How to Properly Vacuum Upholstery
Upholstery can trap invisible particles – from dust and pet dander to airborne allergens. So, discovering how to clean upholstery is key to maintaining a hygienic home and extending the life of your furniture.
From couches to car seats, upholstery is everywhere in your home. Below, learn what upholstery is, how it varies, and – crucially – how to clean upholstery with your vacuum cleaner.
Upholstery refers to the textile layers found on furniture pieces like chairs, ottomans and bedheads. It softens and elevates the design of your favourite furniture – but it’s also a place where household dust tends to gather in force.
Different types of upholstery fabric
Fabric affects both the comfort of your furniture and the way it should be cleaned. Which means that each type of material – from synthetics to natural fibres – needs specific, tailored care to stay in top condition.
So to vacuum upholstery effectively, you’ll first need to understand which fabric you’re working with, and how it’s going to respond to your cleaning tools.
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Natural fibres
You’ll often find these three natural fibres in home furnishings.
- Linen: Derived from flax, linen is durable and breathable but tends to absorb moisture easily, making it prone to stains and dirt buildup.
- Cotton: Cotton is soft, breathable, and made from plant fibres. However, it collects dust easily and requires frequent vacuuming to maintain its appearance.
- Wool: Wool is a durable and warm fabric made from animal fibres. It’s resistant to wrinkles and pilling, although dirt can still become embedded in its fibres.
Natural fibres are known for their breathability, but this also makes them magnets for dust and dirt. We recommend using air purifiers and filters in high-traffic areas, like the living room, to trap particles before they land on your furniture and take root. -
Synthetics
Synthetic fabrics are designed for durability, but they still need proper maintenance. A clear understanding of the different fabric types will help you achieve better results when learning how to clean upholstery fabric effectively:
- Polyester: A common choice for upholstery, polyester is durable and wrinkle resistant. Vacuuming upholstery regularly helps prevent dust from building up on polyester surfaces.
- Velvet: Velvet adds luxury but is delicate. For best care, vacuum using low suction to protect the fabric.
- Microfibre: Soft, stain-resistant, and suede-like, microfibre can trap dirt deep within. Use a crevice tool when vacuuming upholstery to target tough spots.
- Rayon: Rayon is semi-synthetic with a silky finish. Vacuum it gently on low suction and use a crevice tool around the seams.
- Sunbrella: Made for outdoor use, Sunbrella is fade-resistant and easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with an upholstery handheld cleaner removes dirt and keeps Sunbrella fresh.
How to vacuum upholstery
Vacuuming upholstery goes beyond surface cleaning – it means getting into every fold, seam and cushion where dust and allergens hide. That’s why vacuuming upholstery calls for a handheld vacuum for tricky spots, and a handheld vacuumstick vacuum for broader coverage.
Below, learn how to clean your couch and other soft furnishings with a vacuum.
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1. Switch to the crevice tool head
Understanding how to use vacuum cleaner accessories starts with the crevice tool head. This slim attachment – which comes with all Dyson cordless vacuums – is perfect for loosening dust trapped in the folds and gaps of fabric.
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2. Take off the cushions
Clear away all loose cushions to reveal what’s underneath. This makes it easier to spot and remove trapped dust with your vacuum.
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3. Thoroughly vacuum every cushion to clear dirt and pet fur
Remove each cushion and gently shake to release settled dust. Then, reach for the Dyson V11™ Advanced vacuum or the versatile Dyson Car+Boat handheld vacuum to remove any hidden debris from the fabric.
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4. Vacuum the upholstery’s interior, edges, and backboard
After removing the cushions, vacuum your furniture – taking extra care around the seams. A key step in how to clean a couch or any upholstery fabric is to start from the top, ensuring dust doesn't resettle onto areas you've already cleaned.
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5. Reorganise your furniture
After cleaning your upholstery, replace the cushions and tidy away your vacuum:
If you used an upright or barrel vacuum, store it neatly.
If you used a stick vacuum, recharge it on its docking station.
3 expert tips for cleaning upholstery
Not all fabrics are the same, so learning how to vacuum upholstery properly may take some practice. Whether you're working with fine velvet or tough wool, follow these three expert tips for optimal results.
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1. Look for loose threads
Prior to vacuuming upholstery, examine your furniture’s fabric for any hanging threads or frayed seams. Vacuuming these parts could worsen the wear, so consider cutting or securing them first.
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2. Opt for a pet hair vacuum
Pet hair can be tricky to remove from upholstery, and it often brings with it unwanted smells. When exploring how to clean upholstery, then, a pet hair vacuum with specialised suction is useful for removing not just pet hair – but the odours that come with it.
For versatile upholstery cleaning, the Dyson Gen5detect™ Complete vacuum combines deep-cleaning power with the flexibility to switch between handheld and stick. -
3. Vacuum consistently
To preserve your upholstery and keep your home fresh, vacuum regularly.
Over time, dirt and allergens can build up within fabric layers – and for best results, we suggest giving your furniture a weekly clean with a quality vacuum.
For accidental messes, use an upholstery handheld cleaner to stop stains from settling and to maintain your furniture’s appearance.
Mastering how to clean upholstery will help keep your home – and your furniture – fresh. Next up? Cleaning your car’s interior.