How to Clean Upholstered Chairs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Upholstered or fabric-covered chairs make a home feel soft, welcoming, and beautifully lived-in. But sooner or later, everyday life leaves its marks, and the odd spill or stain is bound to happen. The good news is that with just a little bit of TLC, you can keep your upholstered chairs looking at their best.

We’ve put together a handy step-by-step guide on how to clean upholstered chairs using simple products you likely already have, so you can restore your upholstery with confidence. 

Step 1: check the fabric type and care label

Before you begin dabbing or scrubbing, take a moment to understand what you’re working with. Different fabrics respond differently to moisture and detergents, so it’s always worth checking the care label (if your chair has one). Pay particular attention to whether the fabric is washable or dry-clean only, and the weave and composition of the fabric (linen, cotton, blended cloths). This ensures that your chosen cleaning method will support, rather than stress, the fibres.

Step 2: vacuum the fabric thoroughly

Dust and crumbs can settle deep into upholstery, which can turn into stubborn marks when dampened. To prevent this:

• Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Vacuum across the chair slowly, following the natural grain of the fabric
• Pay special attention to the edges, seams, and tufted areas
• Lift any removable cushions and vacuum underneath them

This is one of the easiest ways to keep your fabric chairs looking fresh, especially when it comes to upholstered dining chairs.

Step 3: treat any stains

If you’re wondering how to remove stains from fabric chairs, speed is your best friend. Here’s the safest way to tackle upholstery stains:

1. Blot, don’t rub. Press a clean white cloth over the spill to lift the moisture.
2. Mix a mild cleaning solution of warm water with a tiny drop of gentle washing-up liquid.
3. Test your mixture on a hidden patch of fabric.
4. Apply the solution with a soft cloth using light circular movements.
5. Work from the outside in so that the mark doesn’t spread any further.
6. Blot again with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

If the stains on your chair are particularly oily, add a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda to your cleaning solution to absorb the grease. Always test the cleaning mixture on an area of the chair you can’t see first, like the back.

Step 4: gently clean the whole chair

If you want to keep your fabric looking even and avoid any water rings, we recommend lightly cleaning the entire seat or back rather than just a small patch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Lightly dampen a cloth with a mild cleaning solution of warm water and washing-up liquid.
2. Wring the cloth out well. This is really important, as over-wetting the fabric can cause watermarks.
3. Glide your cloth over the surface of the chair using long, even strokes.
4. Rinse your cloth, wring again, and repeat.
5. Finish by blotting the fabric with a clean, dry towel.

Step 5: allow the fabric to dry naturally

Drying your fabric is just as important as washing it. Here’s the best way to protect your upholstery while drying:

• Keep your chair in a warm, well-ventilated room.
• Avoid direct heat from radiators or hairdryers.
• Open your windows, if the weather allows. 
• Let the chair dry completely before sitting on it.

Step 6: brush, plump, and refresh

Once your chair is fully dry, it’s time to give it a little TLC. Use a clean upholstery brush to lift the nap of the fabric and plump/reshape your cushions. If it’s a dining chair, check that the legs are still structurally sound and tighten any wobbly screws. Your chair should now look refreshed and ready for whatever life might throw at it!

Step 7: follow an ongoing care regime

The best way to clean upholstery is to stay on top of the small maintenance tasks before they become big, time-consuming problems. Here’s a few easy steps to add into your ongoing care regime:

• Vacuum your upholstered chairs weekly (or twice a week for dining chairs).
• Rotate your chairs if they sit in sunny spots to stop the fabric from fading.
• Treat new spills quickly using the method described above.
• Consider chairs with washable seat pads if you have young children or pets.

Refresh your chair with Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics

Sometimes cleaning your chair isn’t enough, and you might decide that you’d like to reupholster it with some fresh fabric.

We offer a beautiful collection of upholstery fabrics, from bold botanical prints to subtle stripes, that are designed to give your chairs a new lease of life. You can order up to 5 farbic samples free of charge, with each sample over this charged at just £1, so you can test out which fabrics work in your room before committing to a full metre. 

Once you’ve chosen your favourite fabric, check out our beginner’s guide to reupholstering a chair to help you recover your chair with confidence.

If you still need advice on how to clean upholstered chairs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly team members. We’d be happy to help! 

FAQs

What is the safest way to clean fabric chairs at home?

The safest approach to cleaning fabric chairs at home is always a gentle one. Make sure you vacuum first, and then treat any stains with mild soapy water (avoid over-wetting the fabric). Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it more widely.

How do I remove stubborn stains from fabric chairs?

Follow these steps to remove stains from fabric chairs: blot immediately, and then use a mild soap solution, working slowly from the outside of the stain inward. Bicarbonate of soda can help to lift oily marks. If the stain persists, especially on dry clean only fabrics, then we recommend calling a professional upholstery cleaner.

Can I use a steam cleaner on my upholstered chairs?

Whether or not you can use a steam cleaner on your upholstered chairs all depends on the fabric. Some natural fibres, particularly linen and cotton blends, don’t respond well to intense heat or moisture. Always check your care label first and seek specialist advice if you’re unsure.

How often should I clean upholstered dining chairs?

Your dining chairs should be cleaned regularly. A weekly vacuum and prompt spot treatment when spills occur is usually enough. However, we recommend completing a more thorough clean every few months to keep them looking fresh, especially if you have young children or pets. 

Vanessa

We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.