Do not over-saturate the fabric with cleaning solution. No matter what you are using, you can get away with small dabs. Use solvents sparingly and you won’t end up with stains.