To minimize dust and remove crumbs, hair, and any other debris from the fibers of the fabric, weekly vacuuming is recommended. It leaves a fresh, clean scent behind, but keep in mind that you do need to vacuum your upholstery after using this cleaner. The bottom line is that you may have to put in more work to pre-treat sticky stains and spend a few extra minutes when using this upholstery cleaner, but its effective and compact. This foaming formula is safe to use on nylon and other synthetic surfaces, and its stain-lifting ingredients work to remove grease, tar, coffee, ink, lipstick, and other common automobile stains. Oils in the wipe soften the leather andimpart shine. Its safe for use on finished leather, but should not be used on suede, nubuck, or unfinished leather. A quick cheat sheet: 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, Best Handheld Upholstery Cleaner for Cars, Best Upholstery Cleaner for Red Wine Stains, Best Upholstery Cleaning Wipes for Leather, Best Upholstery Cleaner for Delicate Fabrics, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Pet hair clings to fabrics with static electricity, so the sheets on Scotch-Brite's roller are 50% stickier to pick up more hair with fewer passes. Some stains may require multiple treatments. Type: Machine | Dimensions: 15 x 13.9 x 9.7 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Amount: 51 ounces | Cord Length: 14 feet | Heat Time: Not applicable | Run Time: Not available | Surface Type: Carpet and upholstery. It's an effective and easy-to-use product, since you don't need to buff or rinse after applying it to your beloved surfaces. On the upholstered cushion, we tasked each model with cleaning up a caked-on ketchup stain and soil stain. In our tests, this GH Seal star made quick work or removing stains without damaging fabrics or carpet and it picks up spills faster and more thoroughly than you can with a cloth. We also check for any fabric damage the cleaners may cause, how easy the cleaners are to use and rinse away, how clear the directions are and for any safety or cautionary warnings that must be on the product's label. Carolyn Fort, a consumer products expert, is the executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all testing, research and editorial production involving cleaning appliances and products, like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, detergents and more. However, throughout the month of testing and many years of personal use, our tester used it on everything from couch upholstery to curtains. An upholstery cleaner is a handheld machine, spray, wipe, or cream that comes to the rescue when you need to clean a spill or stain on your couch upholstery or another soft surface. The appliance earned a 5-star rating and saved our testers furniture with its effective and easy-to-use design. You also dont need to worry about bacteria and mold growing in the hose during storage, since the back of the machine features a port for flushing the hose after youre done using it. They are well made with quality components and this one is no exception. For more insight, she spoke to Lauren Bowen, Director of Franchise Operations at Two Maids & A Mop. Simply fill the clean tank with water and one of Bissell's cleaning formulas. There are a few tradeoffs if you opt for a budget upholstery cleaner. Because it's wide not narrow it's more comfortable to hold and covers cushions and chair backs more quickly and with less wrist twisting than a smaller rollerrequires. Our at-home tester challenged this carpet and upholstery cleaner with removing the evidence of salsa spills, crayon marks, and other stains left on the couch by kids and pets. The kit includes an applicator sponge and buffing cloth. We answered all of these questions so you don't have to. All upholstery cleaners share a common purpose, but vary in type and cleaning method. Woolite Instaclean works on carpet and rug stains, too. We boiled down all of our testing insights and research to the cleaners we believe are the very best. In our experience, this budget-friendly cleaner is one that you will keep reaching for to remove all kinds of stains. When in doubt, test a small patch in a hidden spot, before using a cleaner on a larger area. By checking your fabrics care label and testing the spray on a hidden area, you can avoid discoloration or other adverse effects. Type: Spray | Dimensions: 10.5 x 3.25 x 3.25 inches | Weight: 2.15 pounds | Amount: 32 ounces | Cord Length: Not applicable | Heat Time: Not applicable | Run Time: Not applicable | Surface Type: Carpet, clothes, upholstery. Check the care tag on your upholstered furniture before you clean it so you know exactly how to clean your couch. Now, setting up the appliance for the first time took a little longer than expected, but this was partially due to the fact that the tester filled the wrong water tank. If you're looking to spend less, the Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is another great option that quickly cleans up stains and is easy to use. our process. Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Remover, 9 Best Pet Hair Removing Products on Amazon That Actually Work, Protector makes future stains easier to remove, Removable battery for charging and use in other appliances, Contains ingredients to protect leather from sun damage, Contains enzymes to tackle bacteria and odors, Works on carpets, upholstery and mattresses. The only drawback is that this machine can only clean spots 5 to 6 inches in diameter at a time. "To avoid any potential damage or color fasting, be sure to read care instructions and abide by cleaning codes.". After noting how many passes it took to clean up a stain and working with the cleaner's features and attachments, we rated its versatility, usability, and portability. Don't worry, Armor All FRESH FX 3-in-1 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is here to save the day (and your stained car seats). The formula also helps eliminate odors, leaving your home smelling fresh. A motorized, rotating brush dispenses cleaning solution from the on-board tank and adjusts brush speed to thoroughly agitate carpet fibers. Can This Machine Finally Hunt Down Dark Matter? Resembling a handheld vacuum, this upholstery cleaner uses a powered brush to agitate soiled surfaces, lifting stains and dirt from fabric or carpet fibers. productslearn more about Tough stains dont stand a chance against the Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Stain Extractor. If you've got a super tough stain to remove, you might have to turn to an upholstery machine, as this cleaner doesn't perform as well on caked-on stains. Removing the soil stain was a fun experience for our product tester, who described the process like a car wash for a cushion. In just 1 minute and 30 seconds, the dirt was gone. The steam produced can dissolve and lift stains from soft surfaces and many picks can also be used on hard surfaces, like tile, glass, or plastic. We also didn't need to make a lot of adjustments or attachment swaps, which wasn't the case with other cleaning machines we tested. For day-to-day cleaning and keeping dust at a minimum, thoroughly vacuum the upholstery, taking the time to cover each section and cushion. How we test gear. Still, its a good single solution for removing stains and spills on soft surfaces in your home. If youre searching for a spray (as opposed to an appliance) that can dissolve stains on your favorite items, Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover is our top choice. Wine Away was the best red wine stain remover in GH Cleaning Lab tests. Capture can be used to clean carpets, too, and is recommended for upholstery, included S-coded fabrics coded. The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member Katie Berry says that generally rubbing stains to remove them isn't the best technique since it can cause them to spread. Silk and other delicate fabrics labeled with an S code can't be cleaned with traditional water-based products, so they are not the best choices for high traffic and frequently used rooms. Marisa Cascianois a senior commerce editor for The Spruce, and was in The Lab for our test. Some, like synthetic microfiber or cotton chenille, can be cleaned with most products. Working on vertical surfaces (like the back of the couch) required a little effort to keep the cleaning solution from running down the couch. This upholstery cleaning tool has a 40-ounce water tank, as well as a separate compartment for the dirty water it sucks up. And while the Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner does clean carpet as well as furniture, it lacks the ability to clean large areas of either one without a lot of manual effort on your part. To properly preserve the appearance of your leathered pieces, use the Weiman Deep Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Cream. We selected products that can be used on a variety of common upholstery fabrics, prioritizing ones that are easy and convenient to use. When writing this article, Erica relied on testing insights from The Lab and our at-home product testers to compare attributes such as usability and effectiveness, in addition to each product's features. Big surfaces covered with pet hair call for drastic measures. If you have a sample of your fabric, you could also test a product there, opposed to on the actual piece of furniture. So before you grab just any cleaner from your cabinet and start spraying, it's a must to know what type of cleaning process is safest for the fabric covering your chair. Out of the three, steam cleaners are eco-friendly, requiring only water and no cleaning concentrate. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. clean a spill or stain on your couch upholstery, Bissell SpotBot Pet Portable Deep Cleaner, condition and restore the appearance of leather, Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner. For instance, steam cleaners, upright appliances, and other machine options are typically suitable for cleaning carpets, curtains, and sometimes hard flooring. We didn't test this upholstery cleaner, but it's key at lifting away coffee stains and dirt from a car's interior. In our tests,tea and red wine stains were no match for it! It is light enough to lift up and stow away on a shelf. The small tanks make it lighter than other models to carry and use and perfect for quick cleanups. Scientists Turn Dead Spiders Into Creepy Grippers, Pentagon: Aid for Ukraine Crushes Russian Morale, The Zodiac Killer, the Secret SR-72, and More, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. These bulky items often get neglected because theyre tricky to wash, but the right upholstery cleaner can help you restore the fabric to its former glory, removing stains, odor, and everyday dirt. For a quick spruce-up of leather upholstery, nothing beats Weiman's wipes. When it comes to upholstery cleaners, there are both cleaning solutions and machines to choose fromthe former are ideal for spot-cleaning and removing stains, while the latter make it easier