More and more people opt for a microfiber recliner since it is cozy, affordable, and resistant to water and stains. Even though microfiber recliners are relatively easy to maintain, it doesn’t mean they are immune to all the dirt and stains. We need to clean it from time to time for our health and pleasure.
But how to clean a microfiber recliner? Not every type of cleaners or cleaning method is applicable. By reading this guide, you will be ready to spruce up your microfiber recliner to the point of looking brand new.
Contents
Check the cleaning codes
Microfiber can be made from different kinds of materials. That’s why the care required for each microfiber recliner may vary. Luckily, most manufacturers will show you how to deal with it by printing the cleaning code on the tags.
These codes include:
S – You need to use a solvent-based cleaner.
W – You need to use a water-based cleaner.
S/W – Both water-based cleaners and solvent-based cleaners are applicable.
X – Don’t use any cleaner. Only dry cleaning methods are allowed. We recommend you to look are a professional treatment if the chair is too dirty.
If you have a vintage microfiber chair or can’t find any tags on the chair, using a solvent-based cleaner is usually safer.
Use the right tools for cleaning microfiber
Once you know the correct cleaning method, it is time to prepare all the tools and materials you will need during the process.
A vacuum cleaner is a must-have regardless of which kind of cleaning code your microfiber chair has.
If the microfiber chair is tagged with a “W” code, you should buy a water-based upholstery cleaner, if the chair has an “S” cleaning code, a solvent-based cleaner is what you need.
For those who don’t have time to go shopping or just prefer a homemade cleanser, a bottle of white vinegar, some baking soda, a bottle of mild detergent, and a bottle of rubbing alcohol are usually good enough. We will show you have to use them in the next section.
To blot the stains, we need to prepare a few microfiber cloths or sponges. The rags should be white or light-colored to prevent coloring transfer. A brush is also important for fluffing the fibers later.
Outside of that, a bucket for water and a sprayer for rubbing alcohol come in handy.
Use solvent-based cleaners to clean a microfiber recliner
If the tag of your microfiber recliner has an “S” or “S/W” code, then you should follow the steps in this section.
The first step is to do physical cleaning. Use a brush to remove all the caked-on or large particles on the surfaces. Don’t forget the nooks and corners where the food residue and danger meet. For more thorough cleaning, flip over the chair and clean up the dust and debris built up in the mechanism.
Some people never think about cleaning the parts underneath. However, dust blockage is often the cause of recliner malfunction.
Use the vacuum cleaner to clean the fabric on the bottom and then put the chair back to clean other areas.
Testing the cleaner is a step you should never ignore as some cleanser could leave irreparable marks on the upholstery. Spray a bit of solvent-based cleaner or rubbing alcohol on an out-of-sight area to see if it will damage the microfiber. Many users like to use rubbing alcohol as it is affordable and dries quickly.Spray the solvent-based cleaner or rubbing alcohol on the soiled area. Use a white or light-colored microfiber cloth to lift the stains. Repeat the process until the stains are gone. Once the upholstery is dry, revive the fabric of the microfiber recliner by using a soft brush.
How to clean a microfiber recliner chair with a water-based cleaner
Most cleaners are water-based and we can use our readily available mild detergent to clean the chair if it has a “W” cleaning code.
The first step is always physical cleaning. Use the brush or vacuum cleaner to remove all the dander, crumb, and dust. Remember to clean up the framework underneath at least bi-annually.
Once it is done, we can focus on removing stains on the upholstery.
You can DIY a mixture that consists of a quart of warm water, a tablespoon of dish soap or detergent, and a tablespoon of white vinegar.
Different from using a solvent-based cleaner, you can’t spray it directly on the surfaces. Stir up the mixture vigorously until the suds form.
Use a sponge or white cloth to dip into the suds and apply it to the stains. Don’t forget to try it on an invisible area of the microfiber recliner.
Rub stains with a circular motion and blot the stains with a white cloth. When the stains fade, use a paper towel or cloth to remove extra liquids.
Take it slowly and don’t make your chair overwet.
After all the stains are gone, allow it to air dry. Use a soft scrub brush to soften the fabric back up.
How to prevent stains on a microfiber recliner?
Once you get an excellent microfiber recliner, you want to make it always look good. A chair full of stains is unpleasant and we need to take some actions to prevent it happen.
One effective way is to buy a slipcover for your chair. The recliner cover creates a barrier between the chair and users and replacing it is pretty easy.
How to remove smells from a microfiber recliner?
Food residues are often the source of odors. Sometimes, using a vacuum or brush to take them away is good enough to eliminate the bad smells.
If the odors still don’t disappear, you could use a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe the fabric as long as your microfiber fiber can be cleaned by water-based cleaners.
Otherwise, covering a layer of baking soda on the stains is proven to be effective in removing smells as well.
Bottom line
We explained every bit of “how to clean a microfiber recliner” in this post. Microfiber upholstery is easy to deal with and you can feel relaxed because you can remove the dirt and stains easily even if you are new to the world of furniture cleaning.
Take some notes about the cleaning tips we mentioned above and you will end up getting a new microfiber recliner!
