There are a number of common mistakes people make when cleaning their upholstery. For example, they may use too much water, use a cleaner that is too acidic, or add fabric softener instead of soap. In some cases, the wrong combination of these substances can cause more damage than good. Fortunately, there are some proven methods to avoid these mistakes.

Avoiding too much water

When cleaning furniture, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This may mean using water, or using a nonwater-based solvent such as alcohol. You should spray the solution lightly on the surface, and then wipe it away using a white cloth. Make it a habit to wipe down furniture at regular intervals.

Using too much vinegar

When it comes to cleaning furniture, vinegar is a great solution. Not only does it clean effectively, it also kills certain bacteria and pathogens. However, using too much of the substance can be dangerous. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, about 50000 poison-control calls each year are attributed to cleaning product fumes.

Although it’s a good cleaning solution, vinegar should never be used at full strength. The acidity of vinegar reacts with organic matter and breaks it down. This makes it an effective anti-grease and scum remover. Another benefit of vinegar is that it is non-toxic and kills a lot of bacteria. It’s also inexpensive and easily found in any grocery store. However, you should avoid using vinegar on natural wood and stone.

It’s important to dilute vinegar before using it on wooden surfaces. If used undiluted, it may leave watermarks and damage the finish of wood furniture. To make vinegar safe for wood, dilute it with olive or coconut oil. You can also use plain water. However, it won’t clean wood furniture effectively.

Besides causing watermarks on wood, vinegar can also harm the finish on metal surfaces. Its acidic nature can eat away the protective layers on metals. Using it on metal surfaces is not safe. It is recommended that you use a cloth soaked in warm water before applying vinegar. Moreover, you should never mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide because of the risk of creating toxic gas.

Another useful cleaning agent with vinegar is baking soda. Baking soda makes a paste that can be applied directly to vertical surfaces. However, the downside of using baking soda with vinegar is that it can dry out the spray bottle and clog it. This is why it’s important to test a small area first.

Using too much fabric softener

Using too much fabric softener is bad for your clothes and the environment. These chemicals are designed to soften fabrics and prevent static. They also add a pleasant scent to laundry and decrease drying time. In addition, they reduce friction and make bed sheets softer, which can lead to a better night’s sleep. However, they are not necessary for all fabrics. When sofa cleaning, make sure to take into account the type of fabric your sofa has.

If you are concerned about the harmful effects of fabric softener, you may want to try diluting it with 50 percent water. A dilute solution can be used to clean furniture and other household items. Remember, you should always dilute fabric softener with water before applying it to surfaces.

When using fabric softener, it is essential to read the ingredient label and the warning label. Often, the ingredients in fabric softeners contain Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs), which cause respiratory and skin irritations. Some studies have also found that people with asthma have more problems breathing after using these products. Another risk is that liquid fabric softeners can make fabrics flammable.

Using too much fabric softener can also reduce the water-wicking capacity of fabric. In particular, it can affect the wicking ability of microfibers, which is important for athletic fabrics. Furthermore, it can decrease the absorption capacity of cloth diapers, which can lead to leaks. Moreover, fabric softener can irritate the skin of your pets.

Fabric softener may leave behind greasy-looking stains on your furniture and clothing. However, these stains are generally easily removed with soap and water and are usually not permanent. To avoid the problems associated with using fabric softener, you can make your own fabric softener. You can make this at home with a few ingredients. A good recipe for this is available at Everyday Roots. It uses epsom salt, sea salt, and essential oils to soften fabrics.