The fact that your fabric chairs are stained does not mean you should thrash them. You can how to clean fabric chairs and apply the knowledge when the need arises.
Most times, vacuuming the chairs can help remove dust and stains. However, there are some stubborn stains that would require extra effort when cleaning.
For proper cleaning, it is important to know the type of upholstered fabric used for your chairs.
1. Types of Upholstered Fabric
Listed below are the different types of fabrics used in covering fabric chairs.
1.1. Code S
On a chair with a Code S fabric, you should use only a water-free solvent to remove stains. When using chemicals, make sure that the room is well-ventilated. You should also make sure no open flames are found closeby.
1.2. Code X
Make sure that the Code X fabric is only cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional. This fabric is very fragile so, the use of any kind of cleaning product can lead to shrinking.
1.3. Code W
You can use a water-based solvent to clean this fabric. For the Code W-S fabric, you can make use of either solvent-based or water-based solvent.
These fabrics can be detected by the tags placed by the manufacturers. In a situation where there are no tags, you can test the different cleaning solutions on an unnoticeable area just to see how the fabric would react.
2. How Often Should You Clean an Upholstered Chair
You will agree that there are stains that should be cleaned immediately. Using a blunt knife, you can lift any form of solid stain from the chair.
It is not right to rub in the stain in a bid to get it out. This would extensively shove the stain into the fabric.
It is advisable to vacuum your upholstered chairs weekly to remove any form of stain. The overall cleaning should be done regularly.
3. Best Products to Clean Fabric Chairs
There are specialized products you can use to remove stains from upholstered chairs. These products would work perfectly to get rid of stains and leave your chair spot clean.
3.1. Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator
This product is best used on stained and smelly seats. It is used to remove stains like pet urine, vomit, feces, and even lingering odors.
You shouldn’t worry about your kids or pets always messing up your fabric seats because this cleaner can change your upholstery.
3.2. OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover
This cleaner is an all-in-one stain remover that can get rid of stains from rugs, clothes, tiles, and chairs. If you’re looking to deep clean your fabric seats, you should try this product.
This cleaner can help eliminate wine, food, ink, grease, and blood stains in no time. It will make your chairs look brighter and brand new.
3.3. Woolite Upholstery Cleaner Stain Remover
This cleaner will help remove odors, refresh your upholstery and protect your seats. It can also eliminate stubborn stains like pet vomits and feces.
The Woolite cleaner can be used on your carpets and upholstered furniture. It comes with an easy-to-use bottle and no form of diluting is required.
3.4. Chemical Guys Fabric Cleaner
This cleaner used the power of biotechnology to clean furniture, fabric chairs, carpets, and upholstery. It is an easy-to-use cleaner that can get rid of even the toughest stains.
The chemical guy cleaner will renew your dining chairs, couches, and office chairs in no time.
4. Materials Needed for Cleaning
- Plastic buckets
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- soft-bristled brush
- Electric mixer
- Dry cleaning solvent
- Dish soap
- Commercial upholstery cleaner
- Vacuum with a hose
- Medium bowls
- White vinegar
5. How to Clean Fabric Chairs
There are different approaches to take in cleaning fabric chairs.
Let’s look at some of them
5.1. Focus on the Heavily Soiled Areas
When you know the source of the stain, you’ll be able to treat the stain accordingly. Using a commercial cleaner, you can remove stains by following the instructions or by making a homemade solution.
You should pay keen attention to the headrests and arms when cleaning as they are usually heavily soiled from body oils.
5.2. Clean with a Steam Cleaner
Follow these steps if you are cleaning with a steam cleaner.
1. Confirm from the care label if your fabric is suitable for steam cleaning
2. Make sure to vacuum the chair before you start cleaning.
3. Next, set the steamer cleaner and let it heat up
4. Slowly and evenly pass the cleaner over the fabric
5. Make sure that the furniture is thoroughly dry before use.
5.3. Vacuum the Chair
You should ensure that you always vacuum before you start the cleaning session. You wouldn’t want to carelessly push in loose dirt via deep cleaning.
