IDEAS & ADVICE

The sofa care guide

Nothing complements your home more than a brand-new sofa. But as the years go by, how do you keep it looking and feeling new?

Caring for your sofa is simple when you know the right steps to take. Our handy guide will teach you how to maintain your sofa, from regular cleaning steps to treating spills and stains.

How to care for your sofa

Protect your sofa from fading:

We wouldn’t recommend exposing upholstery to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this may result in the fabric fading. To protect your upholstery, draw your curtains or blinds (particularly during sunny days) and consider moving your sofa further away from the window.

Keep your cushions looking fresh:

Try to get into the habit of turning your cushions regularly and switch their position a few times a week. Doing so will reduce soiling and promote even wear. Your back and seat sofa cushions should also be given the special treatment! Plump these cushions daily to keep them looking fresh and new.

Treat spills immediately:

Spills and stains can easily turn into a disaster if they’re left for too long, so make sure you clean them as soon as an accident happens. Whether your sofa is leather, fabric or velvet, blotting (as opposed to rubbing) with a damp cloth works best.

Vacuum regularly:

Accumulated dirt will accelerate wear and tear, so sofa cleaning should be an essential part of your cleaning regime – and this includes vacuuming! Hoover your upholstery at least once a week on a low setting, then remove any dust by brushing your sofa down with a soft brush.

Sofa care depending on the material

How to care for your fabric sofa:

If you’re wondering how to clean a fabric sofa, we’re here to offer you some tips! Regular vacuuming is a big part of fabric sofa care, as it helps to eliminate dust and dirt and prevent allergic reactions. Meanwhile, if you’re attempting to treat a spill or stain, try using an absorbant cloth to blot up the mess. It’s tempting to rub the stain, but this may end up pushing it deeper into the fabric. If the stain is semi-solid, gently use a knife to lift it away from the fabric.

You can clean fabric sofa covers using the steps above, or simply put the whole thing in the washing machine. Be sure to use a cool, delicate cycle setting with a dye-free detergent.

How to care for your leather sofa:

Leather sofa care is fairly similar to fabric sofa care. Make sure you’re vacuuming your sofa on at least a twice-weekly basis and treating any stains as soon as they happen. A blotting technique is best for stains and spills, however if the stain doesn’t come out, you can use a soap solution to try and remove it.

If you’re looking for ways to bring your leather sofa back to life, try a leather cream cleaner. These also can offer more protection against staining or scratching.

How to care for your velvet sofa:

With velvet upholstery, we advise that you spot clean to remove any stains, wiping in the direction of the pile (so that the pile lays down). When the fabric is dry, brush gently, first against, and then with the pile.

Dressing up your sofa

Dressing up your sofa using throws and cushions is a big part of sofa care. Some people like to give their sofa a seasonal refresh, or you may just want to update your sofa as and when you please. Here are some ways you can inject a bit of life into your living room.

Cushions:

Cushions come in all different shapes, sizes, materials and colours, so they’re perfect for adding that personal touch. For a touch of opulence, luxury scatter cushions are a great option, while shaped cushions can add some fun and quirkiness. Opt for fun patterned cushions to showcase your personality, or keep things plain if you’re more of a neutral décor fan.

Throws:

Not only can throws rework the whole appearance of your living room, but they’ll also keep your sofa safe and protected from any spills. For a cosy vibe, opt for soft and fluffy, or choose an airy thin-knit in light colours during the warmer months.

Thinking about buying a new sofa? Take a look at our complete collection of sofas, including velvet sofas and leather sofas to suit every kind of home. For more design inspiration, head over to our blog.