Best Upholstery Services & Helpful Resources

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FAQs

• Introduction

  If you're looking for an upholstery professional to repair or clean your furniture, it's easy to become overwhelmed with choices. There are plenty of businesses out there offering upholstery care and repair services, but selecting the best one for you depends on your specific needs. Are you looking to remove water stains? Do you need to disinfect the upholstery on your furniture? Maybe you're wondering if your curtains are considered upholstery. Whatever you're seeking, you'll find some useful information here to help you make an informed decision.
  

• What is upholstery?

  Upholstery is the work or the art form of fitting chairs and sofas with padded coverings. Upholstery is also the term used to describe the textile covering itself that fits a sofa or chair. Fabric, padding, webbing, and springs can all be considered part of the upholstery.
  

• Are upholstery fabrics fire retardant?

  In the United States, there is no requirement from the federal government mandating the treatment of upholstery fabrics with fire-retardant (FR) chemicals. In fact, it's thought that just 0.2% of all upholstery fabrics in U.S. residential homes are treated to be fire retardant. The state of California has banned the use of fire retardants in consumer products as of January 1, 2020.
  

• Are upholstery staples different from regular staples?

  You can use any wire staples for upholstery, but 20 to 22 gauge staples are typically the best option. The staple gauge you select for your upholstery will depend on the type and thickness of the fabric. For extremely heavy upholstery you'll want to use 18-19 gauge wire staples. Always wear protective eyewear when operating a staple gun.
  

• Are curtains considered upholstery?

  Generally, no, curtains are not considered upholstery because upholstery fabric is much stiffer, thicker, and denser than the fabric used to make curtains. However, if you like the look and feel of upholstery fabric, it is possible to use it to make curtains.
  

• Can upholstery be steam cleaned?

  Yes, steam cleaning upholstery is one of the best ways to revitalize your furniture. A steamer will deodorize and sanitize your upholstery for a fresh, clean look and feel. Just make sure that you vacuum the upholstery before steaming to remove any crumbs or other debris on the furniture.
  

• Can upholstery fabric be painted or dyed?

  You can paint most types of upholstery fabric, but doing so can make the fabric feel stiff and take away from the softness that is part of upholstery's appeal. It's possible to dye many types of upholstery fabric as long as the material is fiber. This includes fabrics like cotton, wool, velvet, and polyester.
  

• When was vinyl upholstery invented?

  The traditional upholstery that is still associated with the word today developed in the early 17th century and was primarily found in the homes of wealthy individuals. Springs were first incorporated as part of upholstery in the 18th century and were helical in the 19th century, but today, they are a flatter shape. The 20th century saw upholstery modernized by new products and inventions like plywood, synthetic fibers, and liquid retardants.

• When was the sofa invented?

  The sofa has changed drastically throughout history, but the earliest creation of this type in the Western world is thought to have been made in England in the 1690s and appeared as a cushioned bench with an arm running partway down the long side.
  

• Where can you buy upholstery foam?

  Polyurethane or latex foam is most commonly used in upholstery. You can purchase this foam from various sources including some fabric and textile shops, hardware stores, art stores, and furniture depots.
  

• What are some ways of getting water stains out of upholstery?

  Some DIY methods for getting water stains out of upholstery include blotting the stained area with clean, distilled water and then immediately drying it using a hairdryer. For tougher stains, you can also consider applying a mix of vinegar and baking soda just to the stain and rubbing the area to pull the stain out. Then, blot it clean with distilled water and a microfiber cloth before drying thoroughly. However, the only way to guarantee you'll remove a stain is to have your chair or sofa reupholstered.
  

• How do you clean velvet upholstery?

  The best way to clean velvet upholstery is to vacuum it regularly and steam clean it after vacuuming. This ensures there is no debris on the velvet and the steamer will deodorize and sanitize the fabric. If you spill or create stains on the velvet, you can attempt spot cleaning with distilled water before vacuuming and steaming.
  

• How do you get blood out of upholstery?

  To remove blood from upholstery, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to blot the stain. Do not rub as this can push the stain in the fabric even further. Work from the outside of the stain to the center. Mix cold water and club soda, and then, apply to the cloth and continue blotting. Stop blotting only when the sponge or cloth is no longer pulling blood from the fabric. Then, mix 90% water and 10% laundry detergent in a spray bottle and shake. Spritz it lightly onto the stain and scrub with a clean sponge. When the stain is gone, add cold water and rub the area dry.
  

• What are some ways of cleaning upholstery without a machine?

  To clean your upholstery without a machine, consider making a mix of 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 3/4 cups of water and putting it in a spray bottle. Apply lightly to the fabric and scrub out any marks with a clean cloth or sponge. You can also use a dry cleaning solvent.
  

• What are some ways to disinfect your upholstery?

  The best way to disinfect your upholstery is to steam clean it using a hand steamer. This will freshen the fabric, and the extreme heat will kill any germs on the fabric's surface.
  

• Where can you buy dry cleaning solvent for upholstery?

  You can buy dry cleaning solvents for your upholstery at almost any store or online service that stocks regular cleaning products. This includes local department stores, hardware stores, online furniture depots, and other establishments.
  

• How do you remove urine stains/smell from upholstery?

  Much as you would clean any other stain off the upholstery that isn't water, you can start by mixing a solution of dish soap (1 tablespoon), vinegar (1 tablespoon), and distilled water (2 cups). Using a dry cloth, blot the urine stain to remove excess moisture. Then, apply the solution to a clean cloth or sponge and dab the stain, working from the outside in. When the stain is gone, rinse the area with a clean damp cloth. Allow it to dry. To disinfect, follow up by steam cleaning.