CLEANING MICROFIBER—THE RIGHT WAY

When cleaning microfiber, remember that all microfiber is not created equal. There are various types of microfiber fabrics. Before cleaning microfiber, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s label. Their directions are the best to follow when cleaning microfiber.

However, when you’re cleaning microfiber it is important to keep in mind that gentle soap, water, elbow grease, and an upholstery brush can keep your fabric looking new. The following article from Squidoo.com has tips to make cleaning microfiber easier.

Microfiber is a very attractive, popular fabric for furniture, clothing, and even towels and cleaning cloths. But, what about cleaning microfiber? What's the best way to clean and care for your microfiber furniture and upholstery?

On this page we'll provide information about cleaning microfiber couches, chairs, sofas or other furniture and tell you how you can do it yourself - and when you shouldn't. From getting rid of little stains on your microfiber recliner to what you need to deep clean your microfiber sofa, we've got you covered. Cleaning microfiber is easier than you might think, so let's get started.

First rule of cleaning microfiber furniture: Follow the manufacturer's instructions! (Better safe than sorry.)

Your microfiber furniture probably came with information and instructions on how to clean the upholstery. Check this information first!

If you can't find the manufacturer's instructions (or even if you can), keep these points in mind:

• Microfiber is a man-made polyester fabric and gentle soap, water, and the right upholstery brush are usually all you need to keep it clean.
• Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot.
• When spot cleaning microfiber, use a soft cloth to rub in a circular motion. Let the surface dry naturally, then brush with soft bristles to lift the microfibers and restore the original feel of the microfiber fabric.
• To avoid creating a spot, clean the area in a circular motion from the outside in.
• For deep cleaning a microfiber sofa, chair, or other furniture we recommend a machine such as the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Deep Cleaner with its spray cleaner and strong suction.
• For best results, clean spills as soon as possible after they happen. Obviously, set-in stains will require more work and more time to clean.
• After cleaning, let the fabric air dry.
• When in doubt, consult a professional. Better safe than sorry!

Works on more than just carpet.

We used Woolite Oxy Deep Oxygen-Activated Stain Remover to clean a food stain on our microfiber love seat. It worked great, lifted off the stain, and didn't leave a mark. Your results may vary and we aren't going to make any promises or guarantees, but it worked for us!

From the manufacturer: "Permanently removes tough set in stains like red wine, food stains, fruit juice, pet messes, mud/dirt, ink, chocolate, coffee/tea, blood, grease, and more! Eliminates household stains and odors like garlic, onion and fish. Safe for all colorfast carpet and upholstery."

Also recommended for spot cleaning microfiber upholstery.

K2R Spotlifter is a very popular quick-drying product made to clean carpets, dry-cleanable clothing, and upholstery fabrics such as microfiber. This product is recommended by satisfied customers who have used it to clean their own microfiber furniture and have given it glowing reviews.

If you follow proper instructions, cleaning microfiber can restore your fabric to look like new. Many avoid cleaning microfiber because they fear it will destroy the fabric. This is preventable by paying attention to the manufacturer’s label. TLC explains the variations of microfiber. On the tag you will see either a S,W,S/W, or X. Each of these stands for a different protocol for cleaning microfiber.

Type S means that cleaning microfiber should be done with a water-free solvent. If your label has a W, clean your microfiber with a water-based solvent. S/W means the fabric can be cleaned with either a water-based or solvent cleaner. An X means that cleaning microfiber should be done with a vacuum. Brushing the surface regularly is another method used for type X microfiber. Doing so will help hide stains. Follow this protocol when you’re cleaning microfiber for the essential upkeep to the appearance and maintenance of the material.

An additional tip to cleaning microfiber is that regular upkeep with a vacuum can evade stains. On couches, use blankets to prevent stains from reaching your microfiber. Laying down a blanket also helps avoid odor that can easily get trapped in microfiber fabric.

For more information on cleaning microfiber or other cleaning tips in general, please contact The Maids. We would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.