February is the Perfect time to Clean your Upholstery

Cleaning your upholstery is a perfect indoor project, especially during winter weather. Even though cleaning upholstery is not on my small or big project list this year, it is out of pure embarrassment that forces me to tackle this project. We are talking seriously grubby chairs. A wet, cold and rainy day in February seems to be the perfect time to do so.

A Garage Sale Find

Back in April 2021, I purchase 4 upholstered Parsons chairs for $50 from my neighbor’s yard sale. They are the perfect size around my dining room table, unfortunately they are very stained and the wrong fabric. In my post, Using Slipcovers, I find perfect perfect white twill ones from Ballard Designs. If you are looking for slipcovers like these, they are on sale right now at Ballard Design for $55.20 (marked down from $69.00). Note they also come in other colors. Make sure you measure your chair as these slipcovers fit perfectly on my Parsons chairs.

Procrastinate Cleaning

I don’t know why I didn’t take the time initially to clean the original chair fabric. But I didn’t and instead, put the brand new white slipcovers on and forget about it. Time passes and each time I remove the slipcovers for washing, I lament how I really need to clean the original upholstery.

After the busy holidays, it’s time to remove and wash all the white slipcovers on the dining room chairs…..and finally get all the stains out of the plaid chairs.

Spot Treating First

I spot treat the stains and let the solution sit for 3-5 minutes. With a brush, I scrub the area and this seems to make the actual cleaning easier. You can use Spray and Wash or any spot cleaner, like Resolve.

Best Investment Ever

A few years ago, we bought the Bissell Little Green machine and I can honestly say, it is the best decision. It has paid for itself time and time again. Here’s what I love about it: 1) it’s rather small so easy to store; 2)so simple to use and the directions are easy to understand; 3) instant results at home; 4) anyone can do this and you do not have to hire someone to clean your upholstered furniture.

One plastic container on the machine holds the cleaning fluid and the other captures the dirty, discarded water that is sucked from the fabric.

The Bissell Little Green machine, in addition to cleaning upholstery, also works on cleaning up spills and pet messes from carpets. To see how it cleans up a red wine stain on one of the pool house chairs, click here.

Right now, the price, on Amazon is $123.59. However, if you buy it direct from Bissell, the machine, OXY spot & stain remover and an OXY Pet Boost for $129.21 (go to website and search Little Green). Plus Bissell donates to their foundation for homeless pets.

Clean Chairs, Finally

Within a short period of time, I am able to clean 4 yellow plaid Parson chairs, the two white upholstered dining chairs and one large club chair in the family room. It takes a few hours for the fabric to dry but it is amazing how clean they look.

Though this is a completely unscheduled project, it is perfect to do this in February on a gloomy, rainy winter day.

With freshly washed chair slipcovers, the dining room is now sparkling clean.

Sunbrella fabric cushions

Before hosting the Valentine Cookie Decorating Class, I find the outdoor cushions on the back terrace are also stained and unattractive. Since we hold classes on this same covered back porch, I add these cushions to my cleaning regime.

The outdoor furniture is a bit protected from the elements because this porch is covered. However, these cushions are sometimes exposed to dust storms, driving rain and just plain dust. During the nice weather here, we entertain frequently in this space, so beverage spills and food stains also occur.

Here is what the sofa cushions look like after a quick cleaning. What a difference! Does anyone know if you are supposed to treat Sunbrella fabric with a protectant? I’ve never done it.

Though I consider my home relatively clean, like anything else, there are parts that require extra attention. So happy to get this unscheduled project done!