Upholstered furniture gets dusty and dirty no matter how little you use it. Cleaning it not only keeps it looking its best, but it also helps keep dust, cobwebs or pet fur off your clothes. Regular upholstery cleaning may even benefit your health, especially if you have asthma or allergies.
Clean Looks
One big benefit to cleaning upholstered furniture is that it looks clean. Visiting friends and family won't be appalled by crumbs, dirt or pet hair scattered all over the fabric because there won't be any. Upholstery is a bit like clothing: Once it begins to get dirty, it is only a matter of time before it looks filthy as well, whether the upholstery is a textile, leather or faux leather. Spills of sticky liquids attract dirt and debris, making the spots more obvious as days pass. Likewise, spaghetti sauce, wine or tea may soak into fabric, making the upholstery look anything but inviting. Wipe away spilled items immediately, and pick up or vacuum crumbs and debris to help keep such problems from working their way deeper into the furniture.
Clean Clothes
If you've ever sat on a couch covered with pet hair, you've probably discovered it on your clothing hours after you leave your seat. Guests wearing sweaters may not appreciate leaving your home with unexpected extra fibers clinging to their apparel. Likewise, sitting on extremely dirty upholstery while wearing light-colored clothing may mean spots, stains or marks from grease, food or dirt on your clothes. Keep the upholstery clean so you and your friends don't have to question whether it is safe to sit down. If you have pets, vacuum the furniture frequently, or use a lint roller or rubber glove to roll the loose pet hairs away. Use an upholstery brush attachment and vacuum the furniture every couple of weeks at minimum to help keep it clean, even if you have no pets or don't sit on that particular piece of furniture.
Fresh Scents
Upholstered furniture kept clean is more likely to smell clean, being free from cigarette and pet odors as well as general stale smells. To keep the furniture smelling fresh, sprinkle it with baking soda and allow the powder to set for 30 minutes or so. Baking soda absorbs odors from upholstery, much like it removes unpleasant odors in a refrigerator. Vacuum the baking soda away with the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Good air circulation and dry conditions also help prevent and remove odors embedded in furniture.
A Healthy Environment
Keeping upholstery clean, especially by using natural rather than chemical-based cleaners, results in a healthier indoor environment. Vacuuming frequently removes dust and other potential allergens such as pet dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to pick up mold spores if the fabric smells moldy or musty, as it most likely contains mold or mildew. Discard the vacuum cleaner bag and replace the filter outdoors while wearing a dust mask. Keep the furniture out of overly humid and dark environments, as moisture may lead to mold, which may exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms.