To help get rid of the dust and crumbs, make sure to use a vacuum that comes with a hose. A vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment is also ideal for this method. The vacuum with a HEPA filter will also help to trap as much dust as possible.
You should begin vacuuming at the top of the chair before you proceed to the other sides of the upholstery. You can use a crevice tool to get between the framework of the chair and also between the couch cushions.
Ensure that you vacuum every inch of the chair, tilting over the chair to vacuum the bottom and the sides is advisable.
You can sprinkle the chair with dry baking soda to eliminate the smell of a smelly chair.
5.4. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
When cleaning a fabric couch with a W or W-S code, you should make a less concentrated solution of water and dishwashing liquid. Drop one teaspoon of dishwashing soap in one gallon of warm water.
You should use a commercial dry cleaning solvent or seek advice from a professional cleaning service when dealing with S-coded upholstery.
5.5. Cleaning with OxiClean
If you’ve decided to clean with OxiClean, it is important to know how to use it.
These are the instructions to follow;
1. To get rid of excess dirt and debris, make sure to vacuum your chair before you begin the cleaning process.
2. Use the OxiClean scoop to fill up the first line.
3. The scoop should be added to a bucket of water.
4. Ensure to immerse a microfiber cloth into the solution
5. Smudge the fabric, and continue cleaning. You should do this until the stains varnish.
6. Dip a clean towel in plain water and dab the fabric to rinse.
7. Ensure that the fabric air dries.
5.6. Cleaning Without Steam Cleaner
You can actually achieve great results if you do not have a steam cleaner. All you’ll need is a vacuum cleaner, soap, and water.
Follow these instructions;
1. Bear in mind that vacuuming the chair is the first step to take before you begin the cleaning process.
2. Mix three tablespoons of dish soap and 1oooml (one liter) of warm water.
3. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution
4. You should apply the solution to the fabric in circular motions.
5. Allow the solution to sit in the chair for about a few minutes.
6. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stained parts of the chair.
7. Wipe the seat with a wet microfiber cloth
8. Using a fresh towel, blot the chair and let it air dry fully
5.7. Clean With Baking Soda
Cleaning with baking soda is best used for vinyl seats. Follow these steps to achieve fantastic results;
1. Vacuum your chair to get rid of dirt and debris
2. Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a bowl.
3. Spread the paste on the chair and scrub it with a damp towel.
4. Allow it to sit in for about 10 minutes, letting the baking soda absorb the odors, stains, and dirt.
5. Ensure to rinse the seat with a damp towel ad use another dry towel to blot the seat.
6. Allow it to air dry. You can repeat it if necessary.
6. How to Clean Stained Fabric Chairs
There are ways to remove stains from your stained chair if you do not want to go through the deep cleaning route. You should make sure to clean upholstered chairs immediately after the mess occurs.
6.1. Materials Needed
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Furniture polish
- Cloths
6.2. Confirm Fabric Type
You should make sure that you check the label to confirm the fabric type before you start cleaning. It is advisable to take it to a professional if it indicates that it should only be dry-cleaned.
You should use a water-based solution for the W or WS code fabric. For the S code, use a water-free cleaner like a dry cleaning solvent. The X-code chair should be professionally cleaned.
6.3. Make a Cleaning Solution
To create a cleaning solution, mix 1/4 cup of dish soap with warm water. Mix the solution until it bubbles.
6.4. Apply the Solution
Dip a cloth in the solution and gently smudge the stained area, dabbing until the stain varnishes. You can make more cleaning solutions if required.
6.5. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide will help remove tough stains from the chair. Ensure that you make use of three percent of the antiseptic agent. Soak a cloth with the solution and blot the stain till it varnishes.
6.6. Allow the Chair Air Dry
Once you’ve used distilled white vinegar to finish up the cleaning process, you should let the chair to completely air dry before using the chair.
The steps should be repeated if the stain persists.
7. How to Deep Clean a Fabric Chair
Deep cleaning of your fabric chairs will help get rid of stubborn stains and discoloration. It will also eliminate weird odors. This cleaning method is very cheap and affordable as it does not involve cleaning with a machine.
