Updated at: 22-02-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

When it comes to relaxing, reading, and watching television at home, recliners are a must-have piece of furniture. Because of this, if it isn’t cared for or maintained, the cloth will look unclean and worn out.

That’s why we’ve put together a guide to cleaning a chair so it looks like new.

Steps on Cleaning a Recliner

An upholstery attachment for your vacuum cleaner (if available) and dry towels or rags are all you’ll need to get started.

When the recliner is in its upright position, you may clean both sides of the chair simultaneously (make sure not to get any water on the floor).

Clean the chair from top to bottom. If you detect hair or debris in your recliner, remove it immediately. This will prevent it from becoming lodged there for a long time. A brush attachment is ideal, but if you don’t have one, you can use some rags or cloths to get into the tiniest of spaces.

How to Clean a Recliner Chair (Step By Step Guide) | Mobility Furniture Company

Three) Fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap (avoid using anything with a strong aroma or harsh chemicals, as they could damage the upholstery. Step Three) Spray the soap on your attachments and let them soak. Slightly scrub each side of the chair to remove any stains that may have been overlooked in the previous step. Let the chair dry for a day before using it again after fully rinsing it.

Plastic or newspaper should be laid out on the floor to keep water and debris from getting on it. To begin, remove any cushions that are attached to the chair’s bottom. These can accumulate dirt and grime, but they also make cleaning the chair much simpler.

How to Make a Recliner Slipcover

Start by gathering your materials: a fitted sheet, elastic bands, scissors or a seam ripper, and a sewing machine are all you will require. You’ll also need a thread that matches one of the colors in your cloth if you go with the second choice.

Double-check all measurements because this technique is more time-consuming than purchasing slipcovers at a store.

In order to cut the fitted sheet, measure your chair, divide by three, and find the center.

Two six-inch strips should be cut on each side, which should be as long as your measurement divided by six. Strips that are three and a half inches long will fit a measurement of 18 inches.

Step 3: Make a tube shape by folding each strip in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to sew them together later. Use a thread that matches one of the colors in your cloth to thread your needle (the other color can be used for tying off or sewing on buttons).

Place the fitted sheet on your chair with the right side facing out. When you begin sewing, each strip should be in one of the corners, with about six inches of dangling loose at each end.

The right side of the tube form should face out, and the tube’s opening should be aligned with the fabric’s edge.

After you’ve sewn each strip to your chair, turn it over and make sure there’s plenty of slack on either end to prevent it from getting caught in anything.

It’s a good idea to check for metal bars or other obstructions before you begin sewing.

Step 6: The End! To make it easy to remove the fabric strips when needed, simply flip your chair over so they are in the bars.

How to Prevent Wear and Tear on a Recliner

Every month, inspect your chair for loose screws and make sure the legs are in good condition. Keeping an eye out for any chew marks or scratches on the chair’s fabric is especially important if you have pets.

If a leg has an exposed metal structure on one side, this can be an issue, too, as they may gnaw on this until it loosens and causes the chair to fall over.

If you have children who like to run around the room or toddlers who like to climb on furniture, this is very crucial. To prevent children and dogs from removing the screws, ensure sure they are all firmly fastened.

It’s also a good idea to look for a recliner with metal or wood legs rather than one with plastic feet, as they are more sturdy. Removeable cushions on your furniture should also be checked for loose threads and tied securely so that they don’t get chewed on.”

If your furniture has a metal base, check to see that it’s fastened properly. When you press down on one corner and then release it, there should be no wobbling or movement in any direction. As a result, pets and toddlers will have a harder time knocking the chair over.

How to Clean a Recliner Chair

Comfort and luxury can be found in the proper recliner chair, and a well-tailored product should last for many years. Choosing upholstery colors, patterns, and accessories may be a lot of fun once you’ve decided on a chair style, and just like the chair should fit your lifestyle, so should your upholstery.

It’s crucial to clean your chair or sofa on a regular basis to avoid buildup of grime, food and drink spills, and pet hair. What products and methods you use to clean it will be determined by the material; certain recliners come with restricted fabric options, so keep this in mind when making your final purchase.

