Natural Upholstery Cleaning: What Works on Fabric, Leather & More
🌱 A surface-led approach to cleaning upholstery without damage
Cleaning approach: Soap, oxygen or dry deodorising — depending on material
Form: Spot cleaning, blotting and freshening
Upholstery is one of the most common places people accidentally cause damage when cleaning at home.
Couches, chairs and soft furnishings are made from a wide range of materials — natural fibres, synthetics, leather, blends — often layered over foam, batting and backing that don’t tolerate moisture well. What cleans one surface safely can permanently mark another.
That’s why upholstery cleaning should never start with a generic spray. It should start with understanding the surface.
Cleaning vs freshening (important distinction)
Before choosing a product, be clear about the problem you’re solving.
- Cleaning removes spills, dirt and organic residue
- Freshening absorbs odours only
Using deodorising powders on a dirty surface won’t clean it. Using liquid cleaners on odour-only issues can make things worse.
Common upholstery surface types
Fabric upholstery (synthetic or blended fabrics)
This includes:
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Microfibre
- Blended fabrics
These are generally the most forgiving.
Best approach:
- Gentle soap-based spot cleaning
- Minimal moisture
- Blotting, not scrubbing
Natural fibre upholstery (cotton, linen, wool blends)
These fibres are more sensitive to:
- Water
- Alkalinity
- Oxygen cleaners
Best approach:
- Very mild soap solutions
- Small, controlled spot cleaning
- Immediate blotting and drying
When in doubt, professional cleaning is safest for wool upholstery.
Leather & faux leather
Leather is not fabric — and should never be treated like one.
Leather requires:
- Minimal moisture
- No alkalinity
- No acids
- No oxygen cleaners
DIY leather care should be limited to:
- Damp wiping with water
- Very mild soap only if necessary
- Dedicated leather conditioners if used
Avoid vinegar, percarbonate, bicarb or scrubbing.
The three natural approaches used for upholstery
1. Soap-based spot cleaning (most fabric upholstery)
Soap is useful for:
- Food spills
- Body oils
- Everyday grime
It works by loosening dirt so it can be lifted out.
Key rules:
- Always dilute
- Apply lightly
- Blot immediately
- Never soak cushions or backing
Soap residue left behind attracts dirt, so less is more.
2. Oxygen-based cleaning (stains & odours — fabric only)
Oxygen cleaners can help with:
- Organic stains
- Pet accidents
- Persistent odours
Important limitations:
- Patch test every time
- Avoid wool and delicate fibres
- Never oversaturate
Oxygen cleaning is for targeted treatment, not general cleaning.
3. Dry deodorising (freshening only)
Bicarbonate of soda is useful for:
- General odours
- Between deeper cleans
It:
- Absorbs smells
- Does not clean fibres
- Should be vacuumed thoroughly
Do not use on damp upholstery.
When to call a professional
DIY upholstery cleaning is suitable for:
- Light spills
- Odour management
- Between professional cleans
Call a professional if:
- The upholstery is wool, silk or antique
- Staining is widespread or unknown
- Water has soaked into cushions
- The manufacturer’s care label restricts water use
Professional upholstery cleaning once every 12–24 months is often the best baseline.
⚠️ Important upholstery safety notes
- Always check manufacturer care labels
- Patch test every product
- Never mix soap, acids and oxygen cleaners
- Avoid excessive moisture
- Dry quickly and thoroughly
Damage usually comes from too much liquid, not the product itself.
Final note
Upholstery cleaning isn’t about finding the strongest cleaner.
It’s about using the least amount of the right product, on the right surface, in the right way — and knowing when DIY stops and professional care begins.