Spring is right around the corner, and there is no better way to get a head start on spring cleaning than checking off some items on this list! At Fiber-Seal, we pride ourselves in keeping fine furnishings looking great year-round, but we know that there is more than just furniture that needs proper care!
Dust the Hard Surfaces
Use your duster or towel to remove any particulate from your surfaces. After an initial dusting, use the proper cleaning agent to sanitize each surface. An all-purpose cleaner can work, but be careful that your surfaces can handle the chemicals present in the cleaner. The main surface material to watch out for is wood, and you may want to use a certain cleaner for the particular type of wood that you have. Don’t forget to dust your ceiling fans to prevent spreading even more dust!
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is the first step that needs to be completed before diving into deeper cleaning, as it removes the bulk of particulate that builds up. Let’s look at how different items warrant different methods and frequency of vacuuming.
Vacuum Floor Coverings
Did you know that some types of floor coverings can accumulate and hold up to twice their own yarn face-weight in soil? Large amounts of soiling can cause premature wear, so cleaning and maintaining floor coverings is important in increasing their sustainability— and vacuuming is typically the first step of the maintenance process. The most effective way to vacuum floor coverings is with repeated passes. A slow, back and forth motion over the same area 3-8 times will significantly increase particulate removal. Vacuuming the same area in different directions is another great way to minimize the amount of soil in your rugs or carpet. How often you should vacuum your floor coverings simply depends on the traffic flow in that area. For heavily used areas, we recommend vacuuming at least twice a week; for lesser used spaces, weekly to bi-weekly vacuuming should suffice.
Vacuum Hard Flooring
Many vacuums have different settings for carpet or rugs, and some are also appropriate to use on bare flooring. If your vacuum has a bare floor option, it can be a much easier and more effective alternative to sweeping. Areas such as the entryways to the home and the kitchen typically need to be vacuumed more often than other areas that are not used as much. Weekly vacuuming of your hard flooring is recommended, though spaces that see a lot of dirt or sand from outside would require vacuuming at least twice a week.
Vacuum Upholstery
Before you use any type of cleaning agent on your furnishings, you should always vacuum those soft surfaces first to remove any particulate that may have accumulated. Make sure to remove cushions and vacuum each side, along with the deck of your furnishings— that’s where all those crumbs were hiding! Similar to carpet and rugs, the frequency in which you should vacuum your upholstery depends on usage. Pieces that are used daily should be vacuumed weekly. Once all dry particulate matter is removed, you’ll be ready for the next cleaning steps.
Note: Pet owners should vacuum spaces daily. Dogs, cats, and other furry friends shed hair and dander that can aggravate allergies, as well as expedite the soiling of your furniture and flooring.
Dust the Soft Surfaces
You wouldn’t leave your coffee table covered in dust, would you? It is important to dust your soft surfaces just as frequently as you would the hard ones. Damp dusting your furnishings is simple, and we will walk you through each step.
1. FIND THE RIGHT CLEANING AGENT
Always make sure to test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area to make sure that no color movement or any other changes occur. If you notice any changes happening with the fabric, do not proceed and call your local Fiber-Seal Service Center for help. If your furnishings are protected by Fiber-Seal, you’re provided with a handy Fabric Care Kit which includes the cleaning agents you will need. Learn more about the Fabric Care Kit here.
2. APPLY CLEANING AGENT TO TOWEL
You will want to use a white terry towel to damp dust with, but if you don’t have one available, a paper towel can do the trick. Fold your towel until it is about the size of your hand. Spray the cleaning agent directly onto the towel.
3. DUST AWAY!
After applying your cleaning agent and testing, place your towel on the furnishing and “dust” just as you would a tabletop. After completing one area, take a look at your towel— if it looks dirty, go ahead and fold your towel to a clean section, spray it again, and continue this process until all of your soft surfaces are done. This may take several towels if you are cleaning your entire home. You will be shocked at how much dirt and grime was hiding in your soft surfaces!
Rotate Cushions
Rotating your cushions is a simple, but effective way to maintain their appearance. Constant one-sided use can distort the interior of cushions, causing them to change shape. Fabric abrasion can become an issue over time, making the outer fabric look more worn on one side than the other. Fabrics also fade naturally over time. Rotating your cushions a few times a year to make sure all sides get even wear is the best way to avoid these problems for as long as possible and increase the useful life of your furnishings.
We're Here to Help!
Use this checklist to kickstart your Spring cleaning and keep up with it throughout the year for a clean home with fabulous furnishings! We are the experts in fabric care and know how to keep furnishings looking their best, so if you need extra help maintaining your fabrics, contact us for your free consultation. We provide fabric protection and cleaning services to ensure your furnishings look fresh and clean.
