Upholstery Cleaning – Staying Clean – And Green!
Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Mar 04, 2009 @ 12:10 PM
When we buy new furniture, the majority of us choose upholstered furniture for our homes. We enjoy the comfort factor it brings, even though it may come with a heavy price tag. Over time, however, the favorite chair or sofa will lose some of its luster if not properly maintained. Here are some tips in upholstery cleaning, while using green methods.
- Get an eco-friendly vacuum - Yes, they are out there. Avoid vacuums that have a short life span, and will end up in the landfill in 3-4 years. Get a vacuum, which uses HEPA filters and/or bags.
- When vacuuming, make sure you hit the furniture before you tackle the floor. Those expensive vacuum cleaners come with lots of fancy hook-ups, which work great in corners and crevices of your furniture.
- The most widely used, and less-often, cleaned parts are the head and armrests. Cleaning these with a vacuum can be difficult, so try using a lint remover made with recycled paper. It takes less time, and can pick up more than just your vacuum. The paper can then be recycled again!
- Vacuum and/or brush down your furniture every other day to ensure its longevity. Flip the cushions as well so they wear evenly. Taking them outside and beating them is also a good plan to adhere too.
- Instead of using paper towels, use a sturdy soft cloth for blotting away stains.
- Harsh chemicals are just not an option anymore. Try using more eco-friendly methods such as whipped detergent, Earth-friendly cleaners, and baking soda. Make sure you conduct a spot test in an inconspicuous place before actually working the stain out.
- If weather permits, open the windows and allow the air to dry the furniture instead of using a fan. It may take long, but it uses less energy.
- If your furniture needs the professional touch, make sure the upholstery cleaning company practices green cleaning methods. This would include offering a stain guard, which is friendly on the environment.