I’ve cleaned more ottomans than I can count — from posh leather ones in Chelsea townhouses to fabric cubes in small London flats. They’re the unsung heroes of a living room and rarely receive the attention their cousins – the upholstered chairs – get. Admit it – you use them as footrests, coffee tables, and sometimes even emergency seats when the house is full. Yet they’re also one of the most neglected pieces of furniture when it comes to cleaning.
An ottoman collects everything from biscuit crumbs to cat hair and forgotten socks. Spills go unnoticed, dust builds up underneath, and before you know it, the lovely centrepiece looks tired and smells faintly of old popcorn. Keeping it clean isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of know-how.
As a professional upholstery cleaner, I’ve seen every kind of stain imaginable, and I’ve learnt what actually works. So, here’s the lowdown on how to care for your ottoman properly — easy hacks, pro tips, and the occasional insider trick that’ll keep it looking spotless.
Understanding Your Ottoman – Materials, Design, And Dirt Traps
Every ottoman tells a story, and before you start cleaning, you need to understand what it’s made of. A simple fabric one reacts very differently to water than a leather or velvet version. Some have hidden storage inside, which means extra surfaces where dust and crumbs can hide.
You’ll usually find one of five main materials: fabric (cotton, linen, or polyester blends), leather, suede, velvet, or microfiber. Each needs a specific cleaning method. A damp cloth might refresh polyester beautifully but ruin suede in seconds.
I once opened a storage ottoman during a job in Islington and found two socks, a spoon, and a half-empty crisp packet — the perfect example of why these pieces need regular attention. Even if yours isn’t a storage type, the seams, buttons, and folds are magnets for grit and fluff.
Common Fabric Types And Their Quirks
- Cotton or linen: These natural fibres are breathable but absorb stains quickly. Always blot spills fast and avoid soaking.
- Polyester and microfiber: Durable and easy to clean but can trap oils from skin or food. A gentle detergent works wonders.
- Velvet: Beautiful but delicate. Needs gentle brushing and minimal water.
- Leather: Wipes clean easily but can dry and crack without conditioning.
- Suede: Requires specialist care — never wet-clean this at home.
Why The Inside Matters Too
If your ottoman has storage, the interior lining can trap odours over time. Dust, crumbs, and pet hair build up fast. Use a handheld vacuum or an upholstery brush to clean it out every couple of weeks. A light mist of fabric refresher or a few scented sachets help keep things smelling pleasant.
Regular Maintenance For A Fresh Ottoman
You don’t need to deep-clean every month. Regular maintenance is enough to keep your ottoman fresh and stain-free. Think of it like brushing your teeth — a little and often prevents major problems later.
Dust and dirt act like sandpaper on fabric fibres, wearing them down. A weekly vacuum removes that abrasive grit and stops discolouration. Rotate your ottoman occasionally if it doubles as a footrest or coffee table. It helps wear stay even and prevents one patch from fading faster than the rest.
Vacuuming Done Right
Use your vacuum’s soft brush attachment. Never press too hard — you don’t want to pull threads or flatten texture. For deep creases or tufted buttons, use the crevice tool. Always move slowly so the suction can lift dirt properly. A lint roller afterwards can pick up any fine debris left behind.
Quick Refresh Tricks
A sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda left for fifteen minutes before vacuuming helps absorb odours. A slightly damp microfibre cloth is perfect for wiping away light dust without leaving watermarks. Every so often, open windows and let fresh air circulate around the fabric. Ottomans can hold smells like a sponge, especially in smaller London flats where ventilation isn’t great.
Tackling Common Ottoman Stains
This is where most people panic — a mug of tea tips over, or someone drops a slice of pizza face-down. Don’t panic. Most stains are fixable if treated quickly and correctly. The trick is to blot, not scrub, and to know which solution suits which material.
Coffee, Tea, And Wine Stains
Blot immediately with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. Mix a teaspoon of mild washing-up liquid with warm water and dab gently. For stubborn marks, a tiny splash of white vinegar in the mix helps lift tannins.
I once saved a cream ottoman in Battersea after a wine-and-cheese party disaster. The owner thought it was ruined, but with patient blotting and a neutral detergent, it came back spotless. The key is quick action — once stains dry, they’re much harder to shift.
