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An upholstered bed is one of the most significant investments you can make in your bedroom — and like all upholstered furniture, it needs the right care to maintain its appearance over the years. The good news is that cleaning and maintaining an upholstered bed frame is straightforward when you understand the right approach for each fabric type. The bad news is that many people unknowingly damage their bed's upholstery by using the wrong cleaning method, the wrong products, or the wrong technique for the specific fabric.

This guide covers the correct cleaning approach for every major upholstered bed fabric type available in the UK market: plain woven fabric, velvet and crushed velvet, faux leather, bouclé, and divan base upholstery. It also covers stain removal, long-term maintenance, and the specific mistakes to avoid that cause the most common upholstery damage.

Before You Start: Read the Care Label

Before cleaning any upholstered bed, check whether the manufacturer has included a care label on the frame, headboard, or base. Many UK bed manufacturers attach a small care label to the underside of the headboard or inside the base lining that specifies the recommended cleaning codes:

• W — water-based cleaning solutions only
• S — solvent-based dry cleaning products only; water may cause staining or shrinkage
• WS — either water-based or solvent-based cleaning products are suitable
• X — vacuum only; no liquid cleaning of any kind

If a care label is present, always follow its guidance before applying any cleaning product. If no label is present, the fabric-specific guidance in this article provides the correct approach for each material type.

Always test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first — the inside edge of the base or the underside of a headboard panel — before applying it to a visible surface. This is the single most important rule in upholstery cleaning and the one most frequently skipped.

Routine Maintenance: The Foundation of Upholstered Bed Care

The most effective upholstered bed care is preventative rather than reactive. Regular light maintenance prevents the build-up of dust, allergens, and surface soiling that leads to more intensive cleaning requirements over time.

Weekly or Fortnightly Vacuuming

Vacuum the entire upholstered surface of the headboard and base every one to two weeks using a soft brush upholstery attachment on a low to medium suction setting. Work methodically across the surface, overlapping each pass slightly to ensure complete coverage. Pay particular attention to:

• The top edge of the headboard, where dust accumulates
• Any tufting, channel stitching, or decorative detail where dust embeds between raised sections
• The junction between the headboard and the base, where debris collects
• The sides and back of the base, particularly near the floor

Regular vacuuming removes airborne dust, skin cells, and light surface soiling before it has the opportunity to become embedded in the upholstery pile or weave.

Immediate Attention to Spills

The most important rule for any upholstered surface: address spills immediately. The longer a liquid remains on upholstery, the deeper it penetrates into the fabric and the more difficult it becomes to remove completely. Keep a clean, absorbent cloth within reach of the bed for this purpose.

For any liquid spill: blot immediately and firmly with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Work from the outside of the spill inward to prevent spreading. Do not rub the spill — rubbing pushes the liquid deeper into the fabric and spreads the affected area. Continue blotting with fresh areas of the cloth until no more liquid transfers. Then follow the fabric-specific cleaning guidance below.

How to Clean a Fabric Upholstered Bed (Woven and Linen Fabrics)

Plain woven fabric, linen-effect fabric, and most standard upholstered bed fabrics are the most forgiving to clean. They tolerate mild water-based cleaning solutions well when used correctly.

Routine Surface Cleaning

1. Vacuum the entire surface thoroughly with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris before any wet cleaning
2. Mix a small amount of mild upholstery shampoo or a few drops of washing-up liquid in a bowl of cool water. The solution should be lightly foamy, not heavily soapy
3. Dampen a clean, white microfibre cloth with the cleaning solution. Wring thoroughly — the cloth should be barely damp, not wet. A wet cloth will saturate the fabric and potentially cause watermarks or mould in the padding beneath
4. Wipe gently across the fabric surface in the direction of the weave, using light, overlapping strokes. Do not scrub
5. Work in small sections, re-damping the cloth as needed
6. Follow immediately with a second clean cloth dampened with plain cool water to remove any soap residue
7. Allow to air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources. A fan placed nearby can accelerate drying without the risk of heat damage

Stain Removal from Fabric Beds

For specific stains on woven fabric upholstery:

Water-based stains (tea, coffee, juice, wine): Blot immediately as described above. Mix one tablespoon of washing-up liquid with two cups of cool water. Apply with a clean cloth using blotting motions — never rubbing. Work from the stain edge toward the centre to prevent spreading. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot dry.

