How to clean upholstered chairs effectively? A practical guide

Upholstered chairs are not just a piece of furniture, but also the key to creating a cosy and functional space. Whether in the living room, dining room or office, they add warmth and character to any interior. Unfortunately, in everyday use, even the most carefully chosen upholstered swivel chairs are prone to getting dirty — coffee stains, dust and pet hair are just some of the challenges we have to face.

Don’t worry, though! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will show you how to restore your furniture to its former glory in a simple and effective way. You’ll learn how to look after your upholstery, how to remove the most common stains, and when it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. So let’s get started!

What’s the best way to remove dust and dirt from upholstered chairs?

Daily cleaning is the key to keeping your furniture in perfect condition and preventing stubborn stains. The simplest, yet most effective, way to remove dust, crumbs and other small particles is to vacuum regularly. Use a soft-bristled brush attachment that won’t damage the fabric. Remember to vacuum not only the seat, but also the backrest and sides, especially in hard-to-reach places.

If you don’t have a hoover with a suitable attachment, a soft-bristled brush is a good alternative. Gently brush the surface, then wipe up the dirt with a damp cloth. This will prevent dust from penetrating deep into the fabric, and your upholstered chairs they will look fresh and neat for longer. Remember not to scrub the upholstery too hard, as this may damage the fabric fibres.

How do you remove coffee stains from upholstered chairs?

Coffee stains are among the most difficult to remove, but they are not impossible to get out. The key here is how quickly you react – the sooner you start treating the stain, the greater your chances of complete success. If the coffee has just been spilt, immediately blot the stain gently with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel, without rubbing. This will prevent you from pushing the dirt deeper into the fibres.

If the stain has already set into the fabric, you can try some home remedies. Prepare a solution of cold water and mild soap or washing-up liquid. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and gently dab the liquid into the stain, working from the outside in. This will prevent it from spreading. After a while, rinse the area with lukewarm water. For older, dried-on stains, you can use a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar or a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the stain, wait for it to dry, and then gently vacuum it off. Remember to always test your chosen method on an inconspicuous area of the upholstery to avoid discolouration.

How can you clean an upholstered chair using household remedies?

You often don’t need specialised, expensive products to make your upholstered chairs look fresh again. Home remedies are simple, cheap and surprisingly effective. One of the most popular is cleaning with bicarbonate of soda. Simply sprinkle it over the dry upholstery, leave it for a few hours (preferably overnight), and then vacuum thoroughly. Bicarbonate of soda is excellent at absorbing dirt, moisture and unpleasant odours.

Another effective, though often underestimated, remedy is vinegar. A mixture of vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio works brilliantly for refreshing the colour and removing light stains. Gently apply the solution to the fabric using a spray bottle and wipe with a clean cloth. Remember not to soak the upholstery. For light stains and general cleaning, you can use a solution of warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid. After applying the solution, gently wipe the surface, then remove any excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth.

How should you look after upholstered chairs to prevent discolouration?

Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to upholstered chairs, this saying takes on particular significance. To avoid permanent discolouration and damage, it is essential to take a thoughtful approach to their care. One of the biggest enemies of upholstery colour is the sun. Prolonged exposure to direct UV rays can cause fading and discolouration, so where possible, position your furniture away from windows.

Always remember the golden rule of testing. Whether you’re using a home remedy or a professional product, always test it on a small, inconspicuous patch of fabric – for example, on the underside of a chair. Wait a few minutes and check for any reaction. Also, remember that when dealing with stains, you should clean the entire surface, not just the soiled area. Spot cleaning can lead to a lighter-coloured patch that will stand out from the rest of the upholstery.

How do you remove an unpleasant odour from an upholstered chair?

Even if the upholstery looks clean, it can absorb odours that become unpleasant over time. Fortunately, there are simple ways to restore your furniture to its fresh state. Your greatest ally in the fight against unpleasant odours is bicarbonate of soda. Simply sprinkle it generously over the entire surface of the chair, gently pat it into the fabric, and after a few hours (or preferably overnight), vacuum it thoroughly. Bicarbonate of soda effectively absorbs odours and moisture without damaging the fabric.

If you need a stronger solution, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar. Vinegar is a natural odour neutraliser. Mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio, pour it into a spray bottle and gently spray the upholstery. Remember not to soak the fabric. Afterwards, leave the chair in a well-ventilated room so that it can dry naturally. The smell of vinegar will dissipate, and with it the unpleasant odour from the upholstery will disappear.

How do you remove pet hair from upholstered chairs?

Pet owners know all too well that pet hair can get deep into upholstery and be difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are a few simple yet effective ways to deal with it. The simplest, yet very effective, tool is a rubber kitchen glove. Simply dampen it slightly with water and run your hand over the surface of the chair. The pet hair will gather into small balls that are easy to remove.

Another popular solution is to use a special lint roller with an adhesive strip. It will quickly and effortlessly pick up loose hairs. If you have a vacuum cleaner, get a special upholstery attachment, which, thanks to its rotating brush, effectively removes hair from fabric. Regularly cleaning chairs, especially those frequently used by your pets, will keep them clean and prevent a build-up of pet hair.

How do you clean upholstered chairs covered in velour fabric?

Velour is an exceptionally elegant fabric that is pleasant to the touch, but at the same time delicate and requiring special care. Remember that velour chairs should always be cleaned with the grain, never against it, so as not to damage the fabric’s structure. For regular care, simply use a soft clothes brush or a soft vacuum cleaner attachment.

In the case of stains, avoid vigorous scrubbing. Instead, prepare a solution of mild soap (e.g. grey soap or velour washing liquid) and water. Gently soak a clean cloth in the solution and press it gently onto the stain, then blot up the moisture and any remaining cleaning solution with a dry, absorbent cloth. Afterwards, leave the chair to dry naturally. If the velour loses its fluffiness after cleaning, you can gently brush it with a soft brush to restore its original texture. Remember to always use gentle products and avoid soaking the fabric, as this may leave water marks.

When is it best to call in a professional company to clean upholstered chairs?

Although home remedies are often effective, we sometimes come up against challenges that are beyond our capabilities. It is worth considering calling in specialists when dealing with extremely old, dried-in stains that you have been unable to remove yourself, or when the upholstery is heavily soiled over a large area. Professional companies have advanced equipment at their disposal, such as carpet cleaners and steam cleaners, as well as specialist cleaning products tailored to specific types of fabric.

Professional cleaning is also a great option if hygiene is a priority for you. This way, you can remove dust mites, bacteria and allergens from your furniture, which is particularly important in homes with young children or people with allergies. Although this service comes at a cost, it can significantly extend the life of your furniture and make it look as good as new. Before you decide to take this step, however, you can always try refreshing your upholstered chairs using the methods we’ve mentioned earlier.

Daily care – the key to longevity

As you can see, keeping upholstered chairs clean and fresh doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Regular vacuuming, dealing with stains straight away and using simple household remedies such as bicarbonate of soda or vinegar will allow you to enjoy your beautiful furniture for many years to come. Whether you have elegant velour chairs or functional upholstered swivel chairs, proper care is key to maintaining their appearance and durability. Remember that attention to detail is of the utmost importance. However, if you feel that the problem is beyond your capabilities, you can always seek help from professionals. The most important thing is to enjoy the comfort and aesthetic appeal that your furniture offers.