Traditionally, cleaning furniture has involved the use of chemicals that are not so kind to the furniture fabrics, especially in sofas and mattresses. For this reason, steam cleaning has replaced the conventional ways of cleaning the furniture. Using high-temperature steam will easily break down stains and will preserve the fabric.
The advantages of steam cleaning
- It is eco-friendly.
- Steam cleaning sanitizes and kills bacteria.
- It helps to get rid of dust and other allergens.
- It eliminates odors and improves the quality of air.
To get the best results, you can follow the steps below while steaming furniture.
Pick the right steam cleaner
The first step is to choose a steam cleaner that will work perfectly for you on your particular surface. Steam cleaners are usually divided according to the type of fabric they can clean and can be handheld with detachable hoses and with a vacuum attachment. If you wish not to buy a steam cleaner, you can rent one from specified stores.
Remove surface dirt
Before steaming, you should prepare your furniture by removing loose or clogged-up dirt, pollen, and debris. Using the vacuum attachment, vacuum the surface of the furniture and any cracks that dirt can get in.
Pre-treat surface stains
Once you encounter any tough stains, apply an all-purpose detergent to the area stained, and leave it for 5-10minutes, which will loosen the stain. Softly brush the surface to easily remove the stain.
Precondition the furniture fabric
Steam cleaning will get rid of any stubborn stains and once pre-treating stains have been done, apply a thin layer of fabric shampoo using a soft brush that will ensure the fabric shampoo has been spread to every corner of the furniture. Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes before steaming for it to be effective.
Use the steam cleaner
To use the steamer, you should add water and water-based cleaning detergent to the machine. Do not use too much water because it will produce too much steam which will oversaturate the fabric. You should use the ratio that is recommended for the brand and the make of the steamer you use.
Dry
Once the steam cleaning is done, you should leave the furniture to dry, which can either be natural or use drying equipment such as hair dryers to speed up the process.
It is a well-known fact that furniture requires regular maintenance. Choosing steam for cleaning will not only remove tough stains but will also be gentle to your furniture and give it a new look. By following the right technique, it will be possible for you to steam clean your furniture without professional help.
