How to Clean a Fabric Headboard Like a Pro

A fabric headboard is a stylish and comfortable choice for a bedroom, but it does require a little bit of maintenance. You’d be surprised how much dust, grease, hair, dirt, and bacteria can build up on the surface of a fabric headboard given the frequent use and porous nature of upholstery. The good news is that cleaning a fabric headboard is not hard. Before you get started, check the care tag on your headboard as this will tell you what type of cleaning method is suitable for the fabric.

Keep reading to learn how to clean a fabric headboard like a pro to keep your bedroom nice and neat.

What to Know Before Cleaning a Fabric Headboard

Regularly cleaning a fabric headboard is important in order to maintain it in like-new condition and remove dust and dirt build-up as well as germs and bacteria. How you clean an upholstered headboard depends on the fabric type; check the care tag on the headboard to learn whether the fabric can be cleaned with water-based, solvent-based, or no cleaning solution at all. Before you clean the headboard, do a spot test to ensure the cleaning solution doesn’t damage the fabric.

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How Often Should You Clean a Fabric Headboard?

When it comes to cleaning a fabric headboard, there are three levels of cleanings that should be done at three different intervals. The most basic is to vacuum the headboard using an upholstery attachment once a week. For a deeper clean, use a mix of warm water and either baking soda, mild dish soap, or a store-bought cleaning solution to wipe down the fabric headboard once a month. For the most thorough clean, steam clean the fabric headboard once or twice a year with a hand-held steamer.

Supplies You Need

• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• A container with warm (not hot) water
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap or a store-bought upholstery cleaning solution
• A clean microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge

How to Clean a Fabric Headboard

Vacuum Upholstery Attachment

Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner remove dust, dirt, and hair from a headboard. If it has a tufted design, make sure to get in all the nooks as that’s where the majority of the dust collects. Vacuum the front, sides, top, and back of the headboard.

Baking Soda

Detach the headboard from the bed frame and lay it down flat with the front side facing up. If you see grease stains, such as those caused by your scalp, on the fabric surface, sprinkle them generously with baking soda. Let it sit for several hours to absorb the grease, then vacuum any excess baking soda.

Stain Removal

If you notice any stains on the fabric, treat them before you clean the entire headboard. The type of stain remover you use will depend on the upholstery fabric and the cause of the stain. Use our comprehensive stain removal guide to find the right way to treat a variety of stains.

Water and Dish Soap

Fill a container with warm water and add a couple drops of mild dish soap, then stir to combine. Wet a soft microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wring it out so it’s not dripping wet, and very gently wipe down the headboard, following the direction of the fabric structure or the design of the headboard.

Grab another microfiber cloth and wet it with non-soapy warm water, wring it out, and go over the headboard again to remove any soap residue. Take a dry microfiber cloth and use it to dry the headboard, gently pressing it down to remove as much water as possible, then let the furniture fully air dry.

Commercial Upholstery Cleaner

If you don’t have time to make your own cleaning solution, opt for a commercial upholstery cleaner that’s suitable for your particular type of fabric and follow the product directions to clean the headboard.

How to Maintain a Clean Fabric Headboard

• Use a lint roller to remove hair and loose dirt from the fabric surface every couple of days.
• Regularly vacuum a fabric headboard using the upholstery attachment, especially focusing on small nooks such as those on a tufted headboard.
• Remove stains as quickly as possible to prevent them from setting in.
• Make weekly, monthly, and yearly headboard cleanings part of your overall cleaning schedule.