Hey there, ottoman owners!
Ever looked at your ottoman and thought, “Hmm, it could use a good clean?” We’ve all been there. Ottomans are fantastic—super versatile and a great addition to any room. But just like anything else, they need a bit of TLC to keep them looking their best. That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to show you how to clean an ottoman like a pro.
Understanding Your Ottoman
Alright, first things first. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, let’s talk about what your ottoman is made of.
You see, ottomans come in all sorts of materials. Fabric, leather, you name it. And the thing is, each material has its own unique cleaning needs. For instance, fabric ottomans might be a bit more forgiving with water-based cleaners, while leather ottomans require a bit more care and specific cleaning products.
So, take a moment to check out your ottoman. What’s it made of? Once you’ve got that figured out, you’re all set to move on to the next step—cleaning!
General Cleaning Tips for Ottomans
So, you’ve checked out your ottoman and you know what it’s made of. Now, let’s talk about some general cleaning tips. These are the basics—good practices to keep in mind, regardless of your ottoman’s material.
- Regular Vacuuming: This is your best friend when it comes to ottoman maintenance. A weekly vacuum can help to prevent buildup of dust and dirt. Just remember to use the upholstery attachment!
- Prompt Stain Removal: Accidents happen, and that’s okay! The key is to act quickly. As soon as you notice a stain, take action. The faster you treat it, the better your chances of getting it out.
- Use the Right Cleaners: Always make sure to use a cleaner suitable for your ottoman’s material. Check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure.
- Rotate cushions: If your ottoman has a removable top or cushions, rotate them regularly to ensure even wear and tear.
- Protect from sunlight: Keep your ottoman away from direct sunlight which can cause the color to fade over time.
- Use a fabric protector: This can be a great way to guard against spills and stains, especially for fabric ottomans. Make sure to choose a protector that’s suitable for your ottoman’s material.
- Address spills immediately: If a spill occurs, clean it up immediately to prevent it from seeping into the material and causing a stain.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Certain cleaning products can be too harsh and can damage the material of your ottoman. Always test a small, hidden area first before applying it to the entire ottoman.
How to Clean a Fabric Ottoman
Cleaning a fabric ottoman? Awesome. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.
- Vacuum: Start by giving your ottoman a good vacuum. This will remove any loose dirt and dust, making the rest of the cleaning process more effective.
- Spot Test: Before you apply any cleaner, it’s important to do a spot test. Apply a small amount of cleaner to an inconspicuous area and wait to see if any discoloration occurs.
- Apply Cleaner: Once you’ve spot tested, it’s time to apply your cleaner. Remember, always use a cleaner suitable for fabric upholstery.
- Gently Scrub: Using a soft brush, gently scrub the cleaner into the fabric. Be sure not to scrub too hard—you don’t want to damage the material.
- Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, rinse the area with a damp cloth. Then, let the ottoman dry completely before using it again.
How to Clean a Leather Ottoman
Got a leather ottoman? The process for cleaning is a bit different. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
- Dust: Use a microfiber cloth to dust off your ottoman. This is especially important for leather, as dust can scratch the surface.
- Apply Leather Cleaner: Next, apply a leather-specific cleaner. Remember to do a spot test first!
- Buff: After applying the cleaner, gently buff the leather with a dry cloth. This helps to restore the leather’s natural shine.
- Condition: Finally, apply a leather conditioner. This step is crucial, as it helps to keep your leather ottoman soft and prevents cracking.
Professional Cleaning Services
If you’ve tried the above steps and still find your ottoman looking less than stellar, or if it’s been a while since your last deep clean, it might be time to call in the professionals.
Professional cleaning services such as Chem-Dry specialize in furniture and upholstery cleaning and can provide a deeper and healthier clean for your ottoman. Their unique Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) cleaning process can effectively remove deep-seated stains and pet-related messes, which can be particularly stubborn. [ 1 ]
These professional services are equipped with specialized tools and cleaning agents that are often more powerful than those available for home use. Whether your ottoman is made of fabric or leather, professionals can handle the material with the right care and expertise.
They inspect the furniture for fiber type, physical defects, color fastness, and staining before employing fabric-friendly cleaners that safely remove maximum soil. [ 2 ] Choosing professional cleaning can also be a great option if your ottoman has delicate or expensive material that you don’t want to risk damaging.
If you’re dealing with stubborn stains that have set in over time, professional cleaners have the skills and equipment to tackle these challenges. It’s recommended to seek professional cleaning at least once a year, or more frequently if your ottoman is subject to heavy use or is in a high-traffic area.
Remember, the cost of professional cleaning services can vary, so it’s a good idea to get a few quotes before choosing a service.
Conclusion
Keeping your ottoman clean doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Whether it’s made of fabric or leather, routine maintenance and proper cleaning techniques can significantly extend its life and keep it looking its best.
Always remember to understand the type of material you’re dealing with before you start cleaning, and use cleaning products that are safe for that particular material. For general maintenance, vacuuming and spot cleaning are usually sufficient, but for a more thorough clean, consider hiring professional services.
Your ottoman is more than just a piece of furniture – it’s a space for relaxation, a spot for your pets to snooze, or a playground for your kids. So, giving it the care it deserves not only enhances your home’s aesthetic but also contributes to a healthier living environment.
I hope this guide proves helpful and encourages you to keep your ottoman in the best condition possible. If you found this guide useful, please check out our other articles on home decor and maintenance at RimeHome blog.
You might find our articles on maintaining other types of furniture and home accessories equally informative and practical. Remember, a clean ottoman is a happy ottoman! Happy cleaning!
