There is a wide array of upholstery cleaners on the market today. It can be daunting to choose one upholstery cleaner out of this assortment. To help, there are a couple of key points to consider when choosing, including price, the type of upholstery, what type of stain is present and how old the stain is, as well as personal preferences concerning scent, environmental impact and availability.
Commercial furniture cleaner is available for a wide variety of fabrics. Leather upholstery cleaner is different, for example, than wool upholstery cleaner. It is advisable to choose a fabric cleaner based upon the type of upholstery. If an individual is unsure what fabric the item he is cleaning is made of, most manufacturers, and even professional cleaners, advise testing the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot. Testing the chosen cleaning solution in a small spot also allows the consumer to see whether or not the fabric is “colorfast,” meaning the dyes in the fabric will not run or fade.
Leather upholstery cleaning can be particularly tricky, as can cotton, and for these it is recommended to use a product specifically designed for them or, if possible, see a professional upholstery cleaner. Increasingly, people are turning to homemade solutions to clean other types of upholstery, which is often seen as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get things done. For upholstery that is particularly soiled and safe to wet clean, a steam-cleaning machine may come in handy. On the other hand, for products that are labeled as “no water” only, dry cleaning products are available commercially to help as well.
If one is unsure of the fiber content, worried about undesirable results or unsure of the best way to proceed, it's best to consult a professional upholstery cleaner. When working with cleaning chemicals in the home, it's always recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and to consult a doctor if side effects like dizziness, headache or nausea occur. Some chemicals may be caustic, so it's advisable to wash the cleaning solution from any exposed skin or clothing as soon as is possible.