Cleaning and Maintaining Your Recliner

Let’s face it, the recliner is the most ideal and most used piece of furniture in every home. We spend hours every day sleeping, lounging sitting or even eating on these comfortable and relaxing pieces of furniture.
This is no wonder that the recliner can get so dirty and unsightly, they are usually the victim of spills, animal hair, stains, embedded dirt, bad odor and fading from sun damage.

Cleaning and Maintaining recliner - featured

Henceforth, to make sure that you can enjoy this little piece of heaven every day for many more years to come, I would strongly suggest following a frequent, accurate procedure, when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
Therefore in this article, I want to help you use the right cleaning and maintenance methods to keep your favorite recliner in tip-top shape for a very long time!


Why Should You Clean Your recliner Regularly

Cleaning your recliner regularly will not only prolong its life but also leave it smelling fresh and looking as good as new.

Likewise, you will be improving the quality of your indoor hair and your own health, by eliminating germ containing dust and debris. Thus, making your recliner safe, fresh and even more comfortable for the entire family.


Different Methods of Cleaning a Recliner

There are relatively a few ways in which you can clean your recliner, moreover depending on the type of material. We will be looking at spot cleaning, spring cleaning as well as different cleaning methods for upholstered recliners, and leather recliners;


Spot Cleaning

It is critical that any stain on a recliner whether it be leather or fabric is cleaned up immediately, this is where spot cleaning comes in.

In the case of a leather recliner, it is easy, just remove the excess dirt or liquid with a paper towel or washcloth, and use a wet washcloth with or without water-based soap to clean the area, and dry with a dry cloth.
In the instance of a fabric recliner, it gets a bit more tricky, at this point, you should only use a water-based shampoo or proper upholstery cleaner.

To clean a spill, blot the area immediately with a paper towel, or cloth to remove excess spilled material thoroughly. Then use a wet cloth with neutral soap, and gently rub the soiled area, making sure to start from the outside, working towards the middle of the affected area. Rinse the area thoroughly to remove all excess soap and blot dry with a towel, you can also use a hair dryer to dry the area.

If you are faced with an oil stain, or a tougher stain, such as ink or shoe polish, a milder detergent can be used, and you might need to scrub slightly more vigorously.

You may be required to brush pile fabrics with a non-metallic brush, in order to restore its natural appearance.


How to Clean Leather

Faux leather, although it is much cheaper than genuine leather, is more or less the same texture and quality, calling for the same cleaning techniques.

First of all, using a mild detergent or soap, prepare some warm soapy water and use a cloth or rag, make sure to wring out excess water before you wipe the recliner. Rinse out the cloth and wring out again when it becomes soiled. Always keep in mind, never to get leather soaking wet, as this may cause damage to the leather.
Prepare some clean warm water and wipe down the recliner, using the same method as with the soapy water.

Use a dry cloth or large towel and dry the recliner thoroughly, making certain not to miss any spots.
Consequently, you will have to polish the leather, to protect and nourish the material, use leather polish and a clean rag to polish the entire surface, after it has thoroughly dried.

Another great natural material that you can use to polish and maintain leather with is Coconut Oi;


How to Clean Fabric Recliners

Before even contemplating cleaning any fabric recliner, you need to scrupulously vacuum the recliner from head to toe to remove all dust and debris!
Cleaning fabric or upholstered recliner may be much more challenging, there are two ways in which you can achieve this;

1 Solvent Free Cleaning

For this method, you will require an upholstery cleaning solvent and a spray bottle to start off with. Furthermore, you will spray an appropriate amount of solvent on the recliner and let it stay on for the prescribed amount of time.

Then, you will need a strong non-metallic bristle brush to scrub the fabric gently, and a cloth or rag to remove the excess residue.

Lastly, a towel can be used to dry off any excess liquid from the recliner.

2 Water Based Cleaning

On the other hand, with water-based cleaning, you will mix a tablespoon of mild soap or detergent in a bucket of warm water, and dip a cloth or rag in the water. Wring out excess water from the cloth, and wipe down the recliner with the wet cloth.

In the same way, a non-metallic bristle brush is used to scrub off stubborn stains and grime, after which you will rinse the cloth with clean water and remove all detergent and residue from the recliner.
Using a towel, make sure to dry all the upholstery on the recliner, comprehensively completely.


Using a Steam Cleaner

Steam cleaning is a much easier and more methodical and healthy way of cleaning any form of upholstery. You require only a single piece of equipment to remove dirt, stains and smells from your recliner, the steam cleaner.

If you do not own a steam cleaner you can always rent one, or maybe purchase one which would be a good idea to maintain your recliner.

To clean with a steam cleaner; Fill the steam cleaner with the correct amount of water and cleaning solution, set the cleaning strength to the desired setting, and apply the steam water to the upholstery in even strokes.
Clean only one area at a time, and repeat the process for tougher stains.
When you are done, you can open windows, or turn up the heat in the room to accelerate drying time, keep in mind not to use your recliner during this time.


Using Vinegar as a Cleaning Solution

White vinegar is safe to use on all types of upholstery including leather and is effective in removing mildew, stubborn stains, and even odor.

Wet a cloth or rag with some vinegar and wipe the concerned area, dry off any excess wetness and leave to dry. It is as easy as that!


Maintaining Your Recliner

When you have purchased the ultimate, and best piece of furniture when it comes to comfort and relaxation, you will want to be certain that you are properly taking care of and maintaining it.
Properly maintaining your recliner on a regular basis will ensure that you have many years of pleasurable moments to relax in and enjoy your much-loved friend.

On the other hand, a recliner is a substantial purchase, and any good recliner does not come cheap, so, keep your investment safe and well taken care of, as it will be taking care of you for many years!

  • This first rule I will say is to keep your recliner dust and rubble free, whether it is leather or fabric, dusting it off or vacuuming on a regular basis, is crucial in its wellbeing.

  • Take care to vacuum or dust in between the seats and creases where food and larger materials are likely to get stuck.

  • In the case of a stain or spill, the rule of thumb is to clean it immediately, using the spot cleaning method, to prevent the stain from setting in. Always dry off excess liquid, and never soak your recliner with water!

  • If you own pets, you will know that pet hair can become quite a pain on fabric upholstery, therefore purchasing a pet hair remover or brush for this function can keep your recliner, and your clothing when you sit on it, fur-free.

  • To get to the part we do not always consider, the recliner mechanism, the mechanism, its bolts nuts and steel frame will need regular oiling to function properly.
  • You can get information from the manufacturer or the user manual on how to achieve this.
  • A leather recliner needs to be kept out of direct sunlight and should be protected from objects that can scratch or pierce the leather.
  • I have found that spraying vinegar on your furniture, prevents you beloved kitties from using them as a scratching post.
  • Leather also needs regular polishing to maintain its luster and to nourish the leather.

cleaning and maintaining recliner - leather

If you have a recliner with wood finishings, you need to remember that the wood similarly needs frequent dusting and polishing to maintain is eminence.

Lastly, I would recommend that anyone owning a recliner that is used frequently, invest in a slipcover for their recliner.
There are so many lovely slipcover designs available, and a slipcover will protect and keep your recliner new for many years. The slipcover is so easy to use, and in addition machine washable.
So I would strongly regard this option!


In the End

To make certain that the pleasure, comfort, and relaxation last for many years to come, it is vital that you treat your recliner with the care and respect that it deserves, for the punishment it endures, for providing just that!

By following these easy steps and tips you should have no hassles in keeping your recliner, whether fabric or leather, well maintained and squeaky clean!


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