Like other couches in your living room, the recliner also needs to be cleaned. I’m one among the many homeowners who would hire a professional to clean the recliner for many years. In my locality, the service providers charge up to 15 dollars per hour and spend close to 4 hours cleaning a single recliner.
One day, my wife floated the idea of us cleaning ourselves to save money for other obligations such as shopping. We started doing research online on how to clean a recliner, and after several days we managed to get a plethora of information on the different ways of cleaning it.
Since then, we have been cleaning all our recliners every three weeks to enhance the upholstery’s quality and appearance.
Today, we will discuss the three main ways we use to clean our recliners. We hope that this information will inspire and motivate you to do it yourself also.
Method 1: Cleaning Faux Leather Upholstery
The first point is that you should strive to wipe off spills as soon as possible to prevent the leather from being contaminated and getting stained. Be careful not to use too much pressure to rub it off to avoid discoloration or to foster its penetration to the faux leather material’s deep layers.
Faux leather is very delicate, so it is recommendable to make a soapy water solution using detergents that are not too tough. Mild dish detergent and water are enough to wipe off all the dust and grime from the material.
If there are stains on the leather, use a clean rag that has dipped in the soapy water solution. Make sure that you wring out all the excess water before attempting to wipe the stain. Take great caution as you wipe to prevent damaging the material. For example, if you use too much water, the material will get wet and soon start to tear.
Though option, I often polish the faux leather after cleaning to restore its original appearance and appeal.
Method 2: Solvent-Safe Way of Cleaning Recliner Upholstery
There are two safe ways of cleaning a recliner upholstery without compromising the material’s look and durability.
The first method entails using a vacuum cleaner and a soft brush to wipe off the debris. Spray just enough cleaning solution on the upholstery, soak up the debris for several minutes, and then use a brush to dislodge the solution from the surface. Any residues of the solvent can be wiped off using a damp cloth or a towel.
You can also attach a soft brush on the vacuum cleaner and use it to scrub the solvent.
The second method is referred to as water-safe cleaning. Make a solution of warm water and one tablespoon of the conventional mild detergent. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, squeeze it to get rid of excess water, then use it to wipe the material. Stubborn stains and other spots can be removed by scrubbing the sections using a soft brush.
Rinse the entire recliner using clean water and be sure to wipe off any remnants of the soapy solution using a clean, dry cloth.
Method 3: Cleaning Using White Vinegar
White vinegar has a potent ability to kill bacteria, and this is one of the main reasons it’s used to do most of the cleaning chores at home. It is safe to use on fabric, natural leather, and synthetic upholstery.
We struggled to get rid of odors and stubborn stains in one of the recliners, and white vinegar did the magic. However, it would be best if you were careful about the amount of white vinegar to avoid ruining the material.
The best way to use this cleaning reagent is to wet a towel with it before you embarking on cleaning. Make sure that you squeeze off the excess vinegar. You may have to repeat the wiping process several times to get rid of all the dust and stains.
One of the concerns is the strong, pungent smell – no need to worry, though as white vinegar quicky evaporates soon after application. Once you are satisfied that the recliner is clean, use a dry cloth to condition the upholstery again.
Summary on How to Clean a Recliner
- Different recliners have varying upholstery – check the manufacturer’s guide on how to clean the material before you start to avoid ruining it.
- Always use a soft brush even when dealing with stubborn stains and pay close attention to the amount of force that you apply when moving it over the stains to avoid tearing or weakening the affected spots
- Vacuum cleaning several times every month will keep the fabric in good condition and prevent stubborn stains. Again, make sure that the brush you attach at the end of the vacuum cleaner has soft bristles as stiff bristles can easily tear the material.
- Strive to wipe off spills as soon as they occur to prevent them from getting ingrained in the deep layers. Use a wet cloth to absorb the spill, and after that, wipe off any remnants, especially if you dipped the cloth in soapy water.
Conclusion
The above cleaning methods will help you get maximum utility from your treasured recliner and save you the money you would have spent hiring a cleaning company. If you don’t fancy the cleaning process or have a busy schedule, you can purchase a cover to slip over the upholstery. This added layer of protection will protect the material from spills, but it also needs to be cleaned regularly as most of them tend to accumulate dust quickly.
Have you tried any of the methods, or you have a unique way of cleaning your recliner? Please share your experience in the comment section. We look forward to hearing from you.
