The best thing about maintaining upholstered furniture? It is easy to do it, and it does not take much time. The result? You get to have a great looking sofa year after year. Follow our series of two about fabric protection tips. Read the first article here.
Vacuum
Vacuum your upholstered furniture weekly for general cleaning and to remove surface soil. This also prevents dirt from becoming embedded into the fibres.
You can also use a brush to gently whisk the dirt away. Make sure to always use a soft bristled brush so that you don’t snag the fabric.
Spot Clean
While regular care does a lot for your upholstered furniture’s maintenance, accidents will happen. Blot any spills immediately with a clean folded towel: never rub, but blot gently. Sometimes this is enough to get rid of the stain completely, especially if the fabric has been pre-treated with a fabric protector.
Always test in an inconspicuous area before you use any product for spot cleaning, and check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if you need a water based or solvent based cleaner. It is best to use a mild cleaning product. Apply with a soft brush in a circular motion to work into the fibres, then vacuum when dry.
Avoid Sunlight and Pollutants
Too much sun can damage your upholstery fabric, causing it to fade and even fray.
Try to position it so that it doesn’t sit in the sun for extended periods of time. This is especially true for silks or other delicate fabrics.
Airborne pollutants such as fumes from cooking or smoke can also harm your fabric. It isn’t always easy to avoid that from happening, however, proper ventilation can help. It can also help with odour control, as upholstered furniture can easily absorb odours.
Call a Professional
It is best to have a professional clean your upholstered furniture every couple of years or so. Experts recommend having this done on a regular basis and not wait for it to get visibly dirty. The dirtier a sofa or chair becomes, the harder it is to restore to its original glory.
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