If you want to keep your upholstery in tip-top shape, you need to clean it regularly. But knowing when to clean your upholstery isn’t always easy. Should you throw it in the wash at the first sight of a stain or wait? And when does that weird smell coming from it become too much to bear? If you’re unsure if your upholstery needs attention, read on for four signs you need to clean it immediately.
It Smells Funky
When you take a deep breath, does the air smell funky? Maybe the smell isn’t coming from the bathroom or the kitchen but from your upholstery! As dirt and oils accumulate on and in the fabric, they can start to give off a musty odor; this is a clear sign you need to clean it.
It’s Covered in Pet Hair
Is your furniture covered all over in cat or dog hair? It’s best to clean pet hair and dander as soon as possible because if you let it sit, it can work its way deeper into the upholstery and become harder to remove.
Your Allergies Are Acting Up
Have you been sneezing up a storm? Your upholstery could be the source of your sniffly symptoms. Over time, pollen, pet hair, and other common allergens build up on your furniture, and when you disturb the furniture, it releases these allergens into the air, where you breathe them in.
There Are Visible Stains
A few stains here and there are easy to ignore, but if your couch looks like a painted canvas, it’s time to intervene.
If you notice any of these signs you need to clean your upholstery, it may be time to scour your home for your various household cleaning products. Just remember to wash your upholstery properly and to not fall victim to common fabric cleaning myths that can ruin your fabric’s appearance and functionality. For instance, dry cleaning isn’t always the best option, nor is using hot water. Each upholstery type may call for different approaches.