The average family in the UK changes their sofa every 3 years. The reason behind it – a wornout look and lost comfort. As professional cleaners, we can tell you there are ways to extend the life of your upholstered furniture. Here are some great secrets to help you maintain the look and feel of your sofa we thought you should know about.
The More the Cushions, The Better
Don’t shy away from buying cushions and spreading them through the length of your sofa. There are good quality ones you can get from a variety of high street shops and even supermarkets that don’t cost a fortune. They make your sitting space an instant boost of that cosy feeling and could be a fantastic back support during a movie night or when you lounge to read a book. Furthermore, the more cushions you have covering areas of the sofa, the lower the chances to get dirt on the upholstery fabric. Cushion covers are removable and most of them can be washed at home. Easy maintenance, smart protection and a homely feeling!
Professional Cleaning Every 6 Months
Sofas and armchairs need regular professional cleaning, just like carpets do. By regular, we mean, at least twice a year. From a health point of view, that’s great for the entire family – ultimate elimination of allergens, mould and dust particles. From an aesthetic point of view, it really helps keep the colour of the fabric vibrant for longer. In some cases, it is able to restore the softness of the fibres for a better feel while sitting on the furniture.
Sealing the Fabric
Did you know that you can have a protective treatment for your sofa? It is more frequently used on carpets, but it works perfectly well on upholstery pieces too. The process involves the application of a special solution after professional cleaning that acts like a sealant and makes the fibres resistant to common stains. That’s how you keep your sofa looking and feeling fresh for longer than you would have hoped for.
Use Sofa Covers In High-Risk Situations
Removable sofa covers are a must-have in almost any household. If you have young children or host house parties often, invest in one or a couple of those pieces. Put them on the sofa before big holidays like Christmas, Easter, birthday parties and other large family celebrations. This way you minimise the chance of food, dirt or wine staining your precious home furnishings.
Do Not Spot Clean
Contrary to what most people believe, spot cleaning can cause bigger damage than leaving the stain on the fabric until you get professionals to clean it. The reason for this is because many commonly sold carpet and fabric cleaners contain bleaching agents. They will remove the stain but also part of the pigment in the fibres and this will leave your sofa with a lighter spot on the treated area than the rest of the fabric.
If you spill a drink or greasy food, however, blot with a clean cotton cloth. Sprinkle some salt on the grease and book a professional cleaning service as soon as possible.