How to Clean an Upholstered Headboard

1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

For an effective cleaning routine, gather the supplies you'll need based on your headboard's material. Here’s a general list:

• A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
• Microfiber cloths or soft brushes
• Mild fabric cleaner or upholstery shampoo
• A bowl of warm water
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda (for odors)
• A hairdryer or fan (optional for air drying)

Pro Tip: Always perform a spot test before using any cleaner to ensure it won’t damage or discolor your fabric headboard.

2. Vacuum the Surface

Dust and grime naturally settle on upholstered headboards especially in inconspicuous areas . Use a vacuum cleaner with an soft-bristled brush attachment to thoroughly remove loose dirt:

• Start at the top of the headboard and move downward to ensure dust doesn’t settle back onto cleaned areas.
• Pay special attention to crevices, buttons, and tufted areas where dust can accumulate.

Vacuuming regularly can prevent dirt buildup and make deep cleaning less frequent.

3. Spot Cleaning and Stubborn Stains

Accidents happen, whether it’s a coffee spill or a lipstick smudge. For small stains:

• Blot the area with a damp microfiber cloth to absorb as much of the spill as possible.
• Apply a small amount of fabric cleaner or mild dish soap to the stain.
• Gently dab (don’t rub) the stain remover until the stain lifts.
• Rinse with a damp clean cloth and remove any soap residue.

4. Deodorize with Baking Soda

Over time, upholstered headboards may absorb odors such as sweat or mustiness. Baking soda can help:

• Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the headboard’s surface.
• Leave it for at least 20-30 minutes to neutralize odors.
• Vacuum the baking soda off completely.

This step is especially helpful for fabric and velvet headboards, which are more likely to retain smells.

5. Deep Clean as Needed

Deep cleaning is vital for maintaining your headboard’s luster:

• Check the care label or the manufacturer’s instructions. Some materials may require professional services.

For linen or fabric headboard:

• Use a diluted upholstery cleaning solution and apply with a soft brush in circular motions.
• Blot with a damp microfiber cloth to remove excess product.

For velvet:

• Use a velvet-safe water based upholstery cleaner and a lint-free damp cloth.
• Always go with the grain of the fabric.

Allow ample drying time. You can use a fan or a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the process.