How to keep your sofa
clean and looking like new
The perfect sofa can very easily become the heart of your living room, and an essential component in your home’s overall aesthetic. Whether you are indulging in some family time, entertaining guests, or simply taking some time to yourself, your sofa is a key companion in almost every aspect of your home life. Thus, with your sofa holding such a crucial responsibility of bringing character and elegance to your home, it naturally requires an equal level of importance when it comes to sofa maintenance.
Perfecting your sofa care is the key to not only keeping your sofa hygienic but allowing it to continually look pristine and fresh. In this article, you will learn exactly how you can keep your sofa clean and looking like new, in the most practical, efficient ways.
How to keep your sofa clean
One of the most essential things to learn is how to take simple, yet highly effective, measures that will keep your sofa maintenance as simple as possible.
Avoid mess and sunlight
The first step to take when wanting to keep your sofa clean is ensuring the environment is primed to prevent mess in the first place. Firstly, the obvious things would include keeping dirty shoes away from the sofa, as well as using your best judgement when handling food or drinks around it.
Also, another easy yet effective method of sofa care is to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. Heat and light sources, such as the sun/radiators, can rapidly increase the rate at which your sofa fades. Whilst it is a natural process, keeping these sources away from the sofa can greatly increase the length of its youthful look.
Hoover it
The easiest way to give your sofa a simple clean is to hoover it. Vacuuming is the most effective way of clearing dust from your sofa, as well as cleaning any external debris and dirt. If you have an upholstery attachment, this will make vacuuming much easier. Be sure to hoover the surfaces of the sofa, as well as underneath the cushions where any stubborn particles might rest. This simple action can have your sofa looking clean and dust/dirt free 24/7.
Wipe it over
The best way to deal with any grimy spots or light marks is to use a damp microfibre cloth. Simple, firm dabbing with warm water can be a quick way to handle these marks, but it is also recommended that you occasionally use a cleaning solution – fabric-friendly of course – to really cleanse the sofa and keep it in perfect condition. A mixture of water, vinegar, and washing up liquid is a great example. This will also come in handy when dealing with spills or stains that need more focused attention than a simple vacuuming.
Keeping cushions in excellent condition
An important component in sofas is the cushions themselves. If your cushions are not maintained properly, they can severely decrease the aesthetic appeal of your sofa. The best way to do this is to regularly plump your seat cushions, arms, and back cushions after prolonged periods of use. Cushions lose volume over time, but a great way to maintain their comfy, full-looking condition is to firmly plump them from the outside edges. If your sofa cushions contain any fibres or feathers, this ensures they remain evenly distributed and positioned correctly.
Furthermore, you can also regularly rotate your sofa cushions, as prolonged seating might wear down one side, so a rotation will allow even pressure across the fullness of the sofa cushions. Once again, this will create a more even-looking, well-maintained sofa. It is also worth noting that both of these methods can, and should, be applied to any extra cushions or throws that are also on your sofa.
Cleaning different materials
Cleaning is essential for every sofa, yet every sofa requires a different method of cleaning. Therefore, it is important to make sure you are aware of the material of your sofa, and what method of cleaning is preferred. For instance:
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Fabric sofas are able to be cleaned using vacuuming and soft cloths for regular maintenance. Fabric-friendly solutions are great for deeper cleans when necessary.
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Leather sofas, more than any other, need to be kept away from sunlight and heat. In regards to cleaning, these require less constant maintenance, so a simple dry microfiber cloth for dusting can suffice. Leather protection creams are also helpful to apply every few months to help nourish and protect the leather from spills and sun damage.
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Velvet sofas are a very delicate material, and have a ‘piling’ quality to them. This requires maintenance with a soft brush, or special velvet brush, that keeps an antique ‘crushed’ appearance. A good method of brushing is to always brush in the direction of the pile, as this will aid the elegant sheen appearance.
