How to look after your Upholstered Footstool
When I deliver a client's Handmade Footstool to them, be it a commissioned piece or one of my bespoke button-holed Footstools / Ottomans, I always like to guide and advise on the best way to keep the bespoke footstool in mint condition - without ruining the fabric. So I’ve put together my 3 step guide to looking after your reupholstered footstool.
Step 1. Removing the dust
It’s best to start with gently vacuuming any debris from the top of the footstool. If you’ve got a velvet buttonhole footstool, please whatever you do, don’t use the nozzle of your vacuum to remove any debris. This will leave an unsightly ring in each and every buttonhole - trust me, I learnt this the hard way.
What I suggest you do, is either use a small lint remover or if you haven’t got one of those, grab a roll of sellotape and roll it around your fingers (sticky side up) and try and collect as much dust and debris as you can.
You can also use a soft toothbrush, it's small enough and ideal to clean in between the buttonholes. Using both the toothbrush/sellotape method, these are ideal ways to remove the dust from not only the buttonhole, but around the piping, and other details you may have.
Step 2. Vacuuming the surface
Now you’ve removed the dust and debris from the buttonholes, you can now vacuum the surface.
It is probably best to flip your Deep Buttoned Footstool on its side and work your way around, leaving the top until last. Now, I’ve got a bag full of attachments for my vacuum, (if I’m honest I’m not sure what they are all for anyway) but my brush attachment is my best friend when it comes to cleaning furniture.
I find it’s not as harsh on the fabric and it doesn’t leave any marks - but always try on a piece underneath first just to make sure and always be extra gentle especially with velvet because the pile can flatten.
Step 3. Wiping over the legs
Now, when I have taken the order of your bespoke footstool, I give you a choice of finishes for the legs from Oiled, Stained or Painted: you can also have castors if you want, silver, gold or chrome, whatever takes your fancy.
So as to not rub off the finish, I always advise you use a clean lightly damp cloth and wipe gently over the legs and feet. Don't use too much water otherwise it will become ingrained into the wood and that makes the legs porous.
Tad dah you’ve got a clean & fresh footstool!!!
If you’ve got any queries about your footstool or any item of furniture and how to maintain it - just give me a call on 07956 173747, I’d be happy to assist.