Grease and oil stains: Sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda or cornflour on the stain and leave for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the oil. Vacuum away the powder, then apply a small amount of diluted washing-up liquid with a damp cloth, blotting carefully. Rinse and blot dry.

Dried stains: Gently loosen the dried material first with a soft brush, then vacuum away. Apply the appropriate cleaning solution for the stain type as above. Dried stains are always harder to remove than fresh ones — the immediate response to spills cannot be overstated.

How to Clean a Velvet or Crushed Velvet Bed

Velvet requires more careful handling than plain woven fabric because of the directional pile that defines its appearance. The wrong cleaning technique can permanently crush, mark, or matt the pile.

Routine Velvet Maintenance

1. Vacuum every one to two weeks using a soft brush attachment on the lowest suction setting. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile — running the attachment against the pile direction can displace and permanently flatten the fibres
2. After vacuuming, run a clean velvet clothes brush lightly across the surface in the pile direction to restore a consistent, even appearance

Stain Removal from Velvet Beds

Velvet is more sensitive to water than most fabrics — water can leave visible watermarks or alter the pile direction permanently if applied incorrectly. For any liquid contact:

1. Blot immediately with a clean, dry, white cloth. Do not rub under any circumstances — rubbing velvet causes irreversible pile damage
2. If a mark remains after blotting, lightly dampen a clean white cloth (not wet — barely damp) and blot very gently in the pile direction. Use the minimum amount of moisture possible
3. Allow to dry naturally, then restore the pile with a velvet brush or by very lightly passing a steam iron 15 to 20 cm above the affected area (do not touch the velvet surface with the iron) and brushing gently in the pile direction while warm

For persistent stains on velvet, a velvet-specific upholstery cleaner applied by a professional upholstery cleaning service is the safest approach — attempting aggressive home cleaning on a velvet headboard risks permanent damage that home methods cannot repair.

Restoring Crushed or Flattened Velvet Pile

If velvet pile becomes flattened in an area from sustained contact — a pillow resting against the headboard for an extended period, for example — it can usually be restored:

1. Hold a steam iron 15 to 20 cm above the flattened area and allow the steam to penetrate the pile for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not allow the iron to touch the fabric
2. Immediately brush the pile gently in the correct direction with a soft velvet brush or a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush
3. Repeat if necessary. Most flattening resolves within one to two treatments

How to Clean a Faux Leather Bed

Faux leather is the simplest upholstered bed surface to clean — its smooth, non-porous PU surface resists absorption and wipes clean with minimal effort.

Routine Cleaning

1. Wipe the entire surface with a lightly damp, clean microfibre cloth every two to four weeks. The cloth should be barely damp — not dripping
2. For more thorough cleaning, add a single drop of mild washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm water, dampen the cloth in the solution, wring thoroughly, and wipe across the surface in smooth strokes
3. Follow with a second clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue
4. Buff dry with a clean, dry cloth

Stain Removal from Faux Leather

Most surface marks on faux leather wipe away with a damp cloth without any cleaning agent. For more stubborn marks:

• A mild soap solution (washing-up liquid diluted in water) removes most organic stains
• For pen or ink marks, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad, applied with minimal pressure, can remove ink without damaging the PU surface — test on an inconspicuous area first
• Avoid solvent-based cleaners, bleach, acetone, and abrasive pads, all of which can strip or dissolve the PU coating

Preventing Faux Leather Peeling

To extend the life of faux leather upholstery and prevent the peeling that can occur at stress points over time, apply a faux leather conditioner or care spray every six to twelve months. This maintains the flexibility of the PU coating and prevents the drying and cracking that leads to surface delamination. Avoid sitting on headboard corners or pressing repeatedly on tufting points, which creates localised stress that accelerates coating failure.

