How to Clean a Fabric Headboard

Cleaning your headboard might not be at the top of your to-do list. It’s not exactly glamorous, and unless you’re spending every Sunday scrubbing your skirting boards too, it’s easy to forget. 

But fabric headboards can quietly collect dust, sweat, hair oils, pet fur, and the occasional biscuit crumb. The good news? Cleaning them isn’t half as hard as it sounds, and doing it now and again can seriously freshen up your bedroom. 

Whether you’ve got a velvet beauty, a linen classic, or something in between — here’s how to get your fabric headboard looking (and smelling) lovely again. 

Step-by-step: how to clean a fabric headboard 

Here, we’ll guide you through the process of cleaning your fabric headboard in 4 super simple steps. Scroll on to learn more. 

1. Give it a good dusting 

Start with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or just a soft bristled brush. Use either tool to gently lift away dust, debris, hair, and anything else clinging to the fabric. Remember to pay close attention to the seams and corners as this is where fluff tends to accumulate the most. 

Top tip: If you’ve got pets, a lint roller can help lift stubborn stray pet hairs or fur before vacuuming. 

2. Spot clean any stains 

If you come across a mystery mark or a makeup smudge, don’t panic. First of all, refer to your headboard manufacturer’s care guide wherever possible. Can’t find this? A quick online search could yield some essential information that you need to know before beginning to clean it. 

For example, having discussed the writing of this blog post with the suppliers of the fabric our headboards are upholstered with, we have been informed that we should avoid recommending using any sort of strong detergent or soap. Using Bicarbonate of Soda or vinegar on a Bensons for Beds fabric headboard would be a massive no-no too. Use of detergents, soaps, bicarb of soda, or vinegar may cause the headboard colour to bleed. 

But other fabric headboard manufacturers may suggest otherwise. If you’re cleaning a fabric headboard purchased from Bensons for Beds, we’d recommend spot cleaning any stains with warm water, mild detergent and a clean cloth.  

If tasked with getting rid of a particularly tough stain, using a mild fabric cleaner can help. Whether it’s one of ours, or an alternative fabric headboard, the spot cleaning process remains – in principle – the same: 

1. Dip a clean cloth into the water (or solution) 

2. Wring it out so that it’s damp (not soaking) 

3. Gently dab — don’t rub — at the stain. 

If you are using a cleaning solution on a fabric headboard, always test it on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn’t discolour the fabric of your headboard. 

3. Freshen up the fabric 

Even if there are no obvious stains, fabric headboards can start to smell a bit musty over time. A light spritz of fabric freshener or a homemade lavender spray can work wonders. 

4. Dry it properly 

Always make sure your headboard is fully dry before leaning pillows back against it. This will help to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould, mildew, and those unpleasant odours associated with washing that’s taken too long to dry.  

To promote a better drying environment for your headboard, open your bedroom windows. You can even pop a fan on in the room close to your damp headboard to encourage air circulation and promote faster drying. 

Extra tips for specific headboard fabrics 

Given that different materials often require different cleaning methods, we’ve included some top cleaning tips for some of the more popular headboard material below. 

Velvet headboard cleaning tips: 

• Use a soft clothes brush to lift the pile in one direction after cleaning. 

• Never over-wet velvet — it can leave watermarks. 

• Use velvet on velvet — it helps to smooth out any brush/hoover/cleaning shading marks. 

Linen or cotton blend headboard cleaning tips: 

• Stick to gentle dabbing with minimal water. 

• Avoid harsh chemical sprays — natural fibres can be delicate. 

Synthetic upholstered headboard cleaning tips: 

Headboards that are upholstered with synthetic materials are often more forgiving. Remember to check the care label and try a mild all-purpose upholstery cleaner if needed. 

How often should you clean a fabric headboard? 

Given that each of the steps can be repeated to help keep your fabric headboard looking and feeling fresh, we’ve included some recommendations regarding the frequency. Think of this as your cheat sheet for cleaning a fabric headboard: 

• Light clean (vacuum and freshen): Once a month or, if you’re keen on bed hygiene, whenever you change the bedding 

• Deeper clean (spot treatment and deodorise): Every 3–6 months or if you notice any marks that need attending to 

• Stain removal: ASAP after any spills or marks happen. Don’t wait, just address it there and then to avoid any lasting stains. 

Fabric headboard cleaning FAQs: 

Still got questions? Our fabric headboard cleaning FAQs are here to address anything we’ve left unanswered. 

Can I use a steam cleaner on my fabric headboard? 

Only if your headboard is labelled as safe for steam cleaning. Some fabrics (especially velvet or delicate weaves) can be damaged by the heat and moisture. 

Is it safe to use vinegar to clean fabric headboards? 

A diluted white vinegar and water solution can help neutralise odours and remove light stains — but always spot test first, as vinegar can bleach or affect fabric dyes. We do not recommend using white vinegar on Bensons for Beds headboards. Always refer to the care instructions provided by your headboard manufacturer. 

Can I remove the fabric cover and wash it in the machine? 

Most headboards don’t have removable covers, but if yours does, check the label. If it says “dry clean only,” don’t risk throwing it in the machine. 

How do I protect my headboard from future stains? 

Consider using a fabric protector spray and try to avoid leaning against it with wet hair, oily skin, or makeup. 

How to clean a fabric headboard: final thoughts 

A clean headboard doesn’t just look better — it helps your whole bedroom feel fresher, cosier, and more put-together. And the best part? Once you know how to do it, it takes barely any time.