Basic Vinyl Upholstery Care: The Dos and Don’ts

Vinyl upholstery is one of the most versatile materials. It covers everything from boat seating to restaurant booths and more. Being the water-resistant material that it is, it is easy enough to simply wipe down with a damp cloth. At times, however, the creases at the seams and even the lines in the design can collect grim and begin to look a little dingy. If you are plagued with sever cleaning issues and damage, such as mold and mildew or tearing, it is best to have the upholstery professionally restored. Otherwise, here are some tips for the upkeep of your vinyl upholstery.

Tips for Basic Vinyl Upholstery Cleaning

The Dos

• Do regular cleaning. This is on the “Do” list for sure.  If you keep up on cleaning you will not need to worry about deeper set-in problems like mildew.
• Do use a mild cleaning solution. Try 1/4 cup of soap (such as Dreft Laundry Detegent or 303 Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner) to 1 gallon of fresh water.
• Do clean with a soft damp (not soaking wet) sponge or cloth, using a circular motion.
• Do rinse the soap off with fresh water from a damp soft cloth.
• Do towel dry.

The Don’ts

• Do not allow excess water to pool in the seams or anywhere else.
• Do not use harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach or ammonia. Even Windex and Simple Green break down the vinyl material over time.
• Do not use abrasive surfaces to clean, like a Brillo pad. The rough surface can flake away layers of vinyl and cause scratching.

Keep It Up

Keeping up this basic cleaning on a regular basis will go far in maintaining the lifespan of you vinyl upholstery. Vinyl seems like a material that is easy to care for, and it can be. Just remember the last time you saw vinyl that was flaking or rubbed raw. Avoid that by not over doing it. For questions on caring for your upholstery, or when you need to reupholster, contact us.