Knowing how to clean a storage ottoman properly is something most people figure out only after they’ve already made a mistake. Your storage ottoman works hard. It holds your blankets, serves as a coffee table, takes the weight of tired feet, and somehow still needs to look presentable when guests arrive. Over time, dust, spills, pet hair, and everyday grime accumulate — and if you clean it the wrong way, you can permanently damage the fabric.

This guide covers how to clean a storage ottoman made from every material — fabric, leather, velvet, boucle, and microfiber — with exact step-by-step instructions. I’ll also tell you what not to do, because the wrong cleaning method is worse than doing nothing at all.

Step 1: How to Clean a Storage Ottoman — First Identify the Material

Before you touch a single cleaning product, flip your ottoman and find the care tag. This small label is your most important guide. Here’s how to read it:

If there’s no tag, do a small patch test on the underside or hidden area before cleaning the visible surface. Soak a cotton ball with your chosen cleaner, dab it on, and wait 5 minutes. If the color doesn’t bleed and the fabric looks normal, you’re good to proceed.

How to Clean a Fabric Storage Ottoman

Fabric ottomans — cotton, polyester, microfiber, linen blends — are the easiest to clean. The key rule: blot, never rub. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers.

What You’ll Need

For stubborn stains on fabric, the cleaning experts at This Old House recommend testing any cleaner on a hidden area first — advice we strongly second.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

• 1
  Vacuum thoroughly first Use the upholstery brush attachment and go over the entire surface, including all seams and crevices. This removes the surface dirt that would otherwise turn into muddy streaks when wet.
• 2
  Make your cleaning solution Mix 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. Stir gently until you see some suds. Don’t make it too soapy — excess soap residue attracts more dirt later.
• 3
  Dampen your cloth — don’t soak it Dip a white cloth into the solution and wring it out well. The cloth should be damp, not wet. Too much moisture can cause mildew inside the ottoman’s padding.
• 4
  Work in small circular motions Clean a small section at a time, moving in gentle circles. Don’t press too hard. Rinse your cloth frequently in clean water to avoid spreading dirt around.
• 5
  Rinse with a clean damp cloth Go over the cleaned area with a second cloth dampened with plain water only. This removes soap residue that would make the fabric stiff and attract future dirt.
• 6
  Air dry completely before using Place the ottoman in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Do not use a hairdryer — heat can shrink or warp certain fabrics. Full drying takes 2 to 6 hours depending on how wet it got.

How to Clean a Leather Ottoman

Leather looks tough, but it’s actually quite sensitive to the wrong products. Water alone can cause water stains. Harsh chemicals dry out the leather and cause cracking. The good news: when cleaned properly, leather is one of the most durable ottoman materials and can last decades.

What You’ll Need for Leather

• A dry microfiber cloth (for dusting)
• Leather cleaner — brands like Leather Honey or Chamberlain’s work well
• Leather conditioner — this step is non-negotiable
• A second clean microfiber cloth for buffing

According to the leather care specialists at The Leather Laundry, conditioning leather every 3-6 months is the single most important thing you can do to extend its life.

Step-by-Step Leather Cleaning

• 1
  Dust the surface with a dry microfiber cloth Dust particles are mildly abrasive. If you apply cleaner over dust, you’re essentially rubbing grit into the leather surface. Always dust first.
• 2
  Apply leather cleaner to a cloth — not directly to the leather Squirt a small amount of leather cleaner onto your microfiber cloth. Applying it directly to the ottoman can cause uneven saturation and dark spots.
• 3
  Wipe in gentle, circular motions Work in small sections. You’ll see the cloth picking up dirt — this is normal. Flip to a clean part of the cloth as it gets dirty. Don’t scrub hard.
• 4
  Buff dry with a second cloth Before the cleaner dries on its own, buff it off gently with a clean, dry cloth. This prevents streaking and brings out the leather’s natural sheen.
• 5
  Apply leather conditioner — always Cleaning strips natural oils from leather. Conditioner replenishes those oils and keeps the leather supple. Apply a thin layer, let it absorb for 10-15 minutes, then buff off any excess. Do this every 3-6 months.

If you’re looking to buy a leather ottoman, read our guide on the best leather storage ottomans — we compare 8 options by durability, price, and ease of cleaning.

How to Clean a Velvet Ottoman

Velvet is gorgeous but unforgiving. The pile — those tiny, densely packed fibers — can crush permanently if you rub it the wrong way or use too much liquid. I learned this the hard way with my navy velvet ottoman: I rubbed a water stain and created a visible flat patch that took weeks to recover.

The single most important rule for velvet: always brush in the direction of the pile, never against it. Run your hand across the velvet surface — one direction will feel smooth (with the pile), the other will feel rough (against the pile). Always clean in the smooth direction.

Step-by-Step Velvet Cleaning

• 1
  Vacuum with the lowest suction setting Use the upholstery attachment on its lowest power setting. High suction can pull and damage the velvet pile. Move the attachment in the direction of the pile only.
• 2
  For light dirt: use a barely damp cloth Wring out a cloth until it’s just barely damp — not wet. Lightly stroke the surface in the pile direction. Never press down hard, and never rub back and forth.
• 3
  For stains: use dry-cleaning solvent For synthetic velvet, a dry-cleaning solvent (like Carbona or Guardsman) is safer than water. Apply to a cloth first, then dab — never pour directly on the velvet.
• 4
  Restore the pile after cleaning Once completely dry, use a soft-bristled velvet brush or a clean dry toothbrush to gently restore the pile. Stroke in one direction only. This brings back the luxurious texture.

How to Clean a Boucle Ottoman

Boucle has become incredibly popular in the last two years — that textured, loopy wool-blend fabric that looks so good in living room photos. The loop texture is stunning but also acts like a magnet for pet hair, lint, and crumbs.

• 1
  Use a lint roller or fabric brush first The loops in boucle catch hair and lint. A lint roller is your best friend here. Go slowly over the entire surface before any wet cleaning.
• 2
  Vacuum on the lowest setting Use the upholstery attachment. High suction can snag and pull the loops, causing permanent damage to the texture.
• 3
  Spot clean with cool water and mild soap only For stains, use cool water — never warm. Hot water can cause wool fibers in boucle to shrink. Dab gently, let it air dry completely.

Thinking about buying a boucle ottoman? Read our detailed review of the best boucle storage ottomans — including which ones are the easiest to keep clean.

Stain Removal Guide: All Ottoman Materials

Fresh stains are always easier to remove than dried ones. The moment something spills, your first move should always be to blot up as much liquid as possible with a dry cloth. Then identify the stain type and follow the guide below.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When You Clean a Storage Ottoman

Frequently Asked Questions