How To Vacuum Furniture Properly
Whether you are caring for and cleaning a fabric couch, or cleaning a velvet couch, these expert cleaning tips for vacuuming upholstery will ensure your furniture stands the test of time and continue to offer a comforting escape at the end of the day.
1. CHECK FOR LOOSE THREADS AND SNAGS
Given that our upholstered furniture takes such a beating, it is possible for a few threads to break and pill or come loose over time. Inspect your furniture for any damaged threads before vacuuming to avoid causing irreversible damage.
2. USE AN UPHOLSTERY ATTACHMENT OR SOFT BRUSH
Most of the best vacuums will come with an upholstery attachment as part of the package, making vacuuming your furniture far simpler. ‘If the attachment has a brush, do not rub with force when going over upholstery, as you do not want to damage your textiles,’ warns Scott Johnston, carpet and upholstery cleaning expert at Carpet Care of the Carolinas. Instead, you should allow a built-in beater brush to do most of the work when stirring up embedded dust, he suggests. 'Always keep the attachment moving,’ he says. ‘If you hold it in place, the beater bar could damage your textiles.’
3. USE A CLEAN VACUUM CLEANER
Cleaning a vacuum is important for more than just stopping a vacuum from smelling – it is essential to ensuring that the vacuum works efficiently too. Scott Johnston, a cleaning expert suggests that your vacuum should never be over half full. ‘Your vacuum loses performance when the bag starts to get full. Keeping your bag or canister halfway full or less will allow the machine to work more efficiently to remove dust and hair for a hygienic finish.’ You should also check the brush attachment to ensure it is free from dust or dirt to prevent rubbing more dirt into the fabric.
4. VACUUM IN A PATTERN
As with cleaning and dusting any area in your home, working in a pattern will offer the best clean with the most efficiency. Start at the top of your furniture, working from the high back to the arms if required, to the cushion pad, and then the base. This allows any dislodged dust or dirt to fall down without muddying your work and ensures you pass over every area without missing a spot.
5. USE A LOW SUCTION SETTING
One cleaning method you should never use on a fabric couch or furniture piece is to attack it with a high suction setting. Although it may make sense to use a high suction to pull deep dust out of the fabric and cushion filling, it actually does more harm than good. Jenna Shaughnessy, cleaning expert and lifestyle blogger at Jenna Kate at Home explains that you don't need as much suction strength for upholstery as you do for carpet ‘because it is more fragile’. You should start with the lowest setting, and adjust as needed if you need a more powerful pull.
6. TEST THE VACUUM ON AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA FIRST
When trying out any new cleaning method in your home, you should test it on a small area first to make sure you won't damage the item in an obvious spot, says Jenna Shaughnessy. ‘Always vacuum in the direction of the fabric's weave to avoid damaging the surface, too,’ she adds. ‘Dust and debris can be removed in this way without harming the fibers.’
7. USE ALTERNATIVE TOOLS FOR STUBBORN PET HAIR
Pet hair has an unfortunate habit of working its way between the fibers of upholstered furniture, making it trickier to get out with a regular vacuum. If you do not have a vacuum for pet hair, then it may be a good idea to use an alternative tool to work it out without damage.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a great small handheld vacuum for removing embedded dirt and pet hair from upholstery thanks to its motorized brush tool. What's more, Bissell donates $5 to pet charities with every purchase.