to deep clean large sections of upholstery. The wide brush head has a sponge on the inside that applies the foam formula, and a row of stiff bristles on the exterior lets you agitate tough stains to clean fabric. Are there any types of fabric that shouldn't be cleaned with an upholstery cleaner? The upholstered furniture in your den, dining and living areas is made for, well, living. Convenient to use and always handy, GH Seal starWeiman Leather Wipes clean away grimeand condition leather upholstery, ottomans, car interiorsand more with just a pass. We all know that pets can be messy, leaving behind hair and dirt on your favorite furniture items. The Armor All 3-in-1 cleaner cleans, lifts away stains, and eliminates odors, leaving behind a "New Car" scent. The Hoover CleanSlate Pet Carpet Spot Cleaner was compared to a water vacuum by our product tester and it performed especially well on soiled surfaces in our testing. Weiman 8 oz. This article was updated by Erin Johnson, a commerce editor for The Spruce focusing on appliances, cleaning, and organization. To wrap up, we rated the noise level of each model. Stubborn stains can be a real nuisance, requiring vigorous scrubbing, re-treatment, and a lot of persistence. This portable upholstery cleaner from Rug Doctor is a top choice if you have pets. Our at-home tester is a repeat buyer of the spray, which is made to treat carpet stains, as its name suggests. Casciano earned a Bachelor of Journalism and Fine Arts degree from Quinnipiac University. It was easy to maneuver and features a handle, earning it a 5-star rating for portability. While we haven't specifically tested this Capture powder on upholstery, the product has been on the market for many years andbased on our previous good results testing it on carpeting and it's favorable online reviews, we are comfortable recommending it for upholstery. If youre purchasing this type of cleaner, youll want to look up the types of fabric it can be safely used on, as well as whether it needs rinsing, and if it has a particular scent. However, if you notice stains and discoloration in one area, or when liquid spills onto the material, address it as soon as possible with a spot treatment. Cordless power plus a two-foot hose makes it ideal to clean and treatupholstery and carpetstains in the narrow confines of yourcarand even on stairs. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Hoover FH14050 CleanSlate Carpet & Upholstery Pet Spot Cleaner, We Tested the Best Carpet Cleaners for Tackling Stains, Dirt, and More, What to Look for in an Upholstery Cleaner. At home, testers rated additional picks on the same attributes after tasking them with real-world situations, like salsa spills and crayon marks. This upholstery cleaner is only designed for use on soft surfaces and includes a bristle brush for reaching tight spots. If your sofa, mattress, or car upholstery has seen better days, it could probably benefit from a thorough cleaning. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Ive also tested several of the selected products firsthand, so I pulled from my own experience when sorting them into their ideal use cases. Many upholstery cleaners can be used on multiple surfaces, though it can vary from one product to the next. This lightweight, portable upholstery cleaner is ideal for refreshing furniture and tackling tough stains around your home. In GH tests, Bissell did a great jobremoving food stains, too, and works just as well on carpeting. Our tester gave the overall cleaning experience a total of 3.5 stars for this reason. Liberally sprinkle Capture on the cushions, back, armrests and even fresh stains and gently brush it in. These are the best upholstery cleaners in Good Housekeeping tests for fabric and leather upholstery: Easy-to-store and easy-to-tote from room to room, Bissell's Little Green can remove just one stain or clean an entire sofa. The machine features rubber bristles that capture pet hair from your furniture, all while removing dirt and stains. You might even want to invest in one of each for all your fabric cleaning needs. Steam cleaners will work with fabrics, carpets, and hard surfaces, in most cases. Pet stains are problematic for two reasons. A handheld upholstery cleaner is a great option for cleaning furniture, pet beds, car upholstery, and more. Type: Machine | Dimensions: 13 x 10.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 9.4 pounds | Amount: 40 ounces | Cord Length: 18 feet | Heat Time: Not listed | Run Time: Not available | Surface Type: Carpet and upholstery. To find upholstery cleaners that will work for a wide range of applications, we looked for top-rated products that received positive feedback from real customers and have an average rating of at least 4 stars. Wine Away was easy to remove from fabrics without excessive blotting or rinsing that can abrade or damage fabrics. After six minutes on the deep clean setting, the SpotBot beeped to indicate its cleaning cycle was complete and our tester was delighted to see that the spot had disappeared. Leather upholstery is more forgiving and easier to care for than fabric, but it does need attention from time to time. To some, the scent may be too strong, so if you're sensitive smells, keep that in mind. Hydrogen peroxide in the formula acts like a fabric-safe bleach to fade stains liketomato sauce, coffee, fruit juice and morewithout damaging the fabric. "Always remember to spot test any type of cleaning method on upholstery as some steam and liquid techniques can damage fabric or