How to Clean a Bouclé Bed

Bouclé fabric — with its looped yarn construction — requires careful cleaning to avoid snagging or distorting the loops that define its appearance.

Routine Bouclé Maintenance

1. Vacuum with a soft brush attachment on low suction, working gently across the surface without applying significant downward pressure that could catch the loops
2. Avoid stiff brush attachments that can snag the looped construction

Stain Removal from Bouclé

1. Blot immediately with a clean dry cloth using a light dabbing motion — never rub, as rubbing can pull and distort the loops
2. For water-based stains, a very lightly dampened cloth with a small amount of mild upholstery cleaner can be dabbed gently onto the affected area
3. Allow to dry naturally and vacuum gently once dry to restore the surface appearance
4. Do not apply significant moisture to bouclé — the looped construction can absorb water and take considerable time to dry, increasing the risk of mould in the foam padding beneath

How to Clean a Divan Base

A divan base — the upholstered box unit of a divan bed — accumulates different soiling patterns from a headboard. The sides and base edges are most likely to receive scuff marks from vacuum cleaners and contact; the top surface (platform top) accumulates dust and any debris that falls from the mattress.

Routine Divan Base Cleaning

1. Vacuum all accessible surfaces of the divan base every two to four weeks using the appropriate attachment for the base fabric
2. Wipe down the sides with a lightly damp cloth (for faux leather bases) or a dry brush (for fabric bases) to remove scuff marks and surface soiling
3. Clean around the drawer fronts and handles with a damp cloth, paying attention to the edges where grease from hands accumulates over time

Cleaning Divan Drawers

Remove drawers fully and wipe the interior surfaces with a lightly damp cloth every three to six months to remove dust accumulation. Check the drawer runners for dust build-up that can cause friction and squeaking — a light application of candle wax or dry lubricant on the runner surfaces keeps drawers sliding smoothly. Our guide to fixing a squeaky bed covers drawer maintenance in more detail.

Products to Avoid on Upholstered Beds

Knowing what not to use is as important as knowing what to use. These products cause damage to upholstered bed fabrics:

• Bleach and bleach-containing products — cause permanent discolouration on all fabric types
• Solvent-based cleaners (white spirit, acetone, nail varnish remover) — can dissolve adhesives within the upholstery structure and strip PU coatings on faux leather
• Abrasive cloths and scouring pads — damage pile fabrics, scratch faux leather, and distort woven fabrics
• Washing machine — headboards and divan bases cannot be machine washed; water saturation will damage the foam padding and internal structure
• Direct heat (hair dryer, direct iron contact) — can melt or scorch synthetic fabrics and PU coatings; always air dry after any wet cleaning
• Excessive water — over-wetting any upholstered surface risks penetrating through to the foam padding, which can cause mould and structural deterioration that is invisible from the surface

Dealing with Odours

New upholstered beds sometimes have a mild chemical or fabric odour when first delivered — this is normal and dissipates within a few days with good ventilation. For persistent odours from an older bed:

Sprinkle a light coating of bicarbonate of soda over the fabric surface and leave for several hours or overnight. Vacuum away thoroughly with a brush attachment. Bicarbonate of soda is a natural odour absorber that works without introducing moisture or chemicals into the fabric.

Professional Upholstery Cleaning

For significant staining, persistent odours, or fabric types that you are uncertain about cleaning at home, a professional upholstery cleaning service is the safest and most effective option. Professional cleaners have access to specialist equipment and fabric-appropriate cleaning agents that home methods cannot replicate.

When booking a professional upholstery cleaner for a bed frame, confirm that they have experience with the specific fabric type (velvet and bouclé in particular require different handling from standard woven fabrics), and request a cleaning test on an inconspicuous area before they proceed with the full surface.

