How to Clean a Tufted Ottoman: Expert Guide for Lasting Beauty

A tufted ottoman serves as both a stylish footrest and functional storage piece in your living room, but its textured buttons and crevices trap dust, dirt, and spills easily. Proper cleaning restores its elegance while extending its life, especially for fabric-upholstered models common in tufted designs[1][3].

Understanding Tufted Ottoman Fabrics and Care Tags

Tufted ottomans typically feature fabric upholstery like velvet, cotton, or microfiber, with buttons that demand gentle handling to avoid damage. Always check the care tag first: code W allows water-based cleaners, S requires solvents, X means vacuum only, and WS permits either[2]. For leather or faux leather versions, use specialized products to prevent cracking.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

• Vacuum with upholstery and brush attachments
• Microfiber cloths or soft rags
• Fabric or upholstery cleaner (or DIY mix: equal parts white vinegar and water)
• Baking soda for deodorizing
• Soft scrub brush for tufts
• Steam cleaner (optional for deep cleans)
• Scotchgard or fabric protector spray
• Shout wipes or Grandma's Spot Remover for tough stains like crayon wax[3]

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly

Start by vacuuming the entire surface with the upholstery attachment to remove loose dust, crumbs, and debris. Pay extra attention to tufted crevices and buttons—use the brush attachment on velvet to lift dirt without flattening the pile[1]. This step prevents scratches during wiping and is key to living room declutter tips, as it catches hidden particles that spread to nearby furniture.

Step 2: Dust and Prep Wooden Elements

Gently dust with a microfiber cloth. For storage ottomans, lift the lid, vacuum inside, and wipe edges. Clean wooden legs or supports with a damp cloth and furniture polish, avoiding the fabric[2].

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

Blot fresh spills immediately with a clean cloth—never rub, as it sets stains deeper into tufts. Apply fabric cleaner or a mild dish soap solution to a cloth, then dab stains. For tufted buttons with crayon wax, soften with hot water spray, wipe with Shout, and repair loose buttons using a button kit[3]. Test solutions in hidden spots first[2].

Pro Tip: A 50/50 vinegar-water mix works wonders as a natural deodorizer for fabric tufts[2].

Step 4: Deep Clean and Deodorize

Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let sit 15-20 minutes, then vacuum. For deeper dirt, steam clean to sanitize high-traffic areas, or scrub gently in circular motions with a soft brush and hot water-vinegar spray, followed by absorbent cotton rags[1][4]. While cleaning your ottoman, incorporate time to clean glass coffee table surfaces nearby with vinegar wipes for a sparkling room refresh.

Step 5: Address Pilling and Protect

Tufted fabrics often pill; use a lint trimmer in circular motions to gently remove fuzz, restoring a like-new look[4]. Once dry, apply two light coats of Scotchgard fabric protector, holding the can 6 inches away[4]. This shields against future spills.

Material-Specific Advice

• Velvet Tufted: Vacuum with brush, spot clean, deodorize with baking soda[1].
• Cotton/Microfiber: Shampoo on cloth or diluted dish soap[2].
• Faux Leather: Dust, then clean with leather cleaner or soap solution on microfiber—pair this with how to clean faux leather couch using the same method for cohesive care.
• Leather: Saddle soap or vinegar-water; avoid excess moisture[2].

Maintenance for Longevity

Vacuum weekly, address spills instantly, and rotate the ottoman to even wear. In high-traffic living rooms, monthly deep cleans keep it pristine. Combine with broader living room declutter tips like organizing trays on your clean glass coffee table to maintain a tidy space.

More tips in the section Living Room Care & Decor