Upholstered headboards can add a touch of style and comfort to any bedroom. However, over time, they can accumulate dust, stains, and dirt that can detract from their appearance.
The biggest culprits are; sweat, makeup, pet hair, natural bodily oils, and even food stains!
Regular cleaning of your upholstered fabric headboard can help maintain its beauty and extend its lifespan.
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Here are some simple steps to follow to clean an upholstered headboard:
Vacuum The Headboard
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to gently get rid of any loose dirt or dust from the headboard. Be sure to get into all the crevices and seams. It's important to only use a suitable attachment, as you might end up tearing the fabric. Most vacuum cleaner attachments include a small brush that can fit into all the tight corners.
Use this carefully and move across the surface in slow, sweeping motions to remove dirt and dust.
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Spot Clean Any Stains
If you notice any stains or spots on the headboard, it's always best to deal with them as soon as possible; the longer you leave it, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Ideally, you should use a fabric cleaner specifically designed for the type of fabric on your headboard. Follow the instructions on the cleaner and test an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric. Leave this test area overnight to allow the fluid to dry completely, as you will then be able to tell whether it has stained or discoloured the fabric.
You can also make your own cleaning solution by mixing an all-purpose cleaner (water-based cleaners are best) with lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Spray this generously over the fabric and rub it in gently with a clean sponge. You'll know if you've got the mixture right when you see bubbles form.
Don't scrub too hard! Use short strokes and make sure you focus on the stains, although it's wise to clean the entire surface or you may be left with brighter spots.
Dry The Fabric
Gently blot the area dry and soak up as much moisture as possible, using a cloth or paper towel. Any excess liquid on an upholstered bed could attract mould or mildew, making it smell musty.
It's important to dry these fabrics thoroughly. On a warm day, leave the upholstered headboard to air for a few hours, or use a hairdryer to get the job done quickly.
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Wash The Headboard
If your headboard is machine washable, remove it from the bed frame and follow the care instructions on the label. In most cases, these will tell you to use a gentle detergent and wash in cold water on a delicate cycle. Hang to air dry or lay flat on a clean towel.
You can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer, as long as it's on a cooler setting.
Steam Clean The Headboard
If your headboard is not machine washable or you prefer not to wash it, you can use a fabric steamer to freshen it up. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the headboard and move it in a back-and-forth motion, being careful not to saturate the fabric.
Some top-brand vacuum cleaners have an in-built steam cleaner, and these should be suitable for the job. Alternatively, you could rent or buy a steam cleaner as used by professionals. Always follow the instructions carefully and take great care when using this equipment!
How To Remove Scalp Oil From Your Headboard
Our bodies produce oils that can stain sheets, pillows and upholstered beds, as well as leave grease stains on your headboard. While our bed linen gets washed fairly regularly, something like a fabric or suede* headboard is often forgotten, and the surface oils build up to cause discolouration, making them look grubby and unpleasant.
*Extra care is needed for suede! Many experts advise against using water-based cleaners or water-based solvents of any kind. If your suede headboard has a care label then always follow the instructions. If in doubt, consult a professional.
To remove greasy stains and scalp oils from a headboard, you can try the following steps:
- First, remove any visible debris or hair from the headboard using a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner.
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm clean water in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water and wring out the excess.
- Gently scrub the headboard with the damp cloth, focusing on the areas with the most oil buildup.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the soapy water.
- If the oil stain persists, try using rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and gently rub the affected area.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the headboard, or use a hairdryer on a gentle setting to get the fabric dry.
- Repeat the process if necessary until the oil stain is completely removed.
Alternatively, you can try using a little baking soda, baking powder, or even baby powder.
A tip from Cleanup Team - baking soda has been a versatile tool in household cleaning for decades, and it is excellent for upholstered headboards, especially for getting rid of grease stains. Remove the headboard and lay it flat, then apply baking soda to the surface of the fabric. Give it a light brush to work it into the material where it will soak up any oil and grease. Leave it for two or three hours, then remove it with a vacuum cleaner.
The great thing about baking soda/powder (or baby powder) is that they absorb odours as well as grease, so your headboard will smell fresh and clean once again.
Some cleaning tip websites suggest using white vinegar, and while this can be a useful cleaning solution for other household tasks, it's not always best for fabrics as there's a danger of using too much, which will make your headboard smell bad!
Note: It's important to be gentle when cleaning a headboard to avoid damaging the fabric or finish.
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The Last Resort: A Professional Fabric Cleaner
It's great if you can clean an upholstered headboard yourself. There's a real sense of satisfaction and achievement, as well as the fact that you've saved money.
Even so, if your headboard has multiple stains or stubborn marks that just won't shift, you might need some expert help. The trick is to know when it's time to contact the professionals; you don't want to risk damaging the fabric, and you've tried almost everything but those stains won't budge!
The best advice is that if you've tried all of the above tips and your headboard is still looking grubby, then you probably need some help.
Protect The Headboard
Once your headboard is clean and dry, consider applying a fabric protector to help repel future stains and spills. You could also set a regular cleaning schedule that will make the job easier and reduce the likelihood of severe stains.
A weekly vacuum is perfect, but once a month or so will suffice. Applying a cleaning solution or good-quality fabric cleaner every month will do wonders for the material and make your life easier.
By following these simple steps on how to clean an upholstered fabric headboard, you can keep your headboard smelling fresh and looking clean for years to come.
How To Clean A Fabric Headboard Find more on: https://homesdirect365.co.uk
from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2023/03/how-to-clean-a-fabric-headboard/
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