Maintaining your furniture by keeping them clean and dust free allows their glow and gives them more life. These are two regular household products and can, therefore, serve as potent and environment-friendly cleaning agents. This will be an easy-to-follow step guide on how to clean up different sorts of furniture through these home-made natural ingredients.
Why Use Vinegar and Baking Soda for Cleaning?
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the most popular cleaning agents available, as they are non-toxic and versatile. As a mild acid, vinegar dissolves grease, grime, and dirt from the surface. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that makes scrubbing surfaces clean and not scratching them. Altogether, they form the best combination to tackle heavy stains and odors that come with furniture of every kind.
How to Clean Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture is very sensitive; if you're not cautious, you will end up destroying the finish. How to clean with vinegar and baking soda :
Materials Needed:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft brush
- Water
- Spray bottle
Steps:
- Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the Solution: Sprinkle the solution on a microfiber cloth rather than directly on the wood.
- Wipe the Surface: Rub the cloth along with wood surface following the wood grain.
- Remove Stains: Take one part of baking soda, mix it with two parts of water. For deep stubborn stains, put soft brush paste to the spot, and start scrubbing it in circular motion.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue and dry immediately with a clean cloth to prevent damage from water.
Tip: Always test on a small, inconspicuous area before application to ensure that it doesn't damage the wood finish.
How to Clean Upholstered Furniture
It gets dusty, dirty or stained. The cloth has to be refreshed and its stains need to be washed with vinegar and baking soda. Follow these steps:
Materials Needed:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Water
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Spray bottle
- Soft brush or sponge
Steps:
- Vacuum the Furniture: This will sweep away loose dust and dirt particles that surround it.
- Apply Baking Soda: Pour a generous amount of baking soda on the upholstery surface. Allow it to stay for about 15-20 minutes so that it will soak in the smell and loosen up stains.
- Vacuum Again: Vacuum the baking soda off properly.
- Create a Vinegar Solution: Combine equal volumes of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spot Clean: Spray with the vinegar solution lightly on stains or heavily dirtied areas, then clean using a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse and Dry: Use a cloth soaked in water to rub the treated area to wash away any remaining vinegar smell. Allow the upholstery to air dry completely.
Tip: Do not soak the upholstery fabric as it may be over-wet. Always blot rather than rub so that the upholstery fibers are not damaged.
How to Clean Leather Furniture
Leather furniture requires delicate handling as it may crack easily once it loses its natural oils. To clean leather with vinegar and baking soda: Here's how you do it -
Materials Needed:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Olive oil
- Soft cloths
- Spray bottle
Steps:
- Create a Cleaning Solution: In a spray bottle mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water.
- Wipe the Leather: Spray solution to the soft cloth and gently rub onto leather surfaces.
- Remove Stains: For stains, use a small amount of baking soda on the area and leave it there for a few minutes to absorb the oils or grime. Wipe clean the area with a damp, clean cloth.
- Condition the Leather: Combine a little olive oil with vinegar, and apply it using a soft cloth in circular motions. Buff it up to shine with a clean dry cloth.
Tip: Don't let too much water get on leather as this might make the material become discolored and also degraded. Condition the leather immediately after cleaning for suppleness.
Vinegar and baking soda are a very simple, essential household chemical that can be used in cleaning all sorts of furniture. From wooden upholstered furniture to even leather furniture, these simple ingredients can help keep your pieces in the best of conditions. Of course, remember to always test an area first, and don't forget gentle cleaning techniques.