The sofa is the heart of family gatherings, making it prone to wear and tear. While the average sofa lasts 5-10 years, proper care can significantly extend its lifespan. Here is how to maintain your sofa at home with 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗘's essential tips!
Protect fabrics from fading
Direct sunlight and heat can fade sofa fabrics over time. Leather sofas, when exposed to sunlight, may dry out, crack, or discolor. Place your sofa away from windows or use curtains to shield it from sunlight.
Protect sofa fabric from fading at home
Keep The Cushions Always Inflated
Removable sofa cushions tend to lose their shape over time. Without proper care, they can become flat and lose their form. To prevent this:
- Remove the cushions, gently pat the edges, and drop them onto the floor to allow air to fill the cushion.
- Rotate and switch the positions of the cushions regularly to ensure even firmness, as frequent use of one spot can cause uneven wear.
Keep the sofa cushions always inflated and in shape
Regularly vacuum the sofa at home
Vacuuming your sofa at least twice a week is an effective way to maintain its freshness and cleanliness. Use a soft brush or specialized cleaning tools to remove dust, crumbs, and hair from the surface and crevices. Avoid harsh scrubbing tools, as they can scratch or fray the fabric. Regular maintenance helps extend your sofa's lifespan and keeps it looking as good as new.
Vacuum your home regularly
Wash the upholstery properly
Before washing your sofa, it is important to understand the laundry symbols to avoid damaging the fabric. Common symbols include:
- W: Can be cleaned with water.
- S: Requires dry cleaning with a solvent.
- SW: Suitable for both water and solvent cleaning.
- X: Professional cleaning only; vacuuming and brushing are recommended.
By knowing these symbols, you can make sure you're cleaning your sofa the right way, without causing any harm to the fabric.
Wash the sofa upholstery properly through laundry symbols
Clean stains immediately
Spills happen, but the key is to act quickly. When food or drinks spill on your sofa, grab a dry towel to blot the area right away. After that, use a fabric softener or appropriate cleaning solution according to the sofa's laundry symbol. Remember to blot gently, not rub, as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
For leather sofas, you can use a special cleaning soap, while for velvet sofas, it's best to wipe the stain in the direction of the fabric fibers. Once the stain is dry, brush it gently in the opposite direction, then smooth it out by brushing in the same direction. This will help keep the fabric looking neat and clean.
Clean stains on leather sofa at home immediately
For ink stains, in addition, gently wipe the area with alcohol and then rinse with water or let it dry. Alcohol can effectively break down ink stains without harming the fabric, making it easier to clean.
For grease stains, finally, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda and cornstarch directly onto the stain. These ingredients will absorb the excess grease. After 15-20 minutes, vacuum the area to remove the dirt. Then, use a detergent that matches the sofa's care instructions to finish cleaning.
Pet stains can be the trickiest to handle. First, blot the wet area with a dry towel. Next, use an enzyme-based cleaner to break down organic matter and eliminate odors. It’s important to carefully follow these steps to avoid damaging the surface of the sofa.
Use a dry cloth or detergent to clean sofa upholstery at home
Protect from pet scratches
If you have pets, it’s essential to choose "pet-friendly" sofa covers and fabrics that are more resistant to fur and scratches. Additionally, remember to brush your pets regularly and trim their nails to reduce the risk of damage.
By opting for pet-friendly fabrics and maintaining your pets' grooming habits, you'll not only protect your sofa but also keep it looking fresh for longer.