Grease And Food Marks
For oily or greasy stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder directly onto the spot and leave it for ten minutes. It’ll draw out the oil. Then vacuum it away and gently wipe with soapy water. Never rub — it only spreads the grease. Microfibre cloths are great here because they lift residue without smearing.
Pet Hair, Mud, And Paw Prints
If you share your home with pets, your ottoman probably does too. Rubber gloves are magic for lifting hair — just run your hand across the surface and the static will pull it up. For muddy prints, wait until they dry, then brush or vacuum before wiping with a vinegar-and-water mix.
Enzyme-based sprays are ideal for pet odours or accidents. They break down organic matter instead of just masking the smell. Always test on a hidden patch first to make sure the fabric doesn’t discolour.
Ink And Dye Transfer
Ink stains are tricky. Dampen a cotton bud with rubbing alcohol and dab carefully — don’t rub or it’ll spread. For denim dye transfer on light fabric, use a specialist upholstery cleaner or call a professional. Some dyes sink deep into fibres and can’t be fully removed without industrial equipment.
Deep Cleaning – When And How To Do It Properly
Even with regular maintenance, every ottoman needs a deeper clean once or twice a year. It removes embedded dirt and refreshes the fibres. But over-wetting is the most common mistake I see from DIY attempts. Too much water can leave rings, smells, or even mould inside the foam.
Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area. Mix warm water with a small amount of upholstery detergent, lightly dampen a cloth, and wipe section by section. Don’t saturate the surface. After cleaning, dry with a towel and allow plenty of airflow.
Professional upholstery cleaners like myself use low-moisture extraction machines that rinse and remove dirt in one go, leaving minimal dampness. It’s worth considering this service yearly, especially if your ottoman sees daily use.
DIY Steam Cleaning Tips
Steam cleaning can be effective on synthetic fabrics but avoid it on natural ones like silk or linen. Keep the nozzle moving at all times and never linger in one spot. Too much steam can cause watermarks or shrinkage. After steaming, brush gently to restore the fabric’s texture and let it dry fully before use.
Knowing When To Call The Pros
If stains keep reappearing after drying, or if your ottoman smells musty, it’s time for professional help. Persistent odours usually mean moisture or bacteria deep inside the padding. Professional cleaners use pH-balanced detergents and hot-water extraction to clean thoroughly without leaving residue. It costs less than replacing a ruined piece of furniture.
Special Care For Leather And Velvet Ottomans
Leather and velvet both demand a softer touch. They look luxurious but react badly to harsh chemicals or rough treatment.
For leather, wipe down weekly with a damp microfibre cloth and a drop of mild soap. Once dry, apply a small amount of conditioner with a soft cloth to keep it supple. Avoid baby wipes or anything containing alcohol — they strip the natural oils and make the surface crack over time.
Velvet is trickier but forgiving once you know the technique. Brush the nap gently in one direction using a soft fabric brush to prevent crushing. If it looks flat, a quick waft of steam revives the pile. Just hold the steamer a few inches away and avoid direct contact.
Handling Watermarks On Velvet
Water can leave rings on velvet if left to dry unevenly. If that happens, lightly dab the area with distilled water and use a hairdryer on the lowest setting from a distance. Once dry, brush the nap again to even out the texture. Most marks will disappear once the fibres realign.
Reviving Dull Leather Surfaces
A dull leather ottoman often just needs a bit of attention. After cleaning, buff with a dry microfibre cloth in circular motions. Then apply a pea-sized amount of conditioner and polish lightly. You’ll bring back that subtle sheen without making it greasy.
Preventing Future Damage – Smart Habits That Work
Prevention saves far more effort than scrubbing stains later. Keep drinks on coasters, especially wine and coffee. Use a removable throw or tray if you regularly rest food or feet on the ottoman. Vacuum weekly to stop dust from dulling the surface.
For storage types, add a couple of silica gel packets or scented sachets inside to stop mustiness. Keep the lid slightly open for a few hours occasionally so air can circulate.
These tiny habits make a big difference. Furniture lasts longer, looks fresher, and doesn’t become a magnet for odours.
Ending Note
There’s something satisfying about bringing an ottoman back to life — watching the colours brighten and the surface feel soft again. It’s one of those small household wins that makes a home feel cleaner instantly.
If you treat yours with a bit of care, it’ll reward you with years of comfort and style. After all, that trusty ottoman has probably seen every moment — the tea breaks, the film nights, and the Sunday naps. It deserves a bit of love in return.