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How to Clean Lounge Suites

A lounge suite is a major investment so you want it to last as long as possible. The best way to prolong its life is to keep it scrupulously clean. Grime, dirt and crumbs will cause damage whether the surface of the suite is leather or fabric so they must be removed before they become ingrained. If they are allowed to remain on your furniture they will cause fine cuts to the fibers of fabric suites and scratches to the surface of leather settees and armchairs.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand vac
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Steam cleaner
  • Terry cloth towel
  • Tightly wrung out cloths dipped in water
  • Sponge
  • Saddle soap
  • Hide polish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove crumbs and other debris from your lounge suite on a daily basis using a hand vac or a dustpan and brush. Check behind scatter cushions and under seat cushions to make sure nothing that could cause damage remains on the suite.

    • 2

      Thoroughly vacuum your suite every week. In their book "The Cleaning Bible" housekeeping experts Kim Woodburn and Aggie Mackenzie describe how to do this effectively. Vacuum all surfaces using the upholstery attachment. Remove seat cushions to allow thorough cleaning of the arms and the surfaces on which the seat cushions are positioned. Vacuum the back, front and sides. Use the crevice nozzle to remove debris from buttoned surfaces and the inner edges of the furniture. The dusting attachment should be used to clean any wooden surfaces on your suite.

    • 3

      Many fabric covered suites can be freshened with a steam cleaner. The Earlex Steam Cleaner manual recommends using the upholstery attachment covered with a terry cloth towel. These cloths should be changed as they become dirty. Your steam cleaner instruction manual will tell you precisely how your machine should be used on upholstery. For a really deep clean have your fabric suite shampooed by a professional.

    • 4

      Remove dust and dirt from leather lounge suites with soft cloths dipped in water and tightly wrung out. For a thorough clean Wooburn and Mackenzie recommend saddle soap applied with a cloth or a sponge. Again this should be dipped in water and tightly wrung out.