Long-Term Care: Extending Your Upholstered Bed's Life

• Rotate pillow placement regularly — pillows resting consistently in the same position against a headboard can cause localised pile flattening on velvet and permanent indentation on padded headboards. Varying pillow position distributes contact wear evenly
• Keep pets off the headboard — cats in particular find upholstered headboards attractive for scratching, which causes irreparable damage to all fabric types
• Address spills immediately — this point cannot be overstated. Immediate blotting before any liquid penetrates is the single most effective stain prevention measure available
• Vacuum regularly — routine vacuuming every one to two weeks is the foundation of all upholstered bed maintenance and prevents the build-up that makes deeper cleaning necessary
• Apply appropriate conditioning products — faux leather care spray every six to twelve months; no conditioning is required for fabric or velvet

FAQ: How to Clean Upholstered Beds UK

Can I use a fabric cleaner on a velvet bed headboard?

Use with extreme caution. Many fabric cleaners contain agents that can permanently mark velvet or alter the pile direction when applied in excessive quantities. If using a fabric cleaner on velvet, apply the minimum possible amount to a barely damp cloth, test on an inconspicuous area first, and blot rather than scrub. For significant velvet staining, a professional upholstery service is the safest approach.

How do I get a stain out of a fabric headboard?

Blot immediately to remove as much of the stain as possible. Mix a small amount of mild washing-up liquid in cool water, apply with a clean white cloth using blotting motions (never rubbing), and work from the stain edge inward. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot dry. Allow to air dry naturally. For dried stains, loosen with a soft brush first then vacuum before applying the cleaning solution.

Can I use a steam cleaner on an upholstered bed?

Steam cleaning can be effective on fabric and faux leather beds when used carefully, but is not recommended for velvet or bouclé, where the heat and moisture can alter the pile or loop structure. If using a steam cleaner on a fabric bed, keep the steam head moving constantly and never hold it in one position, which can oversaturate the fabric. Always allow the bed to dry completely — for at least 24 hours — before using it again to prevent mould in the padding.

How often should I clean my upholstered bed?

Vacuum every one to two weeks as routine maintenance. A more thorough wipe-down or surface clean every two to three months is adequate for most UK bedrooms. Address any spills or stains immediately as they occur. Beyond this, an annual deep clean using the appropriate method for your specific fabric type keeps upholstered beds in excellent condition.

My velvet headboard has a watermark from cleaning. How do I fix it?

Hold a steam iron 15 to 20 cm above the watermark (do not touch the fabric) and allow the steam to penetrate the affected area for 10 to 15 seconds. Immediately brush the pile very gently in the correct direction with a velvet brush or soft bristled brush. Repeat if necessary. Most watermarks on velvet respond to this treatment within one to two applications.

Can I use baking soda on a fabric bed?

Yes — bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is a safe and effective odour absorber for fabric beds. Sprinkle lightly over the surface, leave for several hours, and vacuum away thoroughly. It can also be used as a gentle abrasive for dried organic stains on fabric beds: apply, leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then brush away gently before applying a damp cleaning cloth.

Conclusion

Cleaning and maintaining an upholstered bed is straightforward when the right approach is matched to the right fabric. The fundamentals apply to every type: vacuum regularly, address spills immediately, use the minimum moisture necessary for wet cleaning, always blot rather than rub, and avoid products that are not appropriate for the specific fabric.

The most important investment in upholstered bed care is attention and speed — responding immediately to any spill or mark before it sets is worth more than any cleaning product or technique applied later. Combined with regular vacuuming and appropriate fabric-specific care, these habits will keep any upholstered bed looking its best for years.

For our full range of upholstered beds across all fabric types — including fabric, velvet, faux leather, and bouclé — explore our upholstered beds collection, ottoman beds collection, divan beds collection, and high headboard beds collection. For guidance on other bed maintenance issues, our squeaky bed repair guide covers every common mechanical issue with divan and ottoman beds.