Like every object and piece of furniture in your home, your headboard needs regular cleaning. This article explains how, depending on the type of headboard you have.
Why clean your headboard?
It is important to clean your headboard regularly for several reasons:
- Hygiene: every night you spend several hours with your head nestled against your headboard. It is essential that it be clean;
- Comfort: a headboard that isn't cared for regularly can develop unpleasant odors. Cleaning your headboard keeps it fresh;
- Looks: if you don't clean your headboard regularly, dust will build up. At best, the color will eventually dull, which is a shame. At worst, the accumulated dust will work its way in and cause permanent, unsightly stains;
- Durability: if you don't clean your headboard regularly, built-up dust and stains can cause premature aging and may permanently damage your headboard.
As you can see, caring for your headboard isn't optional, it is a necessity. However, the tips for cleaning your headboard properly depend on the type you have. Here is everything you need to know.
Cleaning a wooden headboard
The first step in cleaning your wooden headboard is to remove the dust. Use a dusting cloth or a feather duster. After that, the care method depends mainly on the type of wood finish: lacquered, waxed or painted. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions so you don't make a mistake.
Generally, you can easily find care products suited to your type of wood in stores. Don't skip the polishing step with a wooden headboard. It helps it keep its shine for as long as possible.
Cleaning an upholstered headboard
Here again, the first step is to dust the fabric. Simply use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Run the brush over the whole surface, as gently as possible so as not to weaken the fabric.
Then there are two options for cleaning the fabric of your headboard:
- If your headboard has a removable cover, simply take the cover off carefully and follow the washing instructions supplied by the manufacturer;
- If your headboard is tufted and the fabric can't be removed from the frame, wipe a clean, damp cloth (without rubbing) over the whole surface of the fabric to avoid water rings. If needed, you can use lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
If there is a stain, act quickly so it doesn't set. Take a clean cloth, dip it lightly in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, and blot the stain without rubbing. Be careful: never use bleach or whitening products, which can permanently damage the fabric.
For drying, with a removable fabric cover it is generally best to air dry (out of direct sunlight) and avoid the dryer. Also make sure the cover is completely dry before putting it back on the frame.
Did you know?
At Letti Letti, our headboards have removable covers, and our fabric covers can be washed in full, preferably by a dry cleaner (because of their size). Since our fabrics are chosen for their stain resistance, it is very easy to spot-clean them with a damp sponge and a little Marseille soap or baking soda. That way you keep your headboard clean and fresh.
Cleaning a leather or faux leather headboard
Leather and faux leather are easy-care materials. To dust a leather or faux leather headboard, simply use a dusting cloth or a feather duster.
To clean it, take a clean cloth and a cleaner made for leather or faux leather. Spray the product onto the cloth, not directly onto the headboard. Then wipe the cloth over the whole surface.
If there is a stain, you can use a little soapy lukewarm water. Rub the area very lightly with a clean cloth. Then dry the area with a completely dry cloth.
Cleaning a metal headboard
A metal headboard (usually wrought iron) is one of the easiest types to care for and clean. You can dust it easily with a dusting cloth. Then simply wipe it with a damp cloth (optionally dampened with a mild detergent) to clean the whole frame thoroughly.
Depending on the manufacturer's care recommendations, you can also finish with a polishing step and, if needed, treat the metal to keep its shine over time.