* Brush your upholstered furniture and vacuum it once a week to get rid of any accumulated dirt on the fabric. Light brushing will help the fabric to stay clean and prevent dirt from penetrating deep into the fabric, thereby saving you from extensive cleaning later on. This will keep the existing dirt from being rubbed whilst the fabric is being cleaned.

* Reverse the cushions and turn them over once in every week. Doing so will wear the cushions evenly on all sides. Also, reversing them frequently will expose any stains that can be treated immediately, before they set in gradually.

* If you find stains or spots on the upholstery, make sure that you remove them instantaneously, using a mild cleanser, before they settle in the fabric. Begin from the weakest point and gradually work ahead till you have completely eliminated the stain.

* Whenever you clean your upholstery, make sure that the cleaner you choose is highly effective and safe for the fabric, as not all upholstery fabrics can be cleaned with all the chemicals. Opt for mild ones that are free from any harsh chemicals or abrasive elements. Choosing a cleaner that both cleanses and deodorizes is the best bet.

* Use a strong brush to clean the stained areas on the upholstered fabric. Do not rub or scrub the fabric too hard, while you are brushing the stained area with the cleaner.

* After you are done with rubbing the stain, leave the fabric untouched for one or two minutes, allowing the cleaner to penetrate into the stain. Thereafter, wipe the area with a damp sponge or cloth until it is almost dry. Always use a plain white cloth to clean the upholstery; else you can risk the color to bleed onto the upholstery, thereby creating a bigger mess.

* Once you are done with cleaning the stain off the fabric, dry it carefully. It is best to leave the upholstery under an open window or running fan for quick drying and better results.