The instructions on how to clean microfiber chair is found on the instructions by the manufacturer. Prized for its plush look, the velvety texture of microfiber has become popular in furniture upholstery. As such, the resistance of microfiber to stain makes it a lifesaver for homes with pets and kids.
However, many people are still clueless as to how simple the cleaning process actually is. Often, stains are manageable enough for you to do it yourself. You don’t need extra help for simple stains and an occasional spill, right?
Simple Way to Clean
Imagine your microfiber chair as the carpet, and think of how often the carpet gets dirty. That’s how often you should clean the chair, too! As you would with a carpet, you should regularly vacuum the microfiber.
If you don’t have a vacuum, a fabric brush is a good alternative. In any case, you must keep the surface free of dust and crumbs. This also applies to pet fur, so it might be a good idea to keep pets off the couch.
As for the stains, you must tend to them immediately, so as not to worsen the situation. Will the stain deeply penetrate the microfiber? The good news is no — you can wipe away most stains using a damp microfiber cloth.
In the absence of one, some alternatives may be lying around the house. Baby wipes are so much cheaper than a microfiber cloth. It’s a good idea to keep them in the living room for instant access.
Cleaning Guidelines
There are different types of microfiber, and the instructions on cleaning them may vary, too. You should consult the manufacturer’s label first before taking any actions. A safe and guaranteed way, however, is to clean with mild soap and water.
Still, you must check for the cleaning code, usually found under the seat cushion or indicated in the tag. If you find the letter “W”, then you must clean with water. In contrast, the letter “S” indicates that you shouldn’t treat the microfiber with water.
If you find the letter “S”, then a solvent like rubbing alcohol is the way to go. Finally, the tag “S-W”, grants you permission to either use alcohol or water. Once you know which cleaning agent you should use, inspect if the cushion covers are removable.
If it’s removable and you have a “W” tag, you can do laundry as usual. Remember, this step is best done in cold water. After washing, you can hang it dry, and brush afterwards, to restore the original texture.
What if the cushions are fixed to the chair? Then, this leaves you no choice but to wash exactly at the spot. Apply drops of soapy water at the stain, and brush the spot while it dries.
What if I can’t remove the cushion and have an “S” and “S-W” tag at the same time? In this case, you must spray alcohol on a safe spot first to see if there’s any violent reactions from the chair. If there’s none, you can now spray directly on the spot, then proceed to blot using a sponge or a clean piece of cloth.
Lastly, the cleaning code “X” strictly means that you cannot wash with water or any type of solvent. If you come across this label, you can only clean the microfiber using a vacuum.
Extra Tips On Cleaning
- If you think the cleaner might be harsh for the microfiber, it’s better to test it on a spot where potential damage wouldn’t be obvious.
- When you’re cleaning a spot of stain, gently rub the cloth in a circular motion. Always make sure that the cloth is damp enough. Also, so as not to make the spot bigger, work your way from the outside and towards the center.
- For best results, you must attend to any stain as soon as they occur. Naturally, stains where you took longer to respond are harder to resolve. You can save lots of time when the stain is still fresh and loose at the surface.
Can I use white vinegar to clean my microfiber couch?
Yes, if it’s for a cleaning solution. Additionally, you can add 2 pinches of baking soda, to help fight the odor. Once you mix them together, shake the solution thoroughly.
How is suede different from microfiber?
Indeed, suede leather and microfiber are very similar to each other by texture, variety of colors, and price — but they aren’t the same. As a fabric, suede is natural while microfiber is man-made. In reality, suede is made of animal hide, while microfiber is made of interwoven polyester and nylon.
Since the microfiber is tightly woven, it’s harder for dust and stains to penetrate. Unlike suede, the tight weave almost repels water. However, when they do succeed to sink in, cleaning becomes more challenging because of the watermarks.
Conclusion
When you know how to clean microfiber chair, you don’t need to spend a lot of money for a cleaning service. Instead, you can do it at home for free!