How to Clean a Headboard: Methods for Every Material

Headboards are touched every night and collect dust, skin oils, hair products, and grime — but they're often overlooked during bedroom cleaning. The right cleaning method depends on the headboard material. This guide covers how to clean every type of headboard safely and effectively.

What You'll Need

• Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack) — safe for all headboard surfaces
• Pressurized Handheld Steam Cleaner — excellent for upholstered headboards; sanitizes and refreshes fabric without chemicals
• Glo Wood Furniture 2-in-1 Clean and Polish — for wooden headboards
• Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner with UV Protection — for leather and faux leather headboards
• Nutricost Baking Soda (2 lbs) — for deodorizing upholstered headboards
• Vacuum with upholstery attachment
• Mild dish soap and warm water

How Often Should You Clean Your Headboard?

• Monthly: Dust and wipe down
• Every 3 months: Full clean appropriate to the material
• As needed: Spot clean any marks or stains immediately

Cleaning Upholstered Headboards (Fabric)

Fabric headboards absorb dust, hair oils, and odors over time.

Regular Maintenance

1. Vacuum with the upholstery attachment monthly to remove dust and debris
2. Pay extra attention to tufted areas and seams where dust accumulates

Deep Clean

1. Vacuum thoroughly first
2. Use the handheld steam cleaner across the entire fabric surface — steam sanitizes, removes odors, and refreshes the fabric without chemicals
3. Allow to dry completely before sleeping against it
4. For deodorizing: sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let sit 30 minutes, vacuum thoroughly

Spot Cleaning Stains

1. Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth — never rub
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap solution
3. Blot gently from outside in
4. Rinse by blotting with a clean damp cloth
5. Blot dry and allow to air dry completely

Cleaning Leather and Faux Leather Headboards

1. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust
2. Apply Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner to a microfiber cloth and wipe the entire surface
3. Buff with a clean dry cloth
4. The conditioner keeps leather supple and prevents cracking; the UV protection prevents fading from sunlight
5. For faux leather: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry immediately — avoid harsh chemicals that can crack the coating

Cleaning Wooden Headboards

1. Dust with a dry microfiber cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain
2. Apply Glo Wood Furniture Clean and Polish to a microfiber cloth and wipe the entire surface
3. Buff with a clean dry cloth for a protective shine
4. For sticky spots: dampen a cloth with warm water and a tiny drop of dish soap; wipe and dry immediately
5. Never use excessive moisture on wood — dry immediately after any damp cleaning

Cleaning Metal Headboards

1. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and mild dish soap solution
2. Dry immediately and thoroughly to prevent rust or water spots
3. For chrome or stainless steel: buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine
4. For wrought iron: inspect for rust spots and treat promptly with rust remover

Cleaning Rattan or Wicker Headboards

1. Vacuum with the brush attachment to remove dust from the weave
2. Wipe with a barely damp cloth and mild soap
3. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean inside the weave
4. Dry thoroughly — never leave rattan damp

Pro Tips

• Clean the headboard when you change your sheets — it's already part of the bedroom cleaning routine
• For upholstered headboards, a lint roller quickly removes hair and surface debris between deep cleans
• Keep a microfiber cloth on the nightstand for quick wipe-downs of the headboard surface

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove hair oil stains from an upholstered headboard?

Hair oil stains on fabric headboards can be treated with a small amount of dish soap (a natural degreaser) on a damp cloth, blotted gently. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda over the area, let sit 30 minutes to absorb the oil, vacuum, then spot clean with dish soap solution.

Can I use a fabric spray on my upholstered headboard?

Yes — a light mist of Febreze or a linen spray freshens an upholstered headboard between deep cleans. Allow to dry completely before sleeping against it.

How do I clean a tufted headboard?

Tufted headboards have buttons and deep folds that trap dust. Use the vacuum crevice tool to clean the folds, then the upholstery attachment for the flat surfaces. Steam cleaning is particularly effective for tufted headboards as the steam penetrates the folds.