Upholstered armchairs and sofas are comfortable and attractive additions to any home. When neglected, however, upholstery can quickly turn into next year's yard sale's featured item. Help the upholstered furniture in your dining room, living room, family room and bedroom last for years and years, by getting to know the ABC's of upholstery preventative and corrective care.
Stop Damage Before it Occurs
Protect Upholstery from: SUNLIGHT, NEWSPAPER INK, FABRIC DYES, PAINTS & POLISHES
Allow common sense to dictate what you should keep from harming your upholstered furniture. Sunlight will fade upholstery, so keep your upholstered couches, armchairs and ottomans away from the window, or else well-shaded. Put your newspaper on a coffee table or side table, to avoid ink damage to your upholstered furniture.
Other items that can cause permanent damage include dark-colored sheets and blankets, for when damp or wet, the dark dyes on these fabrics can rub off and ruin your upholstery. Finally, paints and polishes, such as nail or shoe polish, should never be used on upholstery. Make sure to cover your upholstered furniture when painting your living room, dining room, or bedrooms!
Keep it Clean!
1: Vacuum, 2: Damp-Dust, 3: Professionally Clean
Cleaning upholstered furniture is easy as 1, 2, 3. First, Vacuum as often as possible. Second, damp-dust arms and headrest areas with cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. Third, indulge occasionally in professional cleaning for maximum dirt and dust particle removal.
Here's a tip for keeping your favorite chairs & couches clean: Don't be fooled by the zippers on those cushions: the cushion covers are NOT meant to be removed and washed separately! Before you vacuum, remove the cushions. Beat them, rotate them, then vacuum them.
911 Emergency Care
Blot, scrape, vacuum. Read label, match spill with remedy.
Spills happen. The key to avoiding a permanent stain is to react in the manner most appropriate to the type of spill. For liquid spills, don't rub the spot, BLOT. Use a fresh, clean paper towel. For food or solid spills, first lift as much of the spill as possible with a dull knife or a spoon, scraping gently towards the center. For powder or cigarette ash spills, don't add a liquid or rub. Instead, vacuum up the spill.
When remnants of the spill still remain, use a fabric cleaner. Here are some guidelines:
Check manufacturer's label for cleaning instructions and recommendations. Codes on the labels are as follows:
W=water based cleaning agent;
S=water-free solvent;
WS=water based or water-free agent okay;
X=clean only by vacuuming or light brushing.
Test water or cleaning agent in a hidden area of the upholstered furniture before applying to the stain.
Be patient when applying cleaning agent. Go slowly to avoid causing a ring or spreading the stain. You may need to use several doses, blotting each time with a clean paper towel. Only blot, never rub.
Use a fan or cool blow dryer to speed up drying process, working from outer edge of spill to inner. If velvet, use a brush on fabric before it dries. If a stain remains, call a professional cleaner.
A-Z Home Stain Removal Chart:
Look it up. And remember, don't rub, BLOT!
Dry Cleaning Solvent (Energine®, Carbona®, K2r®): Protein/Enzyme Laundry Detergent (Era®) ? Dilute with 30 parts water: Distilled White Wine Vinegar ? Dilute with 9 parts rubbing alcohol
Ashes/Soot Alcoholic Drinks Alcoholic Drinks
Butter/Margarine Ashes/Soot Candy
Cake/Frosting/Margarine Blood Felt-Tip Marker
Candle Wax/Margarine Cake/Frosting Fruit Juice
Chewing Gum Candy Ink
Chocolate Ketchup Jam/Jelly
Coffee Chocolate Lipstick
Cosmetics Coffee Shoe Polish
Crayon Cosmetics Wine/Kool-Aide
Dairy Products Dairy Products
Gravy Egg
Grease Feces
Ink Fruit Juice
Lipstick Gravy
Mayonnaise Ice Cream
Milk/Formula Jam/Jelly
Oil Mayonnaise
Salad Dressing Milk/Formula
Shoe Polish Mud
Tar Mustard
Vegetable Salad Dressing:
Sauces
Soft Drinks
Syrup
Tea
Urine
Vegetable
Vomit
Wine/Kool-Aid
Protect, clean and care for your upholstered sofas, chairs and loveseats using these tips and guidelines. With a little attention, the upholstery in your living room, dining room, family room and bedrooms will look fantastic for a long, long time.
Please find the original article and more information about this subject at http://www.homeandlivi ng.com/DesignAdvice.aspx?Category=UpholsteryCare
When Yale graduate, BatSheva Vaknin is not writing helpful and insightful articles like the one you just read from http://www.homeandliving.com, she writes plays, screenplays and short stories. In fact, she has just completed her first novel.
If you would like to publish this article on your own site, please feel free to do so. Please let us know the url of the posted article by emailing the url to batsheva@homeandliving.com. All we ask is that you include the whole article, without changes, including the link to the original article location, author information, this disclaimer and the following link.
