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Fabric Sofa Maintenance & Care

By June 3, 2015March 29th, 2023No Comments

Finley-3-seater

Fabric Sofas have the advantage of having a variety of colours and textures to choose from, but it is a little harder to keep clean than a leather sofa. Fabric upholstery needs to be cleaned on a weekly basis to avoid a build-up of dust particles which can dull the colour of the fabric.

Caring for my fabric sofa

As with leather sofas, dust particles can build up on fabric ones. Over time if the fabric is not maintained, it may appear worn due to the accumulation of dust. Vacuuming the suite weekly prevents the material from being worn down by dust and also prevents dulling of the fabric.  If the cushions are filled with feathers, use a brush to dust off dust particles as a vacuum may pull feathers from them.

It is important to plump the cushions at the end of every day to maintain their shape. Pay particular attention to feather and down or fibre cushions, as this will extend the life and avoid any permanent grooves being imprinted on the sofa. If possible, reverse and swop around the back and seat cushions on a regular base. This will allow even wear on all parts, so your favourite spot doesn’t appear more worn than other parts of the suite. It will also ensure you get maximum use out of both sides of the cushions.

Where possible, try to keep pets off your fabric sofas and reclining chairs. Also, be careful with any sharp objects as they can snag on the fabric e.g belt buckles etc. If something does catch in the fabric, never pull the thread, just cut off the excess.

Arm caps are a good investment for the longevity of your sofas and couches. The arms of the sofa are the area most likely to show soiling or wearing down, therefore lined arm caps that can be removed to wash are a great idea to maintain the look of your sofa.

Wooden or chrome feet don’t require much maintenance and only need to be occasionally wiped down with a damp cloth. Try to avoid polishes or sprays as they might damage the adjoining fabric.

Spillages

Always follow the instructions given with your fabric sofas as different fabrics must avoid certain cleaning products. Take note also of the care label instructions before machine or dry cleaning cushion covers. Always wash all parts of the sofas as colour changes may occur to the washed covers over time.

A textile cleaning and protection kit is handy for use in spillage emergencies. It is always best to act as quick as possible on spillages to avoid it seeping deep into the fabric and staining it. Always blot the spillage with a damp cloth instead of rubbing at it, as that will spread it over the surface of the fabric.

It is best not to use soap or chemical cleaners as they may cause a change in the colour of the fabric. If blotting water doesn’t work, always test the soap on a small inconspicuous area of the sofa before using it on the visible stained area.

If all else fails, call a professional cleaning company.