General/Commercial Cleaning: Vacuuming Furniture
Often ignored in vacuuming duties are our couches and chairs. This is despite the fact as horizontal surfaces and things we sit and lay on they are very prone to gathering dirt and dust. A thorough vacuum can do your upholstery a world of good but there are a few things to keep in mind. Things you will Need:
Vacuum: It is about choosing the right vacuum. While there are a number of different units on the market each offering different features and differing prices the general features to take into consideration are:
Suction bags: Be it a fabric sack or paper bags that can be disposed of the traditional vacuum uses a ‘catcher’ to filter the dirt. This needs to frequently be emptied. If the bag gets a hole it can have an effect on the suction, so be careful. Paper bags are typically thrown away after use, and are relatively cheap but still represent an ongoing cost. Fabric bags need to be beaten free of dust after use.
Chamber: Does not use a bag to catch the dirt and dust, rather uses a series of chambers and filters to catch it. Typically easier to empty of dust they also offer better suction efficiency. That said they come at a cost that is usually higher.
Vacuum heads: the part of the vacuum that actually contacts the upholstery. There are many different types. Standard heads will often have the option to fold out bristles that allow you to vacuum hard floors easier. There are also ‘power heads’ that increase the suction power of the head [especially good for pet hair and other stubborn dust] but typically make vacuuming a more physically exerting task. Many vacuum sets come with a tiny suction head that is actually designed specifically for use on fabrics by allowing an unbroken contact area and long, blade like fittings that are great for getting in the tight cracks between cushions.
Vacuum power: Vacuums at the end of the day are about suction. A more powerful engine allows for more suction. While there are secondary factors like whether there is a bag or chamber and the type of head attached a safe enough bet is usually ‘the stronger the better’. If you are working with a budget then you need to make sure you balance features with power.
Surface Spray or Wood Surface Spray: Basic spray on cleaners for the hard areas like arms and legs of your upholstery. Do note that using surface sprays specifically designed for polished wood can help maintain the finish of the polish, whereas otherwise a general surface spray or even wet wipes should prove sufficient.
Sponges and Rags and Paper Towels: Just standard surface wiping equipment.
Things to Keep in Mind:
It is important that you thoroughly inspect your couches and remove as many of the hard objects as possible. Coins, paper clips, dice, whatever. If these hard objects get sucked up by yourvacuum they can potentially wreak havoc on its insides by getting caught in filters, ripping vacuum bags and if the unit is plastic potentially leaving cracks.In general it is advised you vacuum your furniture prior to your floors.
Vacuuming: As noted always make sure you thoroughly remove any small items from between the cracks. If if it possible to remove cushions you are advised to put them to the side for the time being.
There are two things that you need to keep in mind when vacuuming, but these are particularly significant when vacuuming upholstery: First, you want to make sure the entire area of your vacuum head in in contact with the fabric. This is necessary to maintain suction pressure. This is why the small vacuum head attachment is so useful: it allows you to more easily maintain suction.
Second, make sure your strokes are slow and overlap. ‘A quick once over’ is more or less pointless.If you have the long wand attachment you can use that to go between the gaps in the cushions. While this might seem pedantic in reality a lot of dust can gather in there and every bit helps. You can try and fit the vacuum head in there as well but often the gaps don’t have that sort of give.
When vacuuming the loose cushions vacuum all surfaces, not just the top. As cushions can often act like big sponges for dust and drag it to the centre by vacuuming from all directions you are more likely to get most of it out.
Any non fabric areas like arms and legs can be cleaned like any surface by using spray on cleaners or wet wipes. As often the cleaning of those spots is not too intense a wet sponge may prove sufficient.
Cushions can be left in the sun outside to air if they have been sitting around for a long time. Just be careful that it doesn’t rain or you could ruin them.
Spraying room fresheners can be a nice finishing touch to a vacuuming, helping to eliminate any gathered smells.
How Often Should it be Done? Realistically whenever you vacuum but more likely every month or two. Families with asthmatics or allergies should do it as frequently as time permits to help reduce impact.
You can be sure that when the Keen To Clean staff visits your home, you will get 100% satisfaction from our office cleaning and commercial cleaning service in all Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide suburbs. To book a cleaning day, please feel free to drop us a line at 1300-737978, 0425-758379 for 24/7 emergency cleaning, or email us at enquiry@keentoclean.com.au. We are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8AM till 6:30 PM, in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
