Homemade Cleaners for Cleaning Furniture

We talk a lot about using natural, eco-friendly cleaners on our blog rather than chemical based cleaners that can be harmful to us and especially our kids. So here is a great way to clean your furniture using natural ingredients that you probably already have in your home!
 

Remove Dust

Even though you may not be able to see them, it doesn’t take long for dust mites to invade your furniture, which is why cleaning furniture regularly is a good idea, even if it looks like it doesn’t need it. Cleaning furniture regularly will also help keep pet dander to a minimum, reducing the affect it will have on people with allergies that live in or visit your home. Also, believe it or not, particles of dirt can penetrate the fabric of your furniture and damage the fiber.
 

The best way to remove the dust is to simply use a vacuum with a brush and crevice tool and get every corner of your couch or chair. It is a good idea to remove the cushions and clean the base of the furniture as well, and also the underside of the couch if you want to get serious (you’d be surprised what can build up under there). Finally, give the cushions a good vacuum too.
 

Cleaning Furniture with Natural Ingredients

It is important to first make sure what kind of material your couch or chair is made from before applying any solution to it as it may harm it depending on what it is.
 

Using the recipes below, always test a small area of the furniture first – preferably where no one will see it, just in case it doesn’t go as planned. If everything is fine then spray the piece of furniture lightly with the solution and rub it in gently. Afterwards, lightly spray it with clean, cold water to rinse it off. Only use hot water if attempting to remove something like grease. Use a soft cloth that will absorb everything well. Dry it by dabbing the furniture with the cloth. Leaving the windows open on a nice breezy day will also help with drying afterwards.
 

Keep in mind not to soak the fabric when doing this and do not leave the furniture in direct sunlight as it can fade the material over time.
 

Recipes

All-Purpose Upholstery Cleaner (Option 1)

Shake in a bottle or jar, or use an electric mixer to mix solution.
 

All-Purpose Upholstery Cleaner (Option 2)

Use the same instructions as the above recipe. This is also good for removing odors.
 

Spot Cleaner

Soak up the spot with a cloth before applying the solution. Rinse with cold water afterwards and dry by patting with cloth.