General advice for cleaning recliner chairs and sofas

At least twice a year, use a steam cleaner to thoroughly clean your chair, and once a week, give it a gentle clean. Blot rather than rub spots as soon as they appear. If the product’s directions say to do so, always apply items to a cloth before using them directly on the fabric.

How To Clean a Sofa - Which?

Before cleaning a chair, remove any loose particles by wiping it down with a microfiber cloth or by vacuuming it with a brush attachment. Check the care instructions or tag to see if there are any procedures or cleaners you can’t use, as they could cause permanent damage. Before using your chair, ensure sure it is thoroughly dry after cleaning.

Contact us for a free brochure or Home demo

In order to get your hands on our Free Brochure with Minutes, just click the button below and fill out the short form.

How to clean a cloth or fabric recliner

For help cleaning your chair, call our office and we’ll double-check the care instructions on the fabric and provide you specific advice. The Mobility Furniture Company provides all of these as part of their standard offering.

Your choice of cleaning chemicals will depend on whether your upholstery is solvent-resistant or water-based only.

Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and velour are more tolerant of solvents than synthetic textiles like polyester, nylon, and acetate. Depending on the care instructions that came with your chair, you may need to do the following after vacuuming or wiping it clean:

Cleaning a water-safe upholstered recliner

Step 1:

Add one to two tablespoons of liquid soap or mild laundry detergent to a gallon of warm water.

Step 2:

Remove the extra water from the fabric by wringing it out. Clean the upholstery using a sponge and a brush to remove any stains or marks.

Step 3:

Rinse and dry the cloth well to remove any soap residue.

Step 4:

Remove any extra water with a towel and let the chair dry naturally.

Cleaning a solvent-safe upholstered recliner

Step 1:

Apply a solvent-based upholstery cleaner on the recliner. Observe the recommended time period before removing it.

Step 2:

Scrub the recliner with a stiff-bristled brush to remove any stains or grime that has become ingrained. Wipe out the excess with an aqueous solution.

How to clean a soft leather recliner

Leather recliners may be cleaned with a variety of commercially available treatments, but you can even prepare your own at home if you choose. You can also create a solution of water and white vinegar and use that instead. Make sure you examine a tiny area first to make sure there are no stains or discolouration.

Step 1:

Apply the solution to the chair using a damp, soft cloth and allow it to dry.

Step 2:

Buff and polish the surface with a second dry towel to remove the majority of the product. It doesn’t make sense to wash your hands.

Step 3:

In order to maintain your chair soft and free of cracks, use an annual application of either leather conditioner or wax.

How to clean a faux leather chair

Synthetic materials like PVC, polyurethane or polyamide microfibre, which are backed with a softer fabric and embossed with a grain to mimic leather, are known as faux leathers. Like leather, fake leather needs to be tested on an inconspicuous area before it is cleaned with soap or detergent.

Step 1:

Wipe your chair down with a soft towel that has been soaked in warm water.

Step 2:

Rinse it off and blot it dry with a soft cloth.

Step 3:

Using a protective coating on a regular basis will help keep it stain-resistant and simpler to clean. When not in use, cover or close the drapes to prevent the faux leather from drying out in direct sunshine.

How to clean the headrest on a recliner chair

The oil and product residue from your skin, hair, and beard can leave stains on the chair’s headrest and arms. For leather or faux leather, use a protective treatment or washable coverings to protect these areas.

If you need to clean your chair’s headrest, follow the same cleaning guidelines as for the body of the chair. Oil and grease stains on your chair may require professional cleaning.

Care & Cleaning of Upholstery

Using a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush to remove dust and grime is recommended to prevent soiling in general. The time has come to hire a professional to clean your furniture when it is in an overall dirty state.

It is critical to know the fabric type and the required cleaning code before beginning any cleaning project. The tag on the furniture has all of this information.

Code W Cleaning Instructions

Spot clean with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaning only. The first step is to conduct a modest, unnoticeable test. Avoid over-saturation. Keep the afflicted area clean from the outside in to avoid recirculation of spots and stains. To remove spilt substance as quickly as possible, use a blotting motion. To restore their appearance, pile textiles may need to be brushed with a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush.

Spot cleaning should not be done with chemicals. It is not advisable to clean with hot water extraction or steaming. There is no need to remove the cushion coverings and wash them.

