An upholstered bed is often the centrepiece of the bedroom. Soft fabric, a statement headboard and a luxurious finish can transform the whole room. But because fabric beds are used every single day, and often come in lighter shades like cream, they need a little care to keep them looking fresh.
The good news is that looking after an upholstered bed frame does not take much time. With a simple routine and a few smart habits, you can keep your bed looking as good as the day it arrived. In this guide, we cover regular upkeep, how to deal with spills and marks, and how to protect your headboard for the long term.
Before You Start: Check the Care Guidance
Different fabrics respond differently to cleaning products and methods. Before you try anything new, check the care information provided with your bed or on the product page, or ask our team if you are unsure. Whenever you try a cleaning method for the first time, test it on a small, hidden area first, such as the back of the headboard or the underside of the frame, and let it dry fully to make sure it does not change the colour or texture.
Step 1: Build a Simple Regular Routine
Prevention is easier than cure. A light weekly or fortnightly routine stops dust and dirt from settling into the fabric:
- Vacuum the headboard and frame using the soft upholstery attachment. Work gently in the direction of the fabric, paying attention to channels, buttons and tufting where dust collects.
- Brush away surface dust with a soft, clean brush or lint roller between vacuums.
- Plump and rotate any cushions or scatter pillows that rest against the headboard so wear is even.
- Wash your bedding regularly, as sheets and pillowcases can transfer oils, make-up and hair products to the headboard.
Step 2: Act Fast on Spills
The sooner you deal with a spill, the better your chance of removing it completely.
- Blot, don't rub. Use a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel to press down and soak up as much liquid as possible. Rubbing can push the stain deeper and damage the fabric.
- Work from the outside in so the stain does not spread.
- Use a mild solution. For many fabrics, a small amount of mild washing-up liquid mixed with lukewarm water works well. Dab it on with a damp cloth, then blot again with a clean damp cloth to lift the residue.
- Let it air dry. Avoid using a hairdryer or placing the bed in direct heat, as this can set stains and affect the fabric.
Step 3: Tackle Common Marks
- Tea, coffee or juice: blot immediately, then dab with a mild soapy solution.
- Make-up and face products: dab gently with a slightly damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild soap. Avoid heavy scrubbing.
- Greasy marks: sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda or cornflour on the area, leave for a short while to absorb the oil, then vacuum it away gently.
- Pet hair: a damp rubber glove or lint roller drawn across the surface lifts hair easily.
- Dust and general grubbiness: vacuum first, then use a slightly damp microfibre cloth over the surface.
Step 4: Give It an Occasional Deeper Clean
A few times a year, give your bed a more thorough refresh:
- Vacuum the entire frame and headboard, including the sides, back and any crevices.
- Wipe over the fabric lightly with a clean, slightly damp microfibre cloth, then allow it to dry naturally.
- Open any storage drawers or lift the ottoman lid and vacuum inside to remove dust, then let fresh air circulate.
- If your bed has a light fabric, consider a specialist upholstery cleaner designed for the type of fabric, following the product's instructions and testing a small area first.
Protect Your Headboard
The headboard takes the most contact, from leaning back to read to the natural oils from hair and skin. A few small habits make a big difference:
- Use a headboard throw or cover if you often sit up in bed, and wash it regularly.
- Keep hair products, face creams and body oils away from the headboard where you can.
- Avoid placing hot drinks, laptops or anything that could leave a mark on the upholstery.
- Leave a small gap between the headboard and the wall to avoid friction and marks on the back.
Looking After Storage Beds
If you have an ottoman or divan with storage, a little extra care keeps both the fabric and the inside fresh:
- Keep the storage area clean and dry to prevent musty smells.
- Store bedding and clothes in breathable bags or boxes rather than leaving them loose against the frame.
- Avoid overloading drawers or the ottoman base, and open and close lids and drawers gently to protect the mechanism and the fabric edges.
- Air out the storage area occasionally by leaving it open for a short time.
Protect Your Bed From Everyday Wear
- Avoid direct sunlight. Strong sun can fade fabric over time, so consider curtains or blinds if the bed sits by a bright window.
- Keep it away from damp. Avoid placing the bed against damp walls or in rooms with poor ventilation.
- Be careful with sharp items. Zips, belts, pet claws and keys can snag or tear fabric.
- Mind the pets and little ones. Soft throws and removable covers add an easy layer of protection.
What to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals, bleach or strong stain removers
- Soaking the fabric or using too much water
- Scrubbing hard, which can damage fibres and leave marks
- Direct heat from hairdryers, radiators or steam cleaners unless the care guidance says it is safe
When to Ask for Help
If a stain will not budge, the fabric has been damaged, or you are unsure how to clean a particular material, it is best to ask before trying anything drastic. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction, and for stubborn marks a professional upholstery cleaner can often help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my upholstered bed frame? A light vacuum every week or two is ideal, with a deeper clean a few times a year.
Can I use a steam cleaner on my bed frame? Only if the care guidance for your fabric says it is safe. Heat and moisture can damage some fabrics, so it is best to check first.
How do I keep a cream bed frame looking fresh? Vacuum regularly, deal with spills straight away, wash your bedding often and use a headboard cover if you sit up in bed.
Will a mild soap solution damage my bed? For many fabrics a very mild solution is fine, but always spot-test a hidden area first and use as little liquid as possible.
Keep Your Bed Looking Beautiful
Every Bed Burst bed is handcrafted in the UK with premium upholstery and a sturdy construction, so a little regular care goes a long way. Explore our Signature bed, divan, ottoman and bed frame collections to find a bed that is made to impress, and made to last.
