Upholstery Care 3 min read30 August 2025

5 Things You Should Never Do to Your Upholstery

Well-meaning DIY attempts are one of the leading causes of permanent fabric damage. Avoid these common mistakes.

1. Scrubbing a Stain

The instinct to scrub is understandable — but it's wrong. Scrubbing spreads the stain outward and forces it deeper into the weave, making professional removal significantly harder. Always blot from the outside inward using a clean, dry cloth.

2. Using Household Cleaners

Bleach, washing-up liquid, and all-purpose sprays are formulated for hard surfaces. On upholstery, they can:

Strip protective coatings

Cause colour bleeding

Leave residue that attracts more soiling

Permanently alter the texture

Always use a cleaner specifically rated for your fabric type.

3. Over-Wetting

Excess moisture penetrates the foam or padding beneath the fabric and is extremely slow to dry. Damp padding is a breeding ground for mould and mildew — and once established, it's nearly impossible to fully eradicate without replacing the cushion.

4. Ignoring the Care Label

Every upholstered piece has a care code:

**W** – Water-based cleaning only

**S** – Solvent-based cleaning only

**WS** – Either method is safe

**X** – Vacuuming only; no liquids

Applying the wrong method can void any manufacturer warranty and cause irreversible damage.

5. Waiting Too Long After a Spill

Fresh spills are dramatically easier to remove than set-in stains. The moment a spill occurs: blot immediately, resist scrubbing, and call us the same day if needed. We offer same-day emergency upholstery appointments for exactly this reason.