The nasty substance that can contain thousands of bacteria lurking in your home
Anyone who follows interior trends will have noticed that bouclé furniture is becoming increasingly popular.
On TikTok alone, there are 20 million videos with this search term, in which influencers show off their trendy boudoirs.
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One creator, @lauralestylegarnered over 3 million views across three viral videos of her bouclé bed, with comments like “I wouldn’t leave this bed” and “this room is so perfect.”
Although they are popular, they can be quite dirty, according to experts.
Martin Seeley, sleep expert at MattressNextDayhas made the shocking revelation that owners of bouclé beds are required to clean the fabric weekly, in addition to the extensive routine they are required to follow.
He says: “You need a regular cleaning routine for a piece that uses boucle fabric.
“Because of the texture of the fabric, it’s a great place for dirt and bacteria to collect in the fibers. To prevent this, I recommend cleaning it weekly.”
How do you clean a bouclé bed?
For a simple bouclé cleaning routine, start by removing any dirt that has accumulated. Use a soft brush to avoid snagging the fabric, or a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery setting.
You can even use a lint roller to remove stubborn dirt, such as pet hair.
Then focus on locally removing stains or discoloration.
To do this, use a detergent for delicate washes, without harmful chemicals, and a clean microfibre cloth.
Nowadays you can also buy mild upholstery cleaners in specialist shops.
Once you have applied your preferred solution, gently dab it with the clean cloth to allow the mixture to soak in. Then simply let it air dry.
For an extra touch of cleanliness, pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray the fabric completely, then let it dry.
The most important part of this process is that you handle the fabric with care.
Cleaning and household tasks in figures
Well Polished conducted a survey and the results are in!
Most hated household chores
- Cleaning the oven – 34%
- Ironing – 15%
- Cleaning toilet – 10%
- Washing dishes – 5%
- Cleaning up – 4%
Most loved household chores
- Cooking meals – 21%
- Cleaning up – 12%
- Vacuuming – 11%
- Doing the laundry – 9%
- Pet care 8%
Men vs. Women: Who’s in?
Men spend 7 hours and 54 minutes per week cleaning.
Women spend 12 hours and 15 minutes per week cleaning.
Rubbing the solution in too vigorously or vacuuming the fabric too hard can cause damage.
For bouclé with damage, obvious stains or stubborn discoloration, it is best to hire a professional to carry out a thorough cleaning.
While this is not necessary unless the material visibly calls for it, it is an additional investment you may have to make later.