Code S Cleaning Instructions

Clean exclusively using a dry cleaning solvent that does not contain any water. The first step is to conduct a modest, unnoticeable test. Avoid over-saturation. Keep the afflicted area clean from the outside in to avoid recirculation of spots and stains. To remove spilt substance as quickly as possible, use a blotting motion. To restore their appearance, pile textiles may need to be brushed with a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush.

Code W-S Cleaning Instructions

Water-Based Stains

Most food stains are water-based, such as ketchup and mustard.

  1. To eliminate any extra liquid substances, lightly dab the affected region. A paper towel or a light cotton terrycloth can be used for this.
  2. To avoid a halo effect, carefully wipe the filthy area from the side to the center using neutral soap and water.
  3. To get rid of any soap residue, thoroughly rinse the dish with water.
  4. You may either use a hair dryer to dry the area rapidly or simply use a clean towel to wipe it down and rub gently in circular motions to keep the suede surface intact.
  5. To keep the suede’s appearance and feel, buff or vacuum it after use.

Oil-Based Stains

Shoes with cake-type polish and cosmetics are examples of stains with an oil basis.

  • If the area is only faintly contaminated, a moderate soap and water solution can be used to remove these stains. To illustrate, consider the bottom of a recliner with a light pen mark or shoe polish.
  • A solvent chemical may be required for more stubborn stains. If this is the case, any non-toxic household cleaning, such as K2r upholstery cleaner, can be used. The cloth should be spot cleaned first to ensure that the cleaner won’t harm it. Always read the product’s label before using it. Wipe off any remaining cleanser with a mild soap and water solution.
  • For water-based stains, dry and buff as in steps 4 and 5.

Code X Cleaning Instructions

Do not use any kind of foam or liquid cleanser. To remove soil, use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush.

How Much Does Furniture Upholstery Cleaning Cost in 2023? | Angi

Care & Cleaning of Leather

Leather Care Basics

A well-cared-for piece of leather will retain its luster and aesthetic appeal for many years. As far as upholstery materials go, this one is the simplest to keep clean and maintain. There are unique cleaning and maintenance instructions for each type of leather, but there are also some general guidelines.

  • Use a crevice tool in the seams to keep it clean.
  • Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth wet with distilled water for weekly dusting.
  • Avoid the sun’s rays if you can. Even though leather has a natural resistance to fading, any material that is exposed to the sun for an extended period of time will eventually fade.
  • Radiators and other heat sources should be at least 12 inches away from leather furniture. Avoiding high temperatures will assist to keep the leather from drying out and maybe cracking, as well.
    1. To clean, work up a foam with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of half mild soap (such as Neutrogena or Ivory) and half distilled water.
    2. Make sure you don’t overwork a fabric by rubbing it. Use a clean cloth soaked only with clear distilled water to remove any lingering soap residue. Continue blotting until dry, if necessary.
    3. If the stain is more difficult to remove, have it cleaned by a professional leather cleaning service.

Full Aniline Leather

Aniline dye is used to quality leathers to preserve the natural, rustic charm that distinguishes each piece of furniture from the others. The improved Crypton finish protects the leather from deterioration by creating an imperceptible barrier.

  • Defends against the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
  • Removes stains, dirt, and dust.
  • restores the supply of natural oils
  • Safe for the environment

Wrinkles, scars, and branding in each hide can be enhanced by using aniline dye. They are a sign of high quality and give each piece a distinct look of its own. The photos below demonstrate a variety of surface irregularities that may be observed.

As an alternative to petroleum-based ingredients, *Crypton Leather Enhance makes use of biorenewable resources derived from sand or mined silicon metal. In order to protect human health and the environment, we only employ safe chemicals.

Please contact your dealer if you have any questions about your specific piece of furniture. Please contact Customer Service if you have a query that isn’t answered here.

The bottom line

In order to keep your recliner in good condition, it’s vital to use the cleaning procedure that is best suited to the fabric of your chair. If you don’t want to deal with stains and spills, consider a washable throw or seat cover.

If your chair has a protective covering, it should still be washed down frequently, deep cleaned at least twice a year, and any stains removed quickly. As a result, not only will cleaning be a breeze, but your reclining chair will remain in excellent shape for many years to come.

If you have any queries about how to care for your chair, please don’t hesitate to contact us.