A recliner brings extra comfort and luxury. It is a daily go-to comfort chair in the living room. However, the chances of getting dirt and spills are very high due to increased use. This dirt on the recliners may make them look old and even cause unpleasant odors. It is hence vital to know how to clean a recliner chair occasionally to maintain their perfect look.
Recliner chairs are made from a range of materials; fabric, leather, or even upholstered.
Cleaning a recliner is not as hard as it may seem. Here is a guide on how to clean a recliner chair regardless of its material.
1. Cleaning a Leather Recliner
Leather is a soft and very delicate material. When cleaning your recliner, you need to consider the type of leather used on the recliner.
Some chairs are made from pure leather, while others are made of faux leather or vinyl. The cleaning methods also vary.
How to Clean Pure Leather Recliners
Most prefer getting professional help to clean their leather seats. Real leather is very pricy and thus requires much maintenance.
However, do not be alarmed; it is possible to clean a pure leather recliner at home.
Required Materials:
- Vacuum cleaner
- White vinegar
- Distilled water
- Paper towels
- Cleaning rag
Note: First, read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Some solvents may not be suitable for your leather recliner.
Step 1: Vacuuming the recliner should be the first step. It removes all the dust particles built up on your chair.
Step 2: Measure equal amounts of white vinegar and distilled water and mix. The measurements will entirely depend on the quantity required for your recliner.
Step 3: Deep your rag in the vinegar solution. Wring excess solution to ensure your chair doe not soak. Soaking damages the leather material.
Sectional wipe the seat and be keen not to leave out dirt stains.
Step 4: Once you complete wiping the entire seat, dry it with the paper towels.
Ensure your wipe all the parts to avoid damages.
Step 5: Leather needs replenishing to maintain its appealing look. Apply leather conditioner or cream for the finish.
How to Clean Vinyl and Faux Leather
Compared to pure leather, vinyl and faux leather recliners are easier to maintain. Although it is cheaper, faux leather gives almost the same look as genuine leather. If you can, consider buying a faux leather or vinyl on a budget and get your perfect leather look for your living space.
Cleaning these materials requires soap, water, cleaning rags, paper towels, and polish.
Step 1: Vacuum the recliner chair to get rid of any loose particle from food or dust. Vacuuming must be the initial cleaning step for any seat.
Step 2: Mix the water and some detergent in a container. Use any detergent depending on your preferences. However, ensure you read the instruction tag to ensure you do not damage the material.
Step 3: Dip a clean towel in the mixture. Get rid of all excess water from the rag.
Step 4: Using the rag, wipe the entire seat. Make sure you wipe even the hidden area since they accumulate a lot of dirt.
Step 5: Wipe the recliner with paper towels. Ensuring you reach out to all the wet parts. Then leave your recliner to dry.
Step 6: Polish your recliner. Polishing is, however, an optional step.you can choose to leave the recliner as it is. But if you are looking for a polished look, spray your desired polish.
Are you interested in learning about How To Fix A Recliner That Won’t Stay Up?
2. Cleaning an Upholstered Recliner Chair
Upholstered recliners are likely to accumulate excess dirt, spills, and food particles. It may be difficult to easily see this dirt on upholstered chairs compared to the leather ones.
Upholstery requires both weekly cleaning and deep cleaning to get rid of embedded dirt. You can do deep cleaning once or twice a year.
Before you engage in any cleaning method, make sure to read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. You will learn the best solutions to use for your upholstery.
Water Safe Upholstery Cleaning
You can only clean some fabric on the upholstery with water. Read all the cleaning instructions. There are instructions on what water temperature to use on the upholstery. Using the wrong solution to clean could cause permanent damages to the upholstery.
This cleaning method uses water only on the fabric. Follow these simple steps to clean the chair.
Step 1: Vacuum the recliner. Vacuuming will remove all the inbuilt dust and food particles or even pet hair. Alternatively, you can use a soft brush in place of a vacuum cleaner.
Step 2: Mix warm water and detergent in a bucket. Measure according to the amount you require based on your upholstery.
Step 3: Dip a clean rag in the solution. Wring out all the excess water and wipe your chair thoroughly. Ensure you do not leave out any stains on the chair.
Step 4: Rinse the rag in clean water and wipe any detergent residue left on the upholstery.
If left out, the soap residue can leave further stains on your chair.
Step 5: Using a dry rag, blot all the excess water on your upholstery. Use a fan to dry the chair or leave it to air dry.
Solvent-safe Upholstery Cleaning
In the instruction tag, you will see that some upholstery requires solvents for cleaning. Look for the required upholstery cleaning solvents to start cleaning your recliner.
Follow the manufacturer’s guide for the right measurements, .then follow this guide for the cleaning process.
- Vacuum the upholstery thoroughly using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
2. Spray a generous amount of solvent-based upholstery cleaner and give it enough time to settle.
3. Using a brush with stiff bristles, scrub the recliner. Remove all embedded stains and dirt.
4. Using a damp cloth, clean the excess solvent residue built up on the recliner.
5. dry the recliner using a clean towel and leave it to air dry before using it.
Steam Cleaning For Upholstery Recliners
Another yet efficient method of cleaning an upholstered recliner is using a steam cleaner.
Nonetheless, it is advisable to test a small hidden part before steam cleaning the entire recliner.
Vacuum the recliner just as in the previous methods. Then mix enough solution of water and detergent. Fill the steam cleaner with the detergent water solution. Ensure you set the steamer on the right pressure to avoid soaking your upholstery.
Use the steam cleaner on the recliner. Reach out to every section and remove any spots. When you clean the entire couch, give it time to air dry.
Advantages of Having Recliner Sofa
1. Sitting Position
Recliner chair allows you to alternatively sit in a different positions without making you move from the chair.
2. Decrease Risk of Pressure Sores
Staying in the same position for a long period of time can cause pressure sore and numbness to some parts of your body, most commonly on your feet which can be unpleasant and painful.
With the alter position that recliner chair provides, it helps to decrease the risk of developing pressure sores, and offers comfortability on your body.
3. Improves Circulation
Laying flat on recliner chairs and leveling your legs up to your heart can decrease the feeling of heaviness and can improve your blood circulation especially if you have mobility problems that make it difficult to move which can cause poor blood circulation that can lead to several health problems.
Conclusion
Recliner chairs have alot to offer in terms of comfort. The best you can do is take great care of them to serve you in the long run.
These cleaning methods for both upholstered and leather recliners are lifesavers. They are simple and use resources that are readily available at our home.
You do not have to worry about seeking professional help every time you need to clean your recliner chair. Choose the best method depending on your recliner material and enjoy the benefits of a clean recliner chair.
However, if you are not sure which cleaning method suits your recliner chair, it is advisable to seek professional guidance.
