In this article, DecorhubNG Sofa Care Guide tells you everything you will need to know to clean and care for your new or existing sofa.
Whether your sofa is leather or fabric, it is no problem to clean. Regular cleaning is essential to prolong the life of your beloved sofa.
Sofa Care and Cleaning Tips
To help prolong the life of your sofa, we do recommend the following tips:
▪ Avoid dragging your upholstery and place furniture gently in place when moving it to prevent damage.
▪ Avoid sitting on the arms of sofas and chairs as it will eventually distort the upholstery. Also try to prevent children from jumping on sofas because this can cause damage to the cushion covers and seat platforms.
▪ Direct sunlight can cause fading. Try to protect your upholstery where possible by carefully considering its position within your room and by drawing curtains and blinds when necessary.
▪ Special care should also be taken with sharp-edged objects and if there is ever a loose thread, simply trim with sharp scissors.
▪ Do not place anything very hot on your sofa. Things like hot water bottles, cups and even laptops may mark or damage the fabric.
▪ Plump up any additional scatter cushions weekly to retain their shape and comfort. The best way to plump your cushions is to remove them from the sofa, punch them on all sides and then drop them to the floor. This forces air inside the cushion and maintains their shape and support.
▪ Regularly rotating the cushions will also ensure that they wear more evenly and if you have a lot of natural sunlight in the room, this will slow any color fading that may occur over time.
▪ Read the care tags for your sofa closely as they will advise you on the right kinds of products to clean them with.
Cleaning Your Fabric Sofa
Fabric sofas are a great choice for the family and home. They offer durability and versatility, with a huge range of styles and designs to choose from. Different types of fabrics require special care so it is important to know their features before purchasing them.
▪ Professional dry cleaning is recommended at most once every year to help remove dirt and soiling and to maintain the look of your sofa.
▪ Vacuuming every month on a low setting with a brush attachment will help keep your couch in great condition. Get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure that you remove all dirt and dust.
▪ You need to remove any dust before you start cleaning as wet dirt can stain, making your upholstery look even dirtier.
▪ As soon as spillage occurs, clean immediately. This will reduce the likelihood of permanent staining. Stains are harder to remove when they are left unattended.
- Scoop up as much of the spillage as possible with a spoon or blunt palette knife.
- Work towards the middle of the spillage to contain it and also to prevent spreading the stain.
- Without rubbing, soak up any liquids with a clean cloth or towel.
- Finally, gently blot the spillage using a damp (not wet) cloth with warm clean water. Again, no rubbing!
For really stubborn marks, it is time to call on the professionals. Remove cushion covers and take them to the dry cleaners. If covers cannot be removed, enlist the services of a specialist upholstery cleaning company.
Cleaning Your Leather Sofa
Cleanipedia
One of the reasons leather remains a popular choice – especially with families – is that it is incredibly easy to care for and maintain. A leather sofa will easily last for many years if cared for properly.
▪ Maintenance is so simple. Just use a soft damp cloth and wipe your sofa down once a week to remove any dust or dirt.
▪ If you spill anything on your sofa, simply use a damp cloth to wipe it up and then a soft dry cloth to polish immediate afterwards. Don’t rub too hard on your leather sofa to avoid damaging the finish.
▪ You can use a specialist cleaning kit once every six months. Include a treatment cream to keep leather soft and supple and also to preserve its quality. Be sure not to over-use these products though.
▪Do not use household cleaning products, solvents or cleaners intended for materials other than leather as they are liable to spoil the finish.
- Avoid using wax, silicone polishers or any detergents or abrasive cleaners on your leather sofa.
- Always test any cleaning products on a hidden area of your sofa first. This is to ensure you are happy with the result and also to avoid any unnecessary damage.
In conclusion, since you are already armed with these top tips on sofa care, you can have peace of mind that your furniture will stand the test of time.
Read our Sofa Buying Guide if you are looking to buy a new sofa.
