3 March 2026 · Mega Home Furnishing

How to Clean Different Types of Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered furniture is exactly the kind of comfort you want to come home to after a long day. And you deserve it. But that comfort comes with a bit of upkeep. There are a few things worth knowing before you start cleaning, because some mistakes can leave permanent damage.

That's part of why furniture rental is so popular these days. Places like Furlenco run a deep clean on their pieces every six months. But if you've got furniture at home that you need to clean yourself, here are a few tips to get you started.

1.Always test before you clean

The trick is to always test any upholstery cleaner or liquid on an inconspicuous patch first. Different materials react differently, and a quick test can save you from a costly mistake. Most upholstery comes with its own cleaning instructions, but we'd still test a small spot before tackling the whole piece.

2. Fabric Cleaning

Start by vacuuming the entire upholstery, especially along the seams and into the corners. Once that's done, spray on the upholstery cleaner after testing it in a safe spot.

Then gently wipe it off the fabric. For a stubborn stain, spray on a little alcohol and rub it off. And always check what's in your cleaner so you know if you need gloves or extra ventilation.

3. Leather Cleaning

Cleaning leather is actually pretty simple. Start by vacuuming off all the dust, again making sure to get into the seams and corners. Use a leather cleaner for a gentle wipe, or white vinegar if you don't have one handy. Just remember moisture on leather invites mildew, so go easy on how much cleaner you use.

4. Leatherette Cleaning

Leatherette is easier to clean than most other upholstery. A multi-purpose cleaning liquid, or even plain liquid dish soap, does the job nicely. Dab some onto a wet cloth and rub it over the surface.

Once you've done that, buff it dry with a clean cloth. For stains, gently dab on a little nail polish remover. Just don't scrub too hard, or you might lift some of the colour along with the stain.