How to Care for an Upholstered Bed Frame (Stains, Fading, and Fabric Care)

An upholstered frame is one of the best ways to add warmth and texture to a bedroom, but fabric needs a bit more looking after than wood or metal. Here's how to keep it looking new.

Everyday maintenance

Vacuum your headboard and frame every couple of weeks using a soft brush attachment. This lifts dust before it settles into the weave, which is the main cause of fabric looking dull over time.

Dealing with stains

Blot, don't rub — rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric and can damage the pile. Use a clean, dry cloth to lift as much as possible first, then treat with a fabric-safe cleaner appropriate to your material. Always test on a hidden area first, such as the underside of the frame.

For velvet specifically, avoid soaking the fabric — excess moisture can leave watermarks that are harder to remove than the original stain.

Sun fading

Fabric fades unevenly if one side of the bed gets more direct sunlight than the other. If your bedroom gets strong afternoon sun, consider a blind or curtain, or rotate cushions and throws so any fading isn't concentrated in one visible spot.

Pilling and texture wear

Some fabrics, particularly boucle and linen-look weaves, naturally develop light pilling with use. A fabric shaver on a low setting removes this safely — go slowly and don't press hard.

Pets and upholstery

If pets have access to the bedroom, a fabric protector spray designed for upholstery can make claw marks and fur significantly easier to manage day to day.

When to call in a professional

For deep-set or old stains, a professional upholstery clean is worth it rather than risking further damage with strong home treatments — particularly on velvet and boucle finishes.

Browse our Upholstered Beds range, or see our Warranty Guide for coverage details on your frame.