coloring," says Lauren Bowen, Director of Franchise Operations at Two Maids & A Mop. In addition to the cream, Weiman also has leather conditioning wipes and sprays available, if you prefer to use that type of product. In The Lab, we started with the unboxing andsetupof each cleaner, timing how long it took to prepare the product for use. Type: Machine | Dimensions: 8.5 x 16.46 x 5.67 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Capacity: 8 ounces | Cord Length: Cordless | Heat Time: Not applicable | Run Time: 20 minutes | Surface Type: Carpet and upholstery. The Bissell SpotBot Pet is specifically designed to take out stains while minimizing your hands-on effort and elbow grease, and that's why it's our top pick. The Hoover Spotless Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is designed to provide spot-specific cleaning for furniture and carpeting, without the need for an army of attachments. In our tests, Woolite stain removers work quickly and thoroughly without the need for extra rinsing or blotting. Learn more about our, 9 Best Upholstery Cleaners, Tested By Cleaning Experts, Carolyn Fort, Good Housekeeping Institute, Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, ONEPWR Spotless GO Cordless Portable Spot Cleaner, Executive Director, Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Despite this shorter cleaning routine, the cream effectively removes dirt and residue, while also using natural oils to condition and restore the appearance of leather. It took more than a few passes (and quite a bit of solution) to remove the ketchup, but our tester still described using this upholstery cleaner as really satisfying. We adjusted the effectiveness score to 3 stars to reflect the extra effort required to remove a sticky stain, but its nothing that would hold us back from recommending this model for use as a pet stain upholstery cleaner. To find the best upholstery cleaners for you, we spent two days rigorously testing picksatThe Labin Industry City, Brooklyn. If you're looking for an excellent upholstery cleaning machine at an affordable price, this is it. Its always a good idea to test a spray on a hidden area when cleaning a new upholstery fabric, but our tester enthusiastically notes, It is the only cleaner I trust on any new or precious upholstered furniture and rugs.. And don't just keep it for upholstery stains: Wine Away works on clothing and carpeting stains, too. All you have to do is simply spray and blot the fabricno scrubbing or rinsing required. As for deeper cleans with an upholstery cleaner, steam cleaner, or professional service, once or twice per year is ideal. Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member, advises that upholstery cleaners should not be used on some fabrics, like velvet and velour, as they can permanently damage them. If you want to address discoloration, use a handheld or upright appliance with a handheld attachment to tackle individual spots or a spray if you're treating an immediate spill or tiny stain. While we didn't test this pick at home or in The Lab, we do love that you can also use it on shoes, bags, or car seats, making it a versatile product. Even worse, more than one chair or couch has likely been subject to your pet's accident or vomit. When regular vacuuming with the upholstery tool isn't enough, Capture's dry powder formula can freshen and brighten delicate fabrics with0ut damage. In addition to its stain-busting power, this cleaner has an enzymatic formula that helps destroy bacteria, which prevents animals from re-marking in the same location. Let set 30 minutes for the granules to absorb dirt and stains, then vacuum. GH Seal star Furniture Clinic's Leather Care Kit is a one-two punch that removes grime andconditions andprotects against future stains. In our testing, we found that this upholstery cleaner removes and lifts stains quickly, earning it a 4-star rating in effectiveness. Knowing the surfaces your cleaner is compatible with is essential. Since every machine has its own directions for use and best practices, she also adds, "It's always a good idea to thoroughly read the directions and spot test the piece youre cleaning." When selecting models, she considered verified customer reviews, new technology, and practicality, and pulled picks from a variety of brands and retailers. The most common type of upholstery cleaners are handheld appliances that are primarily used to spot clean furniture and carpets. Below, the best upholstery cleaners for freshening up your favorite pieces, backed by our thorough testing and research. This upholstery cleaner wasnt as speedy at cleaning up a sticky ketchup stainrequiring about two minutes of steaming and some hands-on scraping. