How Do You Clean Recliner Seats?

Last updated on July 1st, 2021

If you love nothing more than coming home from a long day at work and kicking back in your favorite recliner chair, you might have noticed that regular use can lead to things such as food crumbs, pet fur, and even accidental drink spills building up and causing your chair to look dirty!

Regardless of how frequently your recliner chair is used, it’s always a good idea to make sure that you carry out a weekly cleaning routine (such as wiping and hoovering your recliner chair) though we do also recommend that you factor in a deep clean every few months or so, too.

However, before you put on your cleaning gloves, you will first need to make sure that you are using the correct cleaning method in line with the type of recliner chair you have.

In general, the two most common types of recliner chairs on the market are those that have been made using material that can be cleaned with water-based cleaners and those that require a solvent when cleaning them.

Prior to cleaning your recliner, you’ll need to double-check the label so that you ensure you’re using the correct cleaning products, otherwise, you may accidentally damage the material.

Below, we’ll talk you through the correct way to clean both types of recliner seats so that you can keep yours in tip-top shape. So, without further ado, read on for the step-by-step instructions:

How to clean a water-safe recliner chair:

If you’ve got a water-safe recliner chair, it means that it can only be cleaned with water, or sometimes even water-based cleaners.

By taking a look at the care label attached to the recliner chair (or even by checking the owner’s manual) you’ll be able to find information that will let you know whether or not your specific recliner can be used with anything other than water, as well as what type of temperature you can use while cleaning the material.

While cleaning your water-safe recliner chair, it’s extremely important that you don’t deviate from the instructions given to you by the manufacturer, otherwise, you’ll risk damaging the material of your reclining chair beyond repair!

1. After carefully reading through the care label, you should then proceed to begin by vacuuming the surface of your reclining chair. By doing this, you will be able to get rid of all of the surface dirt and debris, such as crumbs and pet fur.
2. Grab a bucket and fill it with warm water (ensuring that you are not exceeding the temperature listed on the care label) and mix in a little bit of mild detergent. Then, take a smooth cloth and wet it with the water.
3. Gently clean the material of your reclining chair with the wet cloth, making sure to thoroughly clean the reclining chair all over. During this step, pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or marks and if needed, use a soft-bristle brush to carefully work out the stains.
4. Once you are finished cleaning the surface of your recliner chair, rigorously rinse out the cloth and then wipe away any excess water or soap present on the surface of the sofa.
5. Take a towel and gently pat dry. Then, leave it to dry for a few hours before sitting in it as usual.

How to clean a solvent-safe recliner chair:

Besides water-safe recliner chairs, there are some recliner chairs on the market that are made to be solvent-safe. This means that they are made with specific materials that are able to withstand being cleaned with solvent cleaning agents.

If you have a recliner chair that is listed as being solvent-safe on the label, then you will need to make sure that you are using an upholstery cleaner specifically made to be used on furniture. 

1. To begin, vacuum over the surface of your recliner chair to get rid of any dirt, debris, and dust. This will help to make the recliner easier to clean.
2. With your chosen upholstery cleaner, carefully apply the cleaning solution all over your recliner chair, and then allow it to soak for the allocated amount of time as stated by the manufacturer. If you’re unsure, just read the back of the bottle.
3. Once you have given the recliner enough time to fully saturate in the upholstery cleaner, you should then take a scrubbing brush (hard-bristled is best) and begin to rub your recliner chair in circular motions until all of the dirt and stains have been removed.
4. Once you are happy with the results, you should then go ahead and wipe away any excess water and soap with a wet cloth. Then, gently pat dry with a towel.
5. After doing this, you’ll then need to give your recliner chair some time to dry before you begin using it as normal again. 

How do you deodorize a recliner?

Keeping your recliner chair clean is one of the most important ways to prevent any unwanted odors from building up. However, if you’ve got some particularly stubborn stains that cleaning alone isn’t able to get rid of, there are a variety of different methods you can use to refresh your recliner.

Let’s take a look at them:

1. Sprinkle baking soda: A cost-effective and simple way to get rid of unwanted odors is by sprinkling a little bit of baking soda across the surface of your recliner, as the baking soda will be able to draw the odor out of the fabric.
2. Place a bowl of vinegar next to the recliner: Another home remedy to consider is white vinegar. Bowls of vinegar placed around your recliner will help to absorb the odors.
3. Use fabric freshener: One of the most popular ways that people choose to get rid of unwanted odors from their recliner chair is to use a fabric freshener. These can be spritzed across the surface of the reclining chair to get rid of bad smells while replacing them with a perfumed fragrance.