Your sofa isn’t just furniture, it’s where life happens. From cosy evenings curled up with a cup of tea to chaotic family nights (and spilled curry sauce from the Chinese, and the red wine stain, and that one mark you’re not exaaaaactly sure about), your seating works hard every day. And with just a little TLC, you can make sure your furniture stays looking and feeling fresh for years to come.
Whether you’re reclining on sleek leather, plush velvet, or even classic fabric, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to take care of your upholstery and keep it looking its best
1. Understand What You’re Working With
The first step towards long-lasting furniture is making sure you know exactly what is it you’re working with. Different materials need different approaches, and it really does make a difference! Before you start cleaning or treating any pieces of furniture, stop and take a moment to identify the type of upholstery you have:
- Fabric: While fabric is soft, breathable, and durable, it does have a bit of an unfortunate tendency to absorb spills quickly – no problem if a bit of water makes it to your sofa, but it can spell trouble with things like coffee, wine, or sticky, sugary drinks.
- Velvet: Known for being luxurious and stylish, velvet can also be a tad more sensitive to pressure marks and moisture, so sometimes requires a delicate hand.
- Leather (or faux-leather!): Everyone and their mother will tell you how easy it is to keep leather clean, and honestly, they’re not entirely wrong. As long as you look after your leather (wiping spills clean and giving it the occasional polish to prevent any cracking), it’ll look after you for years to come.
2. Get The Hoover Out
You really need to be taking the hoover to your upholstery at least once a week – it will make a big difference in prolonging the lifespan of your furniture! Think about it; dust, crumbs, pet hair… all of this ends up on your sofa (or your bedding!). Giving your upholstery a once over with a soft brush attachment will help to remove all of the surface debris and prevents any dirt from working its way into the fibres. Make sure you give a little bit of extra attention to;
- The surface and arms of your sofa
- Any seams and crevices
- Under and behind any cushions or pillows
Trust me, this small step makes a big difference in the long run!
3. Blot Any Spills Immediately
Accidents can happen – we all know that, it’s just a fact of life. However, the key is to act fast. If you happen to spill something, here’s what to do:
- Blot the spill gently with a clean cloth. Never rub! You don’t want to work anything into the material.
- For fabric, use a little bit of warm water and some mild soap; dab at the spill, but don’t soak it.
- Velvet is a bit trickier, and needs a little bit of extra care. Take your time to dab gently at the spill, and then brush the fabric back into place once it’s dry.
- For leather, use a clean, damp cloth, and dry immediately.
If you’re in doubt, make sure to test a small hidden area first!
4. Rotate Cushions & Mix Up Your Seating Spots
You’ve probably already noticed this, but sitting in the same spot every day will cause uneven wear. To avoid sagging or fabric thinning, there are a few things you can do to help prolong the longevitiy! Keep these in mind;
- Rotate seat and back cushions weekly (yes, weekly!).
- Fluff loose cushions to help them hold onto their shape.
- Encourage others to sit in different spots (sacrilege, I know).
5. Protect From Sunlight & Heat
Direct sunlight can cause upholstery to fade, especially if you have darker colours and natural fabrics. If you can, make sure to;
- Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight
- Use curtains or blinds to shield your pieces during the bright part of the day.
- Avoid placing furniture right next to your radiators! This can really cause fabrics to age quicker over time as it heats up and cools down repeatedly.
Want to go the extra mile? Of course you do, you’re reading this blog. Include one of these cleaners into your routine for one less thing to worry about!
And That’s That on Upholstery
With just a little bit of extra TLC, your upholstery can last for years to come, and stay just as beautiful and supple as it was when it first graced your home. A weekly pass with the hoover, some cushion rotation, and quick action on any errant spills really do go a long way. Looking after your upholstery helps to protect your investment, and most importantly, keep your home looking its best.
Have a question about caring for one of our sofas or chairs? Pop into one of our stores for a chat, or head to our website. We’re always happy to help!