Interior Design
How to Upkeep Upholstered Furniture to Look Good and Last Longer
Proper care and cleaning will extend the life and beauty of your pieces
When you purchase an upholstered sofa or chair, you want it to last and look good as long as possible. Unfortunately, everyday use, not to mention having young kids or pets at home, can take a toll on any upholstered piece. But do you know what’s good about maintaining upholstered furniture? It is easy to do, and it doesn’t require much time once you get into the habit of regular cleaning.
To make sure your favourite sofa or chair remains clean and great looking year after year, this is what you need to do.
To make sure your favourite sofa or chair remains clean and great looking year after year, this is what you need to do.
2. Check the care tag
Upholstered furniture usually come with a care tag, which tells you the safest cleaning method for the fabric. Here is a simple guide to the four standard codes that you can find on a care tag:
W – The upholstery can be cleaned with water (and a water-based cleaner).
S – The fabric requires mild, pure, water-free dry cleaning solvents.
S/W – You can either use a water-based cleaner or have it dry-cleaned, depending on the type of stain.
X – The upholstery cannot be cleaned with water or dry solvents. It can only be vacuumed or lightly brushed.
Always test your cleaning method first on an inconspicuous spot.
Upholstered furniture usually come with a care tag, which tells you the safest cleaning method for the fabric. Here is a simple guide to the four standard codes that you can find on a care tag:
W – The upholstery can be cleaned with water (and a water-based cleaner).
S – The fabric requires mild, pure, water-free dry cleaning solvents.
S/W – You can either use a water-based cleaner or have it dry-cleaned, depending on the type of stain.
X – The upholstery cannot be cleaned with water or dry solvents. It can only be vacuumed or lightly brushed.
Always test your cleaning method first on an inconspicuous spot.
3. Tackle spills immediately
Spills are inevitable; the important thing is to clean them up as soon as they happen. Gently blot any spills – don’t rub or scrub – as quickly as possible with a clean white towel or paper towel. This will prevent the stain from setting into the fabric.
If you have the option, have your upholstered piece treated with additional fabric protector. But remember, while it may provide some level of protection, nothing beats prompt cleaning of spills and stains.
Spills are inevitable; the important thing is to clean them up as soon as they happen. Gently blot any spills – don’t rub or scrub – as quickly as possible with a clean white towel or paper towel. This will prevent the stain from setting into the fabric.
If you have the option, have your upholstered piece treated with additional fabric protector. But remember, while it may provide some level of protection, nothing beats prompt cleaning of spills and stains.
4. Pay special care to leather
High-quality leather furniture is quite an investment. It looks and feels expensive, and requires the right kind of care to prolong its life.
Blot up spills immediately to avoid discolouration. Use cleaners and polishes that are specifically for leather upholstery so as not to strip off the natural oils. Apply leather conditioner occasionally and sparingly to restore moisture and bring out the shine.
More in-depth leather cleaning tips
High-quality leather furniture is quite an investment. It looks and feels expensive, and requires the right kind of care to prolong its life.
Blot up spills immediately to avoid discolouration. Use cleaners and polishes that are specifically for leather upholstery so as not to strip off the natural oils. Apply leather conditioner occasionally and sparingly to restore moisture and bring out the shine.
More in-depth leather cleaning tips
5. Keep away from direct sunlight
Too much sun can damage your upholstery, whether fabric or leather, causing colours to fade or even the fabric to 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.
Close the curtains or blinds when going out. You can also install sun-filtering window coverings, such as sheer drapes, for rooms that you prefer to be kept with daylight.
Read more sun-smart tips for soft furnishings
Too much sun can damage your upholstery, whether fabric or leather, causing colours to fade or even the fabric to 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.
Close the curtains or blinds when going out. You can also install sun-filtering window coverings, such as sheer drapes, for rooms that you prefer to be kept with daylight.
Read more sun-smart tips for soft furnishings
6. Rotate seat cushions
Turn over loose cushions of sofas or chairs periodically to evenly distribute wear. This will also prevent cushions from developing indentations.
Some seats are used more than others. In a three-seater sofa, for example, the centre cushion typically gets the least wear. Changing cushions around, whenever possible, aside from flipping them over will ensure even usage. Fluffing them after cleaning also helps keep them in shape.
Turn over loose cushions of sofas or chairs periodically to evenly distribute wear. This will also prevent cushions from developing indentations.
Some seats are used more than others. In a three-seater sofa, for example, the centre cushion typically gets the least wear. Changing cushions around, whenever possible, aside from flipping them over will ensure even usage. Fluffing them after cleaning also helps keep them in shape.
7. Remove odours
Upholstered furniture can easily absorb odours and develop a funky smell over time. This is especially true if you have pets at home. When this happens, sprinkle baking soda all over the furniture and allow it to sit overnight before vacuuming in the morning. This will freshen up the fabric.
The impact pets have on our homes
Upholstered furniture can easily absorb odours and develop a funky smell over time. This is especially true if you have pets at home. When this happens, sprinkle baking soda all over the furniture and allow it to sit overnight before vacuuming in the morning. This will freshen up the fabric.
The impact pets have on our homes
8. Call in a professional
Have your upholstered furniture deep-cleaned every year or two, depending on how much your piece needs it. Leave stubborn and heavy stains, as well as fabric scratches to the experts. Don’t wait for it to get visibly dirty before calling in your trusted cleaner. The dirtier a sofa or chair becomes, the harder it is to restore to its original glory.
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Share your tried-and-tested cleaning tips for upholstered furniture in the Comments below.
Have your upholstered furniture deep-cleaned every year or two, depending on how much your piece needs it. Leave stubborn and heavy stains, as well as fabric scratches to the experts. Don’t wait for it to get visibly dirty before calling in your trusted cleaner. The dirtier a sofa or chair becomes, the harder it is to restore to its original glory.
TELL US
Share your tried-and-tested cleaning tips for upholstered furniture in the Comments below.
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Weekly vacuuming is the best way to clean and maintain your upholstered furniture. It helps prevent dust, dirt and stains from embedding into the fibres.
Before vacuuming, always check first for loose buttons and threads; clip threads and tighten buttons before proceeding. Use the soft brush attachment to whisk dirt away and prevent the fabric from snagging. Don’t forget to clean corners and tight spots using a crevice tool.