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush is also cordless, giving you the ability to use it anywhere that stains or spills pop up. Can it be used for multiple cleaning tasks? Scotch-Brite tools always do well in GH tests. This system usually notes what type of cleaning agent you should use when sprucing up your space. Some handheld and upright appliances are considered carpet cleaners, while others are considered steam cleaners or upholstery cleaners. Type: Machine | Dimensions: 12.5 x 17.25 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 9.65 pounds | Capacity: 48 ounces | Cord Length: 15 feet | Heat Time: Not listed | Run Time: Not listed | Surface Type: Upholstery and carpet. Type: Machine | Dimensions: 13.5 x 17 x 9 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Capacity: 30 ounces | Cord Length: 15 feet | Heat Time: Not applicable | Run Time: Not listed | Surface Type: Carpet and upholstery, "The Bissell Spotbot Pet unit was easy to move around the room. Its handheld tool delivers a constant spray of solution to clean carpets, upholstery, car seats, and more, and powerful suction helps remove dirty water from fabric as you clean. This cleaning solution helps remove the marks and odors left by animal urine, feces, and vomit, and the jar has a built-in scrub brush to help you agitate tough stains. Liquid formulas with acetone or bleach might cause discoloration or affect the texture of the material. Just be careful using it on delicate fabrics, as the bristles are quite stiff and can be abrasive. Instant Carpet Spot Remover, The Best Carpet Stain Removers for Making Rugs Look New, Best for Leather: Our product tester especially liked the 7-inch wide cleaning tool, reporting that it really distributed cleaning solution and was a good choice for sofas or other large areas. Like other models in the Bissell SpotBot lineup, this version features automatic and manual cleaning modes. One of its specific uses is cleaning up pet messes, so the single included attachment is a stationary pet brush with rubber bristles for grabbing pet hair. In addition to its main tool, you get a smaller 4-inch tool thats ideal for tight areas. Upholstery and wine stains seem to go hand in hand. Only cleans one 5- to 6-inch spot at a time, Harder to use on vertical surfaces of furniture. This top-rated stain eliminator has a professional-strength bio-enzymatic formula that feeds on the ammonia residue in pet urine, eliminating the odor and decreasing the chances of re-marking. We prepped cushions with two different types of stainsa saucy, sticky stain and a dirty spot. Silk damask, on the other hand, would be damaged when cleaned with a water-based method. Bissell 2117A SpotBot Pet Spot and Stain Portable Deep Cleaner, Best Budget: In GH tests, Weiman's wipes were effective and easy to use and are a great wayto maintain and protect leather on a regularbasis and without a lot of work. Learn more about our We also tested several other models at home over the course of months, and thoroughly researched others and their specifications, features, and verified reviews. It has a built-in handle that we used to position it just over the spot we wanted to clean, as well as move it over to the couch. It can be used on carpets, upholstery, stairs, and more, and it quickly removes stains, spills, and dirt from the fabric. How to remove stains from every type of upholstered fabric. Theyre usually equipped with clean and dirty water tanks, and some models also heat the water for extra cleaning power. She found it easy to use the trigger to dispense cleaning solution when necessary. We noted whether the instructions were clear or confusing. Thanks to it's horizontal configuration, it's easy to use on stairs, too. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The machine even comes with a self-cleaning tool that makes it easy to rinse out the hose when youre done. Most cleaning solutions offer some type of stain-removal power, and some have a built-in brush or agitator that lets you scrub at the fabric. If you have leather, suede, velvet, or microfiber furniture at home, you'll want to be careful about the products you use to clean it. The effectiveness and usability of an upholstery cleaner can be enhanced with the use of the right attachments. And with all that wear and tear, it's bound to get dirty and stained, thanks to pet accidents, spills and other messes. Type: Cream | Dimensions: 7.87 x 3.54 x 2.64 inches | Weight: 0.5 pounds | Amount: 8 ounces | Cord Length: Not applicable | Heat Time: Not applicable | Run Time: Not applicable | Surface Type: Leather, The Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is not only adorable, but it's an excellent upholstery cleaner. It includes a multipurpose handheld cleaning tool, along with a rubber nub tool for extra agitation. Bowen provided insights on the best practices for using an upholstery cleaner and advice on abiding by fabric care labels. Plus, it includes a surface protectant that will protect the upholstery from future stains. Erica Puisis has been researching home products for The Spruce since 2017, delivering insights and advice on the latest innovations in cleaning products and technology. Steam cleaners saturate leather with too much moisture, though, and the same is true of most spray formulas. Then, we evaluated each model's effectiveness on a tile surface and upholstered cushion, not testing products on a surface if they're not compatible with it. This 22-ounce bottle contains a foaming solution that works to lift grease and grime off of your car upholstery. 3-in-1 Deep Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Cream, The Best Leather Repair Kits to Restore Your Items, Best for Stains: You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 9 Best Laundry Hampers and Baskets of 2022, 7 Best Dishwasher Detergents for Sparkling Dishes, How to Clean Stainless Steel So It Sparkles Again, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Could you easily carry it around? On the other hand, there are upholstery cleaning machinesmany of which double as carpet cleanersthat typically use a mixture of water and cleaning solution to wash fabric. If you're looking to clean car upholstery, you could use an upholstery cleaning machine, but if the device needs to be plugged in to operate, that could limit your range of motion.