When trying to sell a house that still has furniture in it, sometimes prospective buyers get caught up on the details of the furniture (such as dirt) and miss out on the important aspects of the house, such as architecture, features, etc.
So, the furniture does count when you’re selling a house…
Here are some cleaning solutions for upholstery that can make just the difference that you’re looking for:
Vacuum regularly with upholstery attachment tools, the broad throated one to dislodge dust from flat surfaces including cushions and the crevice tool to reach the inner corners. Turn over loose seat and back cushions and throw pillows every few weeks to distribute the wear evenly. Unless you have a washable slipcover, never remove and wash cushion covers because the zippers are there solely to aid the dressing process as the piece is manufactured.
Cleaning Codes
Many new sofas and chairs come with a care label indicating the type of cleaning required. The code classifications are “W” which is safe to clean with water or water-based cleaners; “S” is dry clean or spot clean with dry cleaning solvents; “W-S” is safe for water or solvent and “X” is clean only with brush or vacuum. If the spot or stain is small and the fabric has a “W” cleaning code and has no stain or soil-resistant finish then you may try removing the spot yourself.
Pre-testing a Cleaning Solution
Working in a hidden area of the upholstery such as the back side of a skirt or under a cushioned area, pre-test your dry cleaning fluid or homemade cleaner. If the solution does not spot the fabric when you test it then you have a chance at success in removing the accidental spot. If the solution causes a problem on its own then do not proceed. Instead blot out as much of the problem as possible and turn the job over to a professional, the sooner the better.
