Best Upholstery Cleaning Tips for Restaurant Booths

When customers walk into a restaurant, the cleanliness and comfort of the seating area play a big role in how they feel. Among all seating options, Restaurant Booths are very popular because they offer privacy, comfort, and a cozy dining experience. However, they can also be tricky to clean and maintain. Food stains, spills, dust, and body oils can collect over time, making booths look dirty and worn out.

At Best of Exports, we understand that well-maintained furniture reflects the restaurant’s quality and care. In this blog, we will share the best upholstery cleaning tips for restaurant booths to help keep your space fresh, welcoming, and professional.

1. Understand Your Upholstery Material

Before starting any cleaning, it’s important to identify the material used on your restaurant booths. Common materials include:

• Fabric (polyester, cotton blends, microfiber)

• Vinyl

• Leather

Each material needs a different cleaning approach. Using the wrong method may cause damage, fading, or even shrinkage. If you’re unsure about your booth’s upholstery, contact your restaurant furniture manufacturers or check any tags under the seat.

2. Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming is the easiest and most effective way to prevent dirt buildup. Use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to clean the surface and corners of the booth. Try to vacuum daily or at least a few times a week to remove:

• Dust

• Food crumbs

• Pet hair (if your place is pet-friendly)

• Debris from customer bags or clothing

Cleaning regularly helps prevent dirt from settling into the fabric or vinyl.

3. Use a Soft Brush for Fabric Upholstery

For fabric-upholstered booths, a soft-bristled brush can lift dirt and prevent deep staining. Lightly brush the surface to remove loose dust and particles. Don’t brush too hard, especially on delicate fabrics, as it may damage the material or make it look uneven.

4. Spot Cleaning is a Must

Accidents happen. A customer might spill ketchup, coffee, or juice on the seat. The key is to act quickly. Here’s how you can spot clean:

• Blot, don’t rub: Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to blot the stain gently.

• Use mild cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot the stain.

• Dry completely: Use a dry towel or allow the area to air dry completely before using it again.

For tougher stains like grease or ink, consider using an upholstery cleaner that is safe for your specific material. Always test a small area first.

5. Clean Vinyl Upholstery with Soap and Water

Vinyl is popular in restaurants because it’s water-resistant and easy to maintain. Here's how to clean vinyl booths:

• Mix warm water with a mild soap

• Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the surface

• Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue

• Dry with a towel

Avoid using strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they may dry out the vinyl and cause cracking over time.

6. Take Care of Leather Upholstery

Leather is a premium material used in upscale restaurants. It requires special care:

• Wipe with a soft dry cloth regularly

• Use leather cleaner and conditioner every few weeks to maintain shine and flexibility

• Keep leather away from direct sunlight or heating vents to avoid drying and fading

Always follow the cleaning instructions recommended by the restaurant furniture manufacturers to ensure durability.

7. Use Baking Soda for Odor Removal

If your restaurant booths have started to smell musty or unpleasant, sprinkle some baking soda over the seats. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps neutralize odors caused by food spills, smoke, or body oils.

8. Steam Cleaning for Deep Cleansing

Every few months, give your booths a deeper clean using a steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is especially useful for fabric upholstery as it:

• Removes bacteria and allergens

• Lifts deep-seated dirt

• Freshens the fabric

Make sure the fabric is steam-safe and don’t over-soak the surface. Over-wetting can lead to mold or fabric shrinkage.

9. Protect Upholstery with Covers or Treatments

If your restaurant experiences high traffic, you can use fabric protection sprays that repel water and prevent stains. Some protective sprays are designed for fabric, vinyl, or leather. You can also invest in custom slipcovers for your booths to protect the original upholstery.

At Best of Exports, we also suggest choosing easy-to-clean materials when selecting or replacing booth upholstery. Our team guides clients to pick durable options that suit busy restaurant environments.

10. Schedule Professional Cleaning

No matter how careful you are, regular professional cleaning is a good idea. Professionals have stronger tools and deeper knowledge of different fabrics. Schedule a cleaning at least twice a year or more if your restaurant is open all day and night.

11. Rotate Seating if Possible

If your booths have removable cushions or seat pads, rotate them once a month. This helps spread out the wear and tear, keeping the upholstery looking even and lasting longer.

12. Train Staff to Maintain Cleanliness

Your cleaning efforts will go a long way if your staff is trained to:

• Spot stains early

• Report spills immediately

• Follow proper cleaning steps

Assign a quick cleaning checklist for opening and closing hours. Also, encourage your team to be mindful of wiping booth seats between guests, especially during busy hours.

13. Keep a Cleaning Kit Ready

It’s smart to have a cleaning kit available at all times. Include:

• Microfiber cloths

• Mild dish soap

• White vinegar

• Spray bottles

• Upholstery cleaner (approved for your material)

• Gloves

Having everything ready allows quick action when spills or stains happen.

14. Avoid Strong Fragrances

While you may want to keep your restaurant smelling fresh, avoid using strong fragrances or air fresheners directly on the booths. Some customers may be allergic, and strong chemicals may damage certain upholstery materials. Stick to natural odor removers or light-scented options approved for upholstery.

15. Inspect Regularly for Damage

Cleaning also gives you a chance to inspect the condition of your booth upholstery. Look for:

• Tears or cracks

• Loose seams

• Fading or discoloration

• Wobbly frames or legs

If you notice any damage, get it fixed right away. Regular inspection helps keep your restaurant booths in top condition and prevents bigger issues down the line.

16. Choose Quality Furniture to Start With

Maintaining upholstery becomes easier when the furniture is made with high-quality materials. At Best of Exports, we specialize in durable and stylish restaurant furniture that is designed to last even in high-traffic environments. Our collection includes restaurant chairs, restaurant tables, and booths that are crafted with both function and comfort in mind.

Choosing the right supplier can save you time and money in the long run. High-quality upholstery will resist stains better, clean up easier, and hold up to daily wear.

Final Thoughts

Restaurant booths add comfort and style to any dining space. But to keep them looking great, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. With the tips above, you can keep your upholstery fresh, clean, and inviting for your guests.

At Restaurant Furniture Manufacturers, we don’t just supply restaurant furniture — we support restaurant owners with long-lasting solutions. Whether you're setting up a new space or upgrading your existing one, we provide expert advice on furniture care, design, and durability.

By keeping your booths clean and in good condition, you create a better experience for your customers — and that always brings them back.

If you’re planning to upgrade or replace your restaurant booths, trust Best of Exports to deliver comfort, quality, and a style that fits your brand.