A vacuum, a few clean white cloths, a can of compressed air (like Dust-Off Duster; $11, staples.com), gentle clear dish soap (like Dawn Ultra Pure Essentials; $9, amazon.com), a horsehair upholstery brush ($9, jondon.com), and a small bucket.

For stains: Capture Soil Release Pre-Mist ($6, homedepot.com) and Capture Carpet and Rug Dry Cleaner ($20, amazon.com).

*If a piece is a cherished heirloom or rather expensive, consult a professional before attempting to clean it yourself.

Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum left to right in short, overlapping strokes, starting at the top of the piece and working toward the bottom. (For delicate fabrics, like silk and linen, set the suction to low.) This left-to-right technique is especially important for nappy materials that hold on to dirt, like chenille, suede, velvet, and corduroy. Click in the crevice nozzle (if you’re worried about sucking up coins, cover it with a piece of old panty hose secured with a rubber band); vacuum under cushions and around seams. Then use a can of compressed air to blast dirt from tufting and button nooks.

Attack stains on linen, cotton, jacquard, and polyester-acrylic blends with Capture Soil Release Pre-Mist. (Test first in an inconspicuous spot.) Then sprinkle with just enough Capture Carpet and Rug Dry Cleaner to cover the stain; gently rub the powder into the fabric with a dry cloth, then vacuum. Repeat if needed. If the stain remains after two rounds, leave it alone or you might harm the fabric; call a pro if you can’t live with it. For stains on leather and vinyl, spray Pledge on a cloth and gently rub the area. Wipe well with a dry cloth so no residue remains. Don’t use cleaners containing silicone—they close up the pores of leather and vinyl, causing them to tighten and potentially crack.