How to clean bouclé fabric in 4 simple steps

I love the cozy look of bouclé furniture, but with this fabric trend enduring, the question now is how to clean it properly.

While bouclé fabric is available in a host of colors, it tends to be white, particularly when it comes to furniture items and its looped, dense fabric makes is a dirt magnet.

I spoke to professional cleaners for their bouclé fabric cleaning tips to get your item refreshed now, and help ensure it's longevity, too.

What is bouclé fabric?

Bouclé fabric is instantly recognizable for it's soft, furry texture, but what actually is it?

'Bouclé fabric is heavily textured and made from looped yarn that creates a curled effect,' says Ken Doty, COO at The Maids. 'It derives it's origins from the French word "boucler" which means "to curl/loop". It's a very thick and dense material that is often compared to a blanket.'

Therefore, due to it's texture, bouclé fabric has a reputation of being difficult to keep spotless and clean.

'It has a cozy, inviting look that works well in both homes and offices,' says Evie Graham, ex-professional cleaner founder of Waste Direct. 'However, because of its texture, dirt can settle into those loops, and that’s where cleaning becomes more of a task. In my experience as a cleaner, I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest fabric to care for but with the right approach, it’s totally doable,' and should be a step you always take when you clean your living room or bedroom.

Why it is important to clean bouclé fabric?

Like cleaning all upholstery, bouclé fabric needs regular maintenance to keep it looking it's best, removing dirt, dust and spills.

'Properly maintaining bouclé furniture is key to prolonging the lifespan,' says Doty. 'While bouclé furniture is known to be very durable, it's still important to adhere to best cleaning practices as the tightly-looped fabric can be a magnet for dirt and grime.

'When it comes to stains, bouclé fabric is generally easier to clean than most fabrics as it's often more durable, and less prone to absorption. Instead, most stains stay on the surface and are much easier to approach.'

How to clean bouclé fabric in 4 simple steps

Luckily, tackling bouclé fabric is nowhere near as difficult as I thought. Here's Doty's expert method to make your fabric look fabulous:

Step 1: Vacuum

First remove all the dust and debris that may have build up on your bouclé fabric.

'The first step is to start with vacuuming the surface to knock out any dust or dirt that is covering the surface,' says Doty. 'Ensure you're using an attachment that is safe for upholstery and to reach in-between and behind any cushions or pillows.'

Our roundup of the best vacuums is a great place to start if you need a new vacuum for the job, and if you're contending with pet hair, we recommend the Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum available at Amazon, which cleverly converts to a handheld vacuum.

Step 2: Brush

To remove any remaining debris, 'take a soft-bristled brush to get out any stubborn dirt or grime that may remain,' says Doty. 'Don't use any other type of brush, as it could easily damage the fabric.'

Step 3. Remove stains

Once your bouclé is free of any dust or debris, you can set to work on tackling stains.

'Stains should be attacked by creating a bleach-free cleaning solution of fabric detergent and warm water,' advises Doty. 'Spray on the stains and gently blot with a clean microfiber towel (such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths available at Walmart). Be sure that you're using a gentle technique, as aggressive motion can cause problems with the loop and texture of the fabric.'

Step 4: Dry

Finally, ensure your bouclé fabric is thoroughly dry before using it again, particularly if you have a couch or chair.

'Once the stain has been treated, use a dry towel to gently absorb as much of the moisture as possible,' says Doty. 'Heat should be avoided as it can shrink the fabric,' so leave to air-dry.

A dehumidifier can decrease drying time of wet items such as laundry and wet upholstery.

How to deep clean bouclé fabric

If your bouclé is in need of some deep-cleaning, Salvador Villareal, expert dry cleaner at VIP cleaners, recommends steam cleaning.

'For deeper cleans, professional steam cleaning using a specialized upholstery wand and extractor is best,' he says. 'Professional cleaning once or twice a year is important for health, comfort and appearance.'

If you would rather not call in the professionals, Villareal uses mild, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning solutions for the best results without damage.

We recommend the Hoover Oxy Spot and Stain Remover for Carpet and Upholstery available at Walmart, which is a fast acting stain remover that works effectively on old and new stains.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of bouclé fabric?

The main disadvantage of bouclé fabric is that it is prone to snagging, particularly if you have pets, which will also leave you needing to remove odors from your upholstery. It also captures dust in its looped yarn.

'Preventive maintenance is key,' says Villareal. 'With routine care and cleaning, bouclé fabrics will stay fresh for years.'

Inspired to shop beautiful bouclé? These are our favorite bouclé pillows.