7.1. Materials Needed
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Steamer
- Cloths
- Stain remover
- Vacuum
- Cleaning Solution
- Towel
7.2. Vacuum the Chair
The first step to cleaning is to vacuum the Chair to get rid of dirt and debris.
7.3. Remove Stains
Using a stain remover of your choice, tackle stains from stained areas. The use of hydrogen peroxide or dishwashing soap is ideal for this step.
7.4. Clean the Fabric
There are various ways to clean upholstery chairs. You can either make use of a commercial cleaner or baking soda.
Whatever cleaner you use, ensure that you let the solution sit on the fabric for about 10 minutes for a deep upholstery cleaning.
7.5. Steam Clean
When deep cleaning, it is advisable to give it a good steam. You can use iron in place of a steamer.
You’ll just have to place a towel over the fabric and run the iron through the seat. The steam from the iron will help remove offensive odor and sanitize the fabric.
7.6. Allow to Air Dry
After you must have cleaned the rest of the chair with a multi-purpose cleaner, allow the chair to completely air dry.
For a fantastic result, hire a professional to carry out the deep cleaning process for your fabric chairs.
8. How to Care for Fabric Chairs
Listed below are some cleaning tips to help you protect your chairs from any form of damage.
1. If you’re using a commercialized cleaner, make sure to check the producer’s instructions. This will grant you knowledge of the kind of cleaners to use on the fabric.
2. A professional should be hired when dealing with an S or X code fabric. Using a regular cleaner will damage the fabrics
3. Discoloration can occur when you let a cleaning solution sit on the fabric for too long. Avoid doing that.
4. Don’t forget to always vacuum before you start cleaning to get rid of dirt and debris.
9. How to Clean Fabric Dining Chairs at Home
The secret to keeping your chair brand new is cleaning your chair regularly. Follow these tips if you want to clean and maintain your chair regularly.
1. To prevent stains and eliminate excess specks of dirt and debris, make sure to vacuum your chairs every week.
2. Get rid of stains immediately after you notice them. If there’s a spill of drink or food substances on your chair, clean it up as soon as possible.
3. You should deep clean once a month as this will help prolong the life of the chair.
10. How to Change Fabric on Upholstered Chair
There are situations where your chair can be stained beyond cleaning. Instead of throwing the chair away, it is advisable to change the fabric of the chair.
It is however really tasking and time-consuming but if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. You can call a professional to help in this process.
Materials Needed
- Staple gun
- Scissors
- Dust cover fabric
- Upholstery fabric
- C.S Osborne combination tool
Follow these steps;
10.1. Detach the Cushion and Cover
The first step to changing the fabric by removing the cushion from your seat. Using the C.S Osborne combination tool, remove the tacks that attached the fabric to the seat. Ensure to remove all the layers of fabric and staples attached to the seat.
10.2. Attach the New Fabric
To attach a new fabric, cut and lay the fabric face down. The next step is to set down the cushion on top of the fabric in an upward position. Ensure that there are about 4 inches of fabric left to wrap around the cushion.
The fabric should be stapled on all four sides, starting from the middle. To avoid any excess fabric on the seat, ensure that the fabric is tight.
10.3. Fix the Fabric Corners
Using a staple to put the fabric in place, pull the middle part of the fabric towards the center of the seat. Form a pleat by folding over one edge and stapling again. Once this is done, repeat for the other three corners and trim the excess fabric.
10.5. Attach Dust Covers
Dust covers should be attached to the bottom of your seat. You’ll have to trim the cambric to the same size as the frame of the seat. Attaching the dust cover to the new fabric is easy. You’ll just have to fold the fabric beneath the edges and staple it to the base of your seat.
10.6. Attach the Cushion to the Chair
You should follow the process you used to remove the cushion from the chair to reattach it back. This means that if it was fastened with a screw, you’ll need to make use of the same screws in the reattachment process.
11. In the End
It is very important to vacuum your fabric chairs before you begin the cleaning process. Keep in mind that when you regularly deep clean your chairs, it will help make your chairs look brand new.
We hope we’ve been able to satisfy your curiosity about how to clean fabric chairs. Kindly share this information leave a comment below.
Last Updated on by Asoni18