A Complete Guide to Caring for Your Sofa

A sofa is one of the hardest-working pieces of furniture in your home. From lazy Sunday mornings to movie nights, afternoon naps and everything in between, it gets plenty of use – so it’s worth spending a little time keeping it looking its best.

In this blog, we’re sharing our tips for maintaining and cleaning your sofa, as well as some simple ways to help prevent damage in the first place. General wear and tear may be unavoidable, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your sofa in tip-top shape for longer.

At a glance:

• Protect your sofa from sunlight, heat and pets.
• Vacuum regularly and treat spills quickly.
• Plump and rotate cushions to reduce wear.
• Follow care instructions when cleaning upholstery.
• Lift, don’t drag, when moving your sofa.

How to prevent damage to your sofa

1. Avoid direct sunlight

As lovely as a sunny spot can be, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause upholstery to fade and may weaken the fibres over time. 

Where possible, position your sofa away from direct sunlight, or use blinds or curtains to limit how much reaches the fabric.

2. Keep it away from heat

Try not to position your sofa too close to radiators, heaters or fires, as excessive heat can cause upholstery to fade over time. Heat from mugs, laptops and hot water bottles can also damage your sofa’s fabric, so always use trays and side tables where possible.

3. Make sure it’s level

Check that your sofa is level and isn’t rocking. An uneven sofa can put unnecessary pressure on the frame and could potentially lead to structural damage over time.

4. Lift, don’t drag

Moving furniture around? If possible, always lift your sofa rather than dragging it across the floor. Not only can dragging put unnecessary strain on the frame, but it can also damage your floors. 

Expert tip: Don’t forget to add felt pads to the feet for extra protection!

5. Be mindful of paws and claws

As much as we love our four-legged friends, muddy paws and claws can be a nightmare for your sofa. If your pet has already claimed their favourite spot, use large, washable throws to help protect the fabric.

6. Be careful with products that contain chemicals

Everyday products such as lotions and hairspray can contain chemicals that may mark or discolour your sofa. Apply them away from your upholstery – you’ll thank yourself later!

7. Watch out for snagging

Be mindful of sharp objects such as keys, belt buckles and studs on clothing, which can easily catch on fabric and cause snagging.

8. Be gentle with the footrest

If you have a recliner sofa, try to avoid pressing down on the footrest with your shoes. It’s normal for recliners to squeak a little during use, but applying too much unnecessary pressure could damage the mechanism.

How to keep your sofa cushions looking plump

Did you know that sofa cushions naturally soften and can lose up to 25% of their initial volume within the first six months?

To keep them looking their best over time, a quick plump, shake and reshuffle each day can help maintain their shape.

If possible, you should also rotate your seat and back cushions weekly. This helps distribute wear and tear more evenly, particularly if you tend to have a favourite seat.

How to clean your sofa

1. Vacuum regularly

Dust, crumbs, pet hair and everyday dirt can build up quickly, so vacuuming once a week is an easy way to keep your sofa fresh. 

Use a gentle setting without a brush attachment, and don’t forget to clean between the seats, along the arms and underneath removable cushions.

2. Deal with spillages right away

Spills are unavoidable, especially with kids, but the best thing you can do is deal with them as soon as possible. Gently tip away any excess liquid, blot with a cloth and lightly sponge the area with water. Avoid chemical cleaners unless you’re following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Don’t over-wet the area, as the fabric may shrink, and remember to treat the entire panel to help avoid water marks. 

Never rub or scrub, as this can spread stains and damage fibres, and always work in the direction of the pile.

3. Get fixed covers cleaned professionally

If your sofa has a fixed cover, try to get it professionally cleaned while still on the frame every 12 to 18 months. If you have matching chairs or pouffes, get these cleaned at the same time to help maintain a consistent appearance.

4. Wash removable covers with cold water

If your sofa covers are removable, always check the care label for the recommended cleaning method. If they’re machine washable, select a cold water setting and a delicate cycle so the fabric doesn’t shrink. 

Steer clear of tumble drying too – lay the covers flat to air dry instead.

5. Use soapy water on leather

Use a damp soapy cloth (ideally natural and fragrance-free soap) to remove marks from leather sofas then dry immediately with a separate cloth. For deeper stains that have already penetrated the leather, try a specialised leather cleaner.

With a bit of TLC and a few simple habits, your sofa can continue to look its best for many years to come – which is good news for the planet AND your bank balance!

Is your old sofa past the point of no return? It might be time for a new one! Check out our range of sofas, or why not update your current one with some new cushions and throws? 

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