Cleaning a fabric or upholstered headboard
Fabric headboards get stained with hair sebum and dust. How to remove stains without leaving rings?
Recommended Materials
- Vacuum cleaner
- Sommières earth (or Fuller's earth)
- Ammonia (for stubborn stains) or Vinegar
- Washcloth
Steps to follow
Step 1
Regularly dust the headboard with the vacuum cleaner equipped with the soft brush attachment. Dust becomes embedded particularly in the tufting and folds of the fabric.
Step 2
For grease stains (hair sebum at head level): sprinkle generously with Sommières earth on the stained area. Leave on overnight. The powder will absorb the grease. The next day, vacuum. It is a dry method with no risk of rings.
Step 3
For an overall cleaning or stubborn stains: prepare a bowl of lukewarm water with a little mild liquid detergent and a few drops of ammonia (ventilate the room well and wear gloves) or white vinegar if you prefer to avoid ammonia.
Step 4
Soak a clean washcloth or clean sponge, and wring it out VERY hard. The headboard should never be soaked deep down because the inner foam would mold and the wood of the structure could swell.
Step 5
Rub the entire surface of the headboard (not just the stain, otherwise you will have a visible clean ring). Proceed by zones.
Step 6
Rinse by wiping a damp (wrung out) washcloth with clear water over the entire surface to remove soap residues.
Step 7
Dry immediately with a hair dryer (warm air) or let dry with the window wide open all day. The fabric must dry quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a steam cleaner ?
Yes, it is excellent for disinfecting and reviving colors, but pass the brush very quickly so as not to soak the fabric and the foam underneath.
How to protect the fabric from future stains ?
You can apply a textile waterproofing spray (like sofa stain repellent) once the headboard is perfectly clean and dry.
Precautions
- Ammonia is irritating, do not breathe it in.
- Always test color fastness on a hidden corner.
