Our Guide to Caring For Your Headboard

The headboard is the main centrepiece of your bedroom, giving your bed that extra wow factor. There are lots of different styles and colours to choose from, so you can personalise your bed to look exactly how you want it to. But, if you want to keep your headboard looking great for years to come, you'll need to have a plan to take care of it regularly. That's why we’ve put together a helpful guide on how to clean and maintain your headboard.

Why Should You Clean Your Headboard?

Cleaning your headboard is not just about maintaining its appearance; it's a crucial step in ensuring the longevity and hygiene of your bedroom furniture. Just like anything that gets daily use, over time, headboards can accumulate dust, dirt and stains from the likes of sweat, makeup, pet hair, and food.

Regular cleaning helps prevent these elements from detracting from the beauty of your upholstered headboard. By keeping your headboard clean, you not only preserve its aesthetic appeal but also extend its lifespan, allowing you to enjoy its comfort and style for years to come. 

Cleaning your headboard regularly and especially immediately after any spillages can prevent staining. Sweat, makeup residues and oils from our skin and hair all can leave unsightly marks on the fabric over time.

By regularly cleaning your headboard, you can avoid these stains and keep it looking fresh and inviting. Additionally, maintaining a clean headboard contributes to a healthier sleeping environment by reducing the buildup of dust particles that can affect air quality in your bedroom. 

It’s important to remember different fabrics require specific care to maintain their appearance and quality. Understanding how to clean the specific fabric of your headboard is essential to preserving its beauty. For instance, velvet headboards may need gentle brushing and dry cleaning, whilst linen upholstered headboards benefit from mild soap or detergent.

How Do You Clean a Fabric Headboard? 

Cleaning a fabric headboard can be a simple and rewarding task that helps freshen up your bedroom decor. To start, remove any bedding and pillows from the bed to give yourself space to work. Begin by vacuuming the fabric headboard to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Use a soft brush attachment to gently loosen and lift any particles that might be trapped in the fabric.

Next, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out excess water to avoid saturating the fabric. Lightly dab the fabric headboard with the damp cloth, focusing on any visible stains or spots. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously as this can damage the fabric.  

After gently cleaning the fabric, use a fresh cloth dampened with plain water to wipe away any soap residue. This step helps prevent any soap buildup that could potentially attract more dirt in the future. Once you’ve wiped down the headboard, allow it to air dry completely before making up the bed again. If there are stubborn stains that remain after cleaning, consider using a specialised upholstery cleaner. Additionally, for regular maintenance, consider using a fabric protector spray to help repel stains and keep your fabric headboard looking fresh longer.  

By following these simple steps and incorporating regular cleaning into your routine, you can easily maintain a clean and stylish fabric headboard in your bedroom.

galaxy linen grey headboard

How to Clean A Velvet Headboard

Cleaning a velvet headboard requires special care to maintain its luxurious appearance and texture. Velvet is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged by excessive moisture, so it's essential to approach cleaning with caution. 

To start, if your velvet headboard has any liquid spills or stains, begin by gently blotting the area with a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fabric, as this can damage the delicate fibres of the velvet.

For general cleaning, you can lightly apply dry baking soda to soak up any grease or oil stains on the velvet headboard. After allowing the baking soda to sit for a short period, use a gentle brush or cloth to remove it. Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water with a small amount of detergent. Test this solution on an inconspicuous area of the headboard first to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration. Once you know it's safe, apply the solution to the stained areas and gently blot the fabric with a clean cloth or sponge.

When cleaning velvet, it's crucial to avoid saturating the fabric with water or cleaning solutions. After spot cleaning, use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture and allow the headboard to air dry completely. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers on high settings, as they can damage the velvet fibres. 

At Next Divan we have everything you need for a perfect night’s sleep, with great prices and a range of beds and headboards made to the highest standards of British craftsmanship.

Experts in all Things Headboards

At Next Divan, we offer a diverse selection of strutted headboards, providing customers with the choice of two different heights: 24 inches or 32 inches. These headboards come in a stunning variety of designs, colours, and fabrics, ranging from linen to plush velvet options. This collection caters to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect headboard to complement your bedroom decor. 

At Next Divan, customer satisfaction is a top priority and our commitment to quality and style is evident in our headboards, each crafted to meet the highest standards. Whether you prefer a contemporary look with sleek lines or a more luxurious feel with plush velvet, we have headboards to suit every taste. 

Next Divan has an excellent range of headboards, beds and mattresses to help you create the bedroom that you’ve always dreamed of. We always go the extra mile for customers and we provide free delivery to most UK mainland addresses, making shopping easy and convenient for everyone.

Our team of experts are on hand to help you choose the very best bedroom furniture for your home. We have the knowledge and expertise to answer your questions as well as offer personalised recommendations to make sure you’re getting a great experience every step of the way. Visit our Help and Advice page or feel free to call us on 03301 330 441. 




grey headboard and bed