Corduroy is a unique fabric with tufted cords arranged in parallel, creating a soft and durable material. It's a popular alternative to rayon and polyester. In this post, we'll look at how to clean corduroy upholstery, bean bags, cushions, and shoes. Corduroy has great qualities, but spills can be tricky. The fabric has deep grooves where stains can collect, and it's not always clear how to clean it. Luckily, there are proven ways to clean corduroy using natural ingredients.
How To Clean Corduroy Upholstery
Cleaning corduroy upholstery yourself can save time and money. It prevents you from having to replace furniture. Plus, the tools you need are inexpensive and likely already in your home.
Step 1: Collect Your Cleaning Materials
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A handheld vacuum
- Woolite dry cleaning wipes
- Woolite liquid
- Cloth
Step 2: Vacuum The Upholstery
Vacuum as much dirt and debris from your corduroy as possible. This will help you avoid rubbing dirt into the fabric later.
Step 3: Test The Woolite Wipes
Test the Woolite wipes on a small, hidden spot. Leave it to dry for a couple of hours, then check for any color change. (If you're using genuine corduroy, there shouldn't be any change). Woolite wipes are often used for clothing stains, and they usually work on corduroy upholstery too.
Step 4: Brush Any Debris Away
Brush the tested spot with a clean toothbrush (or other soft brush) to see if the wipes worked. The upholstery should be cleaner, and the fabric's color shouldn't have changed. When brushing, always brush in the direction of the corduroy's nap (the direction of the channels). Brushing crosswise will leave dirt in the grooves.
Step 5: Clean The Rest Of The Upholstery
If the spot test was successful, clean the rest of your upholstery with the wipe cloth. Woolite allows you to dry clean at home. The liquid removes stains and dries naturally, without washing. If the wipes aren't strong enough, try this:
- Mix one tablespoon of Woolite liquid with a gallon of water.
- Soak a cloth in the solution.
- Test the cloth on a hidden spot to make sure it's safe for the corduroy.
- If it's safe, apply it to all stained areas.
- Let the upholstery dry completely, then brush with a soft brush in the direction of the nap.
How To Clean Corduroy Bean Bags
Is it time to clean your corduroy bean bag chair? To clean corduroy bean bags, follow a similar approach to cleaning corduroy clothes. You can often wash corduroy covers on special settings, as long as you turn them inside out to protect the nap.
Step 1: Turn Your Corduroy Bean Bag Cover Inside Out
Unzip your bean bag cover and remove it from the filling. Then turn it inside out and zip it back up, with the wales (cords) facing inward. This will prevent the corduroy from matting down during washing. Avoid washing corduroy with other fabrics, as it attracts lint. Wash corduroy alone if possible, and don't put it in with lint-shedding items like towels or sweaters. After that, can I put bean bags in dryer?
Step 2: Read The Label
Corduroy bean bag covers usually have a label telling you if you can machine wash them (and how). If you can't machine wash them, follow the how-to clean corduroy upholstery guide above. If you can wash them, choose a delicate cycle. For dark corduroy, always wash in cold water, and don't mix lights with darks.
Step 3: Leave To Hang Dry
Corduroy can change shape as it dries, so it's important to let it hang dry. Don't tumble dry (unless you want to speed up the process for a few minutes). If you do tumble dry, use the lowest setting. If you use a dryer, the corduroy will come out creased. Simply shake the material and let it hang dry. The creases will disappear as it hangs. Don't iron the material.
How To Clean Corduroy Couch Cushions
Cleaning corduroy couch cushions is similar to cleaning bean bag covers. Again, check the label to see if the fabric is machine washable. Instead of repeating the above methods, this section describes a natural way to quickly remove stains from couch cushions.
Step 1: Collect Your Materials
First, gather what you need:
- Sponge
- Cloth and cleaning brush
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Water
Sofas are prone to stains from muddy shoes to food spills. Commercial cleaners are available, but many prefer a natural approach. As with the other methods, always test a small, hidden patch of corduroy first. Corduroy is easily damaged, and some cushion manufacturers will specify which cleaners to use. Baking soda may not be safe.
Step 2: Make A Thick Paste From The Water And Baking Soda
Mix a small amount of water with baking soda to create a thick paste, like gritty glue. For grease stains, add a little dish soap (just a small amount, as it will attract the oil).
Step 3: Apply The Mixture To The Stain And Scrub
Apply the mixture to the stain and scrub gently with your cloth or brush. If brushing, use a soft-bristled brush to protect the fabric.
Step 4: Dab The Stain
Take a clean, wet cloth and dab the stain to remove any dish soap. Then dab with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 5: Vacuum The Area
If you see baking powder residue as the cushion dries, simply vacuum the area. This will remove any white dust, leaving your couch cushions fresh and clean.
How To Clean Corduroy Shoes
Of all corduroy products, shoes are the most prone to stains. Being close to the ground, they attract dirt. Many people assume they can't clean corduroy shoes, so they buy new ones when they get dirty. But you can clean them using similar methods to those above. However, corduroy shoes are a little different, and the cleaning methods depend on the part of the shoe you're cleaning. Regular shoe cleaning involves:
Step 1: Determine The Nap Of The Shoe
Wash your hands and run them over the shoe to find the direction of the nap. It should feel softer and smoother in that direction. You can usually see the direction of the nap.
Step 2: Brush With A Dry Soft-Bristled Brush
Take a soft brush and gently move it in the direction of the nap. This will loosen dirt trapped in the channels.
Step 3: Vacuum Any Excess
Vacuum the excess. The suction will lift both dirt and the pile. Apply the vacuum hose in the direction of the nap to keep the natural flow of the material. To deep clean the outside of the shoes:
Step 1: Remove The Laces
If your corduroy shoes have laces, remove them. You can wash these separately in a sink with mild detergent.
Step 2: Add Mild Detergent To Warm Water
Prepare a bowl with warm water and add a mild detergent, like Woolite, following the label instructions. Usually, you'll add a teaspoon of detergent to the water. Stir to mix.
Step 3: Brush Down Your Shoes
Brush the shoe outers to remove any surface dirt with a brush or towel. Again, brush in the direction of the nap to avoid damaging the material and to remove as much dirt as possible.
Step 4: Use A Damp Washcloth And Wipe Down The Corduroy
Take a cloth, soak it in the warm water, and wring it out so it’s damp. Then apply it to the corduroy's surface. Avoid soaking the shoes in water and don't rub them, as this can damage the corduroy. Repeat until you're satisfied. You should see more dirt coming off with each wipe.
Step 5: Soak Up Water With A Dry Towel
Soak up the excess water with a dry, absorbent towel. Then, let the shoes dry naturally. If you see any lint, remove it with a lint remover. To clean the inside of a corduroy shoe:
Step 1: Spoon Baking Soda Into Each Shoe
Take about three tablespoons of baking soda and put them into each shoe. Move the shoe back and forth to cover all the interior surfaces.
Step 2: Leave The Baking Soda To Work
Let the baking soda sit for about an hour. It will react with the stain and odor-producing compounds in the shoe.
Step 3: Remove The Baking Soda
Get rid of any remaining baking soda and use a vacuum to clean up any additional mess. Don't use hot water to clean the shoe, as it can cause it to shrink.
Learning How To Clean Corduroy Upholstery
Learning how to clean corduroy upholstery and other products may seem hard at first. But once you understand how to work with the material, stains aren't such a big deal. You may also want to know how to clean a bean bag.
