The design of the bar stool changes as does its use. People are now finding innovative ways to use bar stools around the home rather than just in the kitchen or on the patio. Bar stools are traditionally used for sitting on and have been created using leather or plastic as the seat cover. However, with new and creative ways to the bar stool there is an increase in the popularity of the upholstered bar stool. People who purchased upholstered bar stools are quickly finding however, that they are not easy to maintain and do require a great deal of care. There are several things that you should keep in mind when trying to clean and maintain your upholstered bar stool.

• Dusting: It is important to get into the habit of “dusting” your upholstery on a daily basis. This does not mean that you have to spend hours vacuuming the bar stool, but as you clean your carpets just run over the chair lightly to remove the dust on top. Once a week, however, you should do an in-depth dusting or vacuuming. To do this you simply use one of the attachments on your vacuum that allows you to get into tight places. During this time you will want to vacuum the backrest, armrests and of course get into all the creases. If you have a backless bar stool, then it’s easy.

• Stains: Removing stains from upholstery can be difficult if not taken care of quickly. If you do get a stain on your bar stool then you should clean it immediately. Do not let the stain set in the fabric as you will find that it may never come out. When removing a stain it is always good to blot the fabric rather than rub. Rubbing the fabric causing the stain to become worse and it pushes it into the fabric even more. Do not use harsh cleaners on the upholstery; this may remove color or make the stain worse. If you are using some sort of upholstery cleaner always test a small area first to make sure it does not fade the material. Always test in an area that will not be seen just in case it ruins the fabric. Some people have found that a small percentage of hydrogen peroxide mixed in with water is great way to remove stains. Testing the area is important however.

• Fabric: When purchasing an upholstered bar stool it is important that you know what you are buying. Different fabric or upholstery will require different types of cleaners and cleaning techniques. Most bar stools will come with a manual that should contain a section on cleaning and maintenance. It is crucial that you read this section prior to cleaning your upholstery with any sort of product. If there is no manual, consult the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. If the fabric can be removed easily then you might want to try dry cleaning it until you are ready to try it yourself.