Moving out of a rental presents a couple more challenges than if you were to leave a place that you own. With the endless chores you need to do, upholstery cleaning often ends up disregarded.

Adding it to your to-do list does not just leave a good impression on the building manager. It also helps guarantee a complete deposit refund.

The following tips will have your sofas, chairs, and cushions gleaming by the time you hand over the keys.

The Risks of Unclean Upholstery

Most renters clean various surfaces around the house on a regular basis, but their upholstery usually tells a different tale.

Fabric-covered furniture gathers dirt and food crumbs over time, particularly in heavily trafficked areas like the dining room. This does not just affect the overall appearance of the space. It can also spread allergens, dust, and unsavoury odours.

For pet owners, this can present an even bigger issue since pet hair and smells linger on the upholstered furniture long after your furbaby’s nap.

Any signs of improper cleaning will hurt your chances of recovering your entire deposit. This can be especially problematic if your lease mandates that the property be maintained to professional standards.

Remove Surface Dust and Debris

To begin with, you need to vacuum the carpets and other upholstery thoroughly. This deceivingly simple act of eliminating surface dust and loose debris will have a significant impact on the entire space.

Make sure you use the correct attachments to pluck the dirt hiding between the crevices of sofas, chairs, and cushions. Pay close attention to the seams, folds, and areas underneath detachable cushions. These forgotten nooks usually trap all sorts of filth.

To clean difficult spots, such as those covered by pet hair, run a lint roller or a damp rubber glove over the surface to lift the fur or lint.

The dampness will provide a better grip that enables you to pick up loose particles more easily. This, in turn, eliminates any invisible dust, minimising allergy and asthma symptoms by extension.

All in all, this first stage guarantees a fresh slate. The remaining work all pertains to specific treatments for problem areas.

Spot-Treat Stubborn Stains

It is time to turn your attention to any stains or blemishes that have settled on your upholstery once the loose dirt is gone.

Any odd discolourations will quickly catch the landlord’s eye during the final inspection. That is why spot cleaning is absolutely vital. 

A basic mixture of warm water and mild dish soap works well on fresh stains. Working from the edge of the soiled spot towards the middle, blot the area gently with a cloth soaked in your DIY solution to stop it from spreading.

Steer clear of rubbing, as it can damage the fabric or drive the stain farther into the fibres.

On the other hand, a specialised, fabric-safe cleaner is the best solution for old or tough stains. 

Bear in mind that various materials react differently to treatments. So, be sure to check the label on your upholstered furniture before using just any product. Testing it on a hidden area first is also a smart move to guarantee that it will not discolour the fabric.

Eliminate Lingering Odours

Odours can cling to the carpets and furniture, slowly but surely permeating the entire space over time. Smoke, food, and pets all leave strong scents behind that embed themselves deeply into the fabric.

These often require more than a simple surface washing to eliminate. There is no need to fret, though. You probably have some items in your pantry that will help. 

Baking soda, for example, is a powerful natural deodoriser that neutralises even the most offensive smells.

Sprinkle it over your upholstery, and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes. After it has had enough time to absorb the smell, vacuum the powder to remove all residue.

White vinegar is a great alternative if you need a stronger remedy for particularly sharp odours. 

Lightly spray equal parts water and white vinegar over the afflicted area, and then let it be. As it dries, the acidic vinegar smell will fade, taking the unsavoury odour with it.

The rule of thumb when applying any type of liquid to fabric surfaces, though, is to not oversaturate it to prevent mildew or watermarks.

When to Consider End of Tenancy Cleaning Services

These steps will spruce up the place for you and the next renters. Nevertheless, DIY solutions do not always work.

Sometimes, a reliable end of tenancy cleaning service proves to be the best option. This is especially the case if your furnishings are in dire need of a deep cleaning.

Cleaning companies employ specialised tools, such as industrial vacuums and steam cleaners. These tools offer a great degree of cleanliness that is difficult to achieve with traditional supplies.

For example, steam cleaners reach farther into the fibres to eliminate hidden dirt, dust mites, and bacteria, sanitising the upholstery in the process.

A trustworthy cleaning crew will also be familiar with the criteria property managers usually look for during an inspection. If your lease mandates a thorough clean-up, they will guarantee that every nook and cranny of the house satisfies the necessary requirements.

Apply the Finishing Touches

A final walk-through after you are done will help you spot and eliminate any remaining stains and smells. This is especially important if you are preparing for a routine, or an end of lease, inspection.

Go over every room and look for any blemishes you could have missed. It is best to examine the upholstery in natural light, as synthetic light tends to overshadow stains and grime.

Fluff up the cushions and pillows once you are done to make the furniture seem more appealing. 

If you want to go above and beyond, a spritz of fabric refresher will leave an inviting aroma that enhances the overall sense of cleanliness in the room.

Conclusion

With these DIY tips and a little effort, you can eliminate dust, stains, and smells, leaving upholstered furniture spotless.

Remember, regular upkeep will simplify your end of tenancy cleaning when it is time to move out. It also increases your chances of getting your full deposit back.

So, apply these suggestions when you can to enhance your comfort during your stay and make the place more inviting for future tenants.