How do I clean and protect upholstered furniture?
Tips for spot cleaning and protecting fabric furniture to keep it looking its best.
Upholstery Care — Spot Cleaning & Fabric Protection
Overview
Proper care keeps upholstered furniture looking fresh and comfortable. This guide provides spot cleaning instructions, fabric protection tips, and strategies to extend the life of your upholstered pieces.
Routine Maintenance
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Vacuum weekly using the upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair.
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Rotate and flip cushions regularly to even out wear and maintain shape.
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Keep upholstered furniture out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Spot Cleaning Instructions
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Act fast — the quicker you address a spill, the easier it is to remove.
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Blot, don’t rub using a clean, white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
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Check the furniture tag for the cleaning code:
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W = Water-based cleaner safe
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S = Solvent-based cleaner only
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WS = Either water- or solvent-based cleaner
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X = Professional cleaning only
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Use a mild cleaning solution recommended for the fabric type.
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Allow to air dry completely before use.
Fabric Protection
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Apply a fabric protector spray designed for upholstery to repel spills and stains.
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Reapply protection every 6–12 months, especially for high-use pieces.
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Use throws or slipcovers in busy households to reduce direct wear.
When to Call a Professional
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Stubborn stains that resist spot cleaning
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Pet damage or odor issues
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Annual deep cleaning to maintain freshness and longevity
Communication Tip
Start by clarifying the situation:
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“I can help with that! Are you looking for tips on everyday upkeep or dealing with a specific spill or stain right now?”
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“What type of upholstered piece are we talking about — a sofa, chair, or something else?”
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“Do you know if there’s a cleaning code on the furniture tag, like W, S, WS, or X?”
Quick Routine Care (General)
Use this for regular maintenance questions.
Agent:
“To keep your furniture fresh and long-lasting:
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Vacuum weekly with the upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair.
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Rotate or flip cushions regularly so they wear evenly and keep their shape.
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Keep the piece out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.”
Spot Cleaning Steps (Step-by-Step Script)
When a customer has a fresh spill or stain.
Agent:
“Here’s what to do for a spill:
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Act quickly — the faster you treat it, the easier it is to remove.
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Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, white cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible.
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Check the care tag to see what cleaner is safe:
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W = Water-based cleaners are safe.
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S = Solvent-based cleaners only.
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WS = Either type works.
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X = Professional cleaning only.
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Use a mild cleaning solution recommended for your fabric type.
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Let the area air dry completely before using it again.”
Fabric Protection Guidance
Agent:
“To prevent future stains and wear:
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Apply a fabric protector spray made for upholstery — it helps repel spills and dirt.
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Reapply every 6–12 months, especially for high-use furniture.
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In busy households, consider throws or slipcovers to shield the fabric.”
When to Call a Professional
Agent:
“If the stain doesn’t lift after spot cleaning, or if you’re dealing with pet damage, odor issues, or an annual deep clean, it’s best to call a professional upholstery cleaner.”
Objection Handling
| Customer Question | Agent Response |
|---|---|
| “I don’t see a cleaning code tag.” | “If there’s no code, it’s safest to start with a very mild soap-and-water solution on a hidden area first to test for colorfastness.” |
| “What’s the difference between W and S cleaners?” | “Water-based cleaners use water as the main ingredient, while solvent-based cleaners are chemical-based. Using the wrong type could damage the fabric, so always follow the code.” |
| “The fabric protector wore off quickly.” | “High-use pieces may need reapplication every 6 months. It’s completely normal to refresh it more often if you have kids, pets, or heavy use.” |