Tips for Maintaining Your Sofa

Your sofa isn’t just a piece of furniture but it’s almost like your personal catch-up spot. You stretch out and simply relax after a long day at work, cuddle with your partner, or share the day’s stories with your family. However, nobody likes it to be dirty! Cleaning your sofa doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Sofa Maintenance Tips You Should Follow

Today, we will introduce some easy methods to make your sofa look as good as new. When you follow these sofa maintenance tips, you will see noticeable results and receive praises from guests and other visitors. Before you get your hands dirty, it is recommended that you follow a set of instructions to prevent damage:

Read the care label

Ensure you read the care label attached to the sofa, as it has almost every piece of information you may need. Let’s break it down for you. Here’s what you must look for:

i) Cleaning Method: The label walks you through the sofa cleaning method. It gives you instructions on how to clean it, and whether you can use water-based cleaners, solvent-based cleaners, etc.

ii) Look for codes: For instance, W is for water-based cleaners, whereas X means professional cleaning only. Every code carries a meaning. If you are ever confused, a quick Google search can help you out with sofa cleaning.

iii) Special instructions: The care label may also indicate if your couch needs any special treatment. From steam-based cleaning to using only cold water, make sure you adhere to every sofa maintenance tip.

Identify the fabric type

Every type of fabric requires a specific kind of care. Leather needs special conditioning, while microfiber requires cleaning with a mild detergent. So, understanding the fabric must be a priority. You can even do a patch test if necessary if you are new to sofa cleaning.

Vacuum and dust it regularly

You must vacuum your couch regularly to get rid of dust, pet hair, and loose soil. Using a gentle brush attachment to vacuum the seams, crevices, and under the pillows. This is specifically needed for sofas cum beds, L-shaped sofas, and any other sofas which are made of more than a single sitting unit where dirt tends making its way to settle down.

Deep Cleaning Based on Type of Sofa

i) Fabric Sofa: Vacuum to remove soil and dirt. Mix warm water with white vinegar or soap. Never ever use harsh chemicals that will damage the fabric. Spot-clean liquid spills with a solution and microfiber cloth. Gently blot instead of rubbing because rubbing transfers the stain. Steam cleaning for a deeper refresh to release deep-set dirt and revitalize fabric fibres. Let the sofa air dry first to avoid dampness.

ii) Leather Sofa: Dry wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and loose debris. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar or a store-bought leather cleaner solution to clean the surface. Soak the cloth in the solution and wipe the sofa, including the creases and folds. Use a leather conditioner to keep it conditioned and avoid cracking. This is absolutely required for keeping your leather sofa soft and long-lasting.

iii) Velvet Sofa: Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove the dust and dirt from the seam’s surface. Mix warm water and soap, wet a cloth, and blot gently at stains. Don’t soak the velvet, otherwise, it will destroy the texture. Gently re-texture the velvet using a soft-bristled brush when dry. Brush very softly in the direction of the fibres to revive its silky, plush look. These sofa maintenance tips are handy all year round, whether it is a festival or a regular cleaning ritual.

Deodourise the sofa

Make your sofa smell fresh. Spray baking soda onto the surface, let it sit for 20 minutes, and vacuum it. This will suck up odours and make the fabric smell good. You may also spray an odour-remover fabric spray, particularly on fabric sofas.

Preventive measures to make your sofa last longer

To ensure your sofa lasts for several years, follow these easy steps:

• Use sofa covers for spills, dust, and dirt. They are especially useful for homes with children or pets and make sofa maintenance much easier.
• Fluff and turn the pillows periodically to avoid sagging and ensure long-term equal use.
• Do not place sofas in sunlight. Sunlight is accompanied by UV rays, which weaken the leather and give it a faded appearance.
• Do not eat on the sofa. This prevents crumbs from falling and drinks from spilling. Place food and drinks on the tray to prevent spilling.
• Blot the stains immediately before they dry on the material. It’s going to be easy to remove the stain if it is done right away.

Conclusion

A sofa is an important aspect that most homeowners must take care of. So, cleaning it regularly maintains its appearance and extends its lifespan. Regular maintenance, timely cleaning, and protection from wear and tear are all critical sofa care tips.

If you’re planning to buy a sofa, you can approach us at Royal Furniture UAE. We have a range of sofas, including sofa sets, corner sofas, sofa beds, modular, and two and three-seater sofas to suit your preferences. These sofa cleaning tips will keep it new and fresh with less effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to determine the material of my sofa?

Identifying your sofa’s material involves checking the manufacturer’s tag or manual, often found under the cushions or on the bottom of the sofa. Tags typically feature symbols: W for water-based cleaners, S for solvent-based cleaners, WS for either, and X for vacuum-only.

2. How often should I clean my sofa?

Regular vacuuming should occur weekly to remove surface dust and allergens. For deeper cleaning, such as washing or using cleaning solutions, aim for every 6 to 12 months, depending on the sofa’s use and exposure to dirt and stains.

3. Can I use household items for sofa cleaning?

Yes, items like baking soda and vinegar can be effective for removing odours and light stains. Mix equal parts water and vinegar for a homemade cleaning solution. Always test on a small area first.