Luckily, this is a straightforward process.

Read on to learn how to clean your upholstered chairs.

Look for the tag underneath the chair or cushion and follow the cleaning guidelines for the code.

White upholstered chair being cleaned with vacuum hose with throw blanket on top

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

How Often to Clean an Upholstered Chair

Spills and stains should be cleaned away immediately.

Never rub a spill or stain when it happens, as that only pushes it deeper into the upholstery.

Blot liquids until no more moisture transfers to a paper towel as soon as they occur.

Materials and tools to clean an upholstered chair

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

A vacuum with a HEPA filter will capture as much dust and allergens like pet dander as possible.

Remove the cushions and vacuum both sides.

Tilt the chair over and reach the bottom and around the legs.

Upholstered chair arm cleaned with vacuum hose with brush attachment

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Tip

To freshen a smelly chair, sprinkle the upholstery with dry baking soda.

Vacuum away the baking soda and the dust and odor.

Treat Stains and Heavily Soiled Areas

Treat the stainsusing a commercial upholstery cleaner following the label instructions.

Upholstery cleaner sprayed on chair arm and scrubbed with soft-bristled brush

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

When performing a general cleaning, pay extra attention to arms and headrests.

These have the most contact with body oils and may have more grime.

This “rinse” is very important because any detergent left in the fibers can attract more soil.

Materials to create an overall cleaning solution for upholstered chairs

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Dry Upholstery

Blot the upholstery with dry cloths to absorb as much moisture as possible.

Then you might simply leave it alone to air dry.

Tips to Keep Your Upholstered Chair Clean Longer

Dishwashing liquid and water solution scrubbed into chair arm with sponge

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Damp microfiber cloth wiping cleaning solution from upholstered chair arm

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic