With the novel Coronavirus running a muck and the media being ill-informed, here are some tips and tricks that the Sitting Pretty Design Center can give you as well as some Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved tactics for disinfecting furniture. The CDC recommends that people start the disinfecting process by cleaning their surfaces of germs, dirt, and impurities. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection (see CDC Covid-19 Resources). While cleaning is a necessary first step, it is not the only step. The CDC defines the disinfecting process as, “using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.” Keep reading to get started properly cleaning your home (CDC).
Tops
Wipe down all table tops, end tables, wooden arms and other hard surfaces of your furniture with a CDC approved chemical solution. If you purchased your furniture from Sitting Pretty, call us to get the manufacturer specific cleaning instruction so as to not damage your furniture. For the best disinfection, use a diluted bleach solution on glass or Formica only, an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol on marble or other stone, or most approved EPA-registered household disinfectants. DO NOT MIX BLEACH WITH AMMONIA OR ANY OTHER CLEANSER. The bleach solution for glass and Formica should consist of:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.
Do not forget to wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Throw away the gloves once you are done! If you use reusable gloves, dedicate ONE pair for COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting and DO NOT use them for anything else. Again, if you purchased your furniture from Sitting Pretty, call us to get the manufacturer specific cleaning instruction so as to not damage your furniture (see Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims pdf iconexternal icon))))Link to PDF).
Upholstered Goods
The first thing that you need to do is vacuum the upholstered surface! This includes all sofas, upholstered chairs, upholstered bed frames, and even love seats. Now, for disinfecting, use a spray-on homemade disinfecting alcohol solution that consists of a 2-to-1 ratio of at least 70% alcohol to water for rubbing. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the piece of furniture you would like to disinfect from about 8 inches away. Spraying the furniture with this CDC approved mixture will help tremendously to keep others in your home from getting sick, especially if someone else who visited your home was sick because it will kill a variety of germs and bacteria. Double check the make-up of your fabrics to ensure that they will not be damaged by the alcohol cleaning solution. Do not use on acetate, rayon, wool or silk.
How to clean sofas purchased from Sitting Pretty
Remember these instructions when cleaning a sofa or sectional you purchased from Sitting Pretty. If the tag on your sofa includes the following letters, please reference the following bullet points.
- “W” Water based cleaning agents or foam may be used for cleaning.
- “S” Only mild, pure water-free dry cleaning solvents may be used.
- “SW” Either one of the above two may be used for cleaning this fabric.
- “X” This fabric should be vacuumed or brushed lightly to remove soil. (Do Not use foam or liquid cleaning agents of any type).
- To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing is recommended. Cleaning by professional furniture service is always recommended.
The Sitting Pretty Design Center staff urges you stay safe by following our CDC approved tactics for disinfecting and cleaning your furniture. In the words of Dr. Mike, “Be alert, not anxious.”
For an amusing, but well informed video about the Coronavirus, please watch this video where Dr. Mike fact-checks the media:
If you would like to hire a professional cleaning service:
Have questions about how to clean a specific furniture piece:
** The information in this blog is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. Sitting Pretty Inc. does not own any rights to this video nor do we have an affiliation to Dr. Mike. **
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