Find great home furniture online at http://www.homeandliving.com
![]() Google News Updated : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:45:58 GMT Will Mac Become a Virus Trap? - PC World
PC World - Apple has backed off its suggestion that Macs require antivirus software. Yesterday, the computer maker suffered a public relations nightmare after an article was discovered on the company's site encouraging Mac users to install antivirus software. Spin Zone? Apple Says Virus Warning Was Old Apple pulls support note recommending antivirus software Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:05:48 GMT Rice urges Pakistan to ‘act quickly’ in Mumbai terror investigation - Christian Science Monitor
Christian Science Monitor - During a visit to India Wednesday, the US secretary of State said Pakistan’s cooperation could help smooth fragile India-Pakistan relations. Video: Rice: Pakistan Must Cooperate Fully Rice Urges Pakistan to Act With Urgency on Terror (Update4) Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:36:14 GMT British conjoined twin dies after surgery - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - LONDON (AP) - Faith was breathing for Hope. So when the newborn conjoined Williams twins were separated, it turned out that Hope couldn't live without her sister. Conjoined twin in Britain dies after emergency separation Conjoined Twin Dies after Separation Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:42:45 GMT Kevin Federline on Britney: I Love Her, But I'm Not In Love With Her - FOXNews
FOXNews - With Britney’s comeback in full effect, her ex-husband Kevin Federline is ready to set the record straight. In a new exclusive interview with People magazine, Federline has shed his party-boy, rapper, gold-digger, boy-toy names in favor of “daddy. Kevin Federline Says Britney Spears 'Blindsided' Him With Divorce K-Fed: I'd rather see my kids than Britney's money Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:16:01 GMT Notre Dame announces Weis will return - FOXSports.com FOXSports.com - SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Charlie Weis will return for a fifth year as Notre Dame's football coach despite posting his second straight disappointing season. The Case For Keeping Charlie Weis Shanoff's Wake-Up Call: ND Keeps Weis, Really? Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:03:34 GMT Patriots bring back LB Colvin - International Herald Tribune
International Herald Tribune - AP FOXBOROUGH, Mass.: The New England Patriots shored up their injury-riddled linebacker corps Wednesday by signing veteran free agent Rosevelt Colvin. Webster To I/R, Colvin Visits Patriots Welcome Back Rosevelt Colvin Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:15:36 GMT Yahoo shares rise as takeover reports circulate - VNUNet.com
VNUNet.com - Reports are circulating of potential suitors for a takeover of Yahoo, lifting the troubled web firm's shares and heralding major implications for the market. UPDATE 3-Ex-AOL boss looking to raise cash for Yahoo bid Yahoo Shares Jump On Report Of Possible Sale Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:18:25 GMT Web Site Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... I am not a quilter in the typical sense, but... Read More In the past, collectors have been fascinated with sculptures of... Read More A latex mattress is not exactly the same thing as... Read More Many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or... Read More One of the easiest ways to accent and decorate your... Read More What does your dream dining room look like? Is it... Read More The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal... Read More No conservatory is complete without beautiful conservatory furniture to relax... Read More Do your walls seem dull and uninviting? Do you long... Read More Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of... Read More Ceiling fans sell at a wide range of prices. They... Read More If you've ever seen Frank's decorations on TLC's Trading Spaces,... Read More Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in... Read More A well-made grandfather clock is an heirloom piece, designed to... Read More I love burning candles and have them all around the... Read More A sofa slip cover may be just what you need... Read More During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your... Read More The importance of following feng shui decorating guidelines.Feng shui decorating... Read More You have just moved into a new home. Perhaps it's... Read More Ionic air purifiers are not filter systems. Ionic air purifiers... Read More So you've decided to hire an Interior Designer-good move! Now... Read More Have you ever had the pleasure of strolling through a... Read More California has always been a fertile spot for fresh ideas,... Read More Framed art is an ideal compliment to any room of... Read More If you have book shelves in your home, and lots... Read More
Adsense
websites
Baby Quilts ? Traditional Or With A Twist
Ivory Like Sholapith Sculptures from India
Latex Mattresses ? Comfortable, Renewable, and Biodegradable
Types of Wine Cabinets
Area Rugs - Accent Your Rooms with Area Rugs
Parsons Chairs: Dining in Elegance
Granite Tile Countertops
Conservatory Furniture - Hints and Tips
Decorative Wall Painting Techniques
Add Beauty and Elegance to Your home with Oriental Rugs
Discount Ceiling Fans
Crafty Country Decorating Style Ideas
Tips on Budget Decorating
Grandfather Clock Repair
Getting The Most From Your Candles
A Sofa Slip Cover Will Add New Life To Your Tired Furniture!
7 Tips to Care for Your Antique Furniture
Feng Shui Decorating Guidelines
How Do You Choose Art for Your Home?
The Benefits of Owning an Ionic Air Purifier
Making The Most Of Your Smart Decision To Hire An Interior Designer
About Pine Needle Baskets and How to Use Them in Your Home Decor
A Unique Look at Murphy Wall Beds
Purchasing Framed Art For Your Home or Office - a Novel Way to Decorate
Book Shelf Decorating Idea & Tip
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art used in the... Read More
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that almost 90% of... Read More
Known for its harsh winters, its many local artisans, and... Read More
Do you want to add a sense of style and... Read More
It wasn't that long ago that the fireplace was the... Read More
Need An Easy Bathroom Curtain Idea?I've always had a hard... Read More
Because psychologists relate true happiness to joyous occurrences happening frequently,... Read More
Vending massage chairs are coin-operated devices that can be found... Read More
It is a good idea to purchase a full set... Read More
Butcher Block Table - A Working Piece Of FurnitureA butcher... Read More
Everything has its day and its time, and Wedgwood China... Read More
With so many types and brands of water softeners to... Read More
Having trouble getting a room in your home to have... Read More
Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the... Read More
Portable dishwashers are just the ticket for those with less... Read More
Candle making can be a fun creative hobby. It can... Read More
The Mathmos Color Bubble is made by Mathmos - the... Read More
Wall wine racks make it easy to store wine in... Read More
Properly storing wine keeps flavor and lets wine age so... Read More
Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks? Don't... Read More
Curling up near a cozy fire is a wonderful winter... Read More
Right now one of the most popular shows on television... Read More
I love candles! I have candles of all shapes, sizes... Read More
Just like a nice outfit, your kitchen can benefit from... Read More
If you want to make your bedroom look rich and... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |