Your sofa is more than just a piece of furniture – it's where you entertain family and friends, relax while
watching your favourite shows, and spend a significant portion of your time. Over time, everyday use, spills,
and food crumbs can take a toll on its appearance.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for keeping your sofa looking fresh and inviting. Whether it's
leather or fabric, proper care plays a vital role in extending its lifespan.
Below, you'll find everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your sofa
General Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Any Sofa
Talk to your retailer about a Furniture Protection Plan that covers spills, stains and accidental damages.
Most sofas come with a care tag. Look for cleaning codes:
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W – Use water-based cleaners
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S – Use solvent-based cleaners (dry cleaning only)
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WS– Both water- and solvent-based cleaners are safe
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X – Vacuum or brush only (no liquids)
Vacuum Often – Use a soft vacuum brush attachment to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair.
Test Mild cleaning Solutions – Always spot-test any cleaner or mild soap on a hidden area before applying
it to the visible area."
Make Sure to Blot, Do NOT Rub –When (Not if, as we all know it will happen) you spill something, blot it
with a clean cloth instead of rubbing. This helps prevent pushing stains deeper into the fabric or leather.
How to Clean a Leather Sofa
Dust and Vacuum
It's always best to use a microfiber cloth to dust your sofa. Then, vacuum it with a soft brush attachment to
remove dirt from crevices, under, and behind the cushions.
Do NOT use harsh cleaners like bleach or fabric cleaners as these can damage the leather.
Stains and Spills
- Ink and grease stains: It's always best to consult with a professional upholstery cleaner before attempting
to clean them yourself
Tip: Best to keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying out.
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa
Vacuum VERY Thoroughly
Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, crumbs and pet hair.
Spot Clean Stains and Spills
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For water-based stains (juice, coffee, soda), mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water.
Blot with a clean cloth.
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For oil-based stains (grease, makeup) contact a professional upholstery cleaner.
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For tough stains, you can try mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Blot the area with a clean
cloth
and then allow it to air dry. However, it's always best to consult with a professional upholstery cleaner
first.
- Always check sofa labels before cleaning!
How to Keep Your Sofa Looking Fresh for the Long-Run
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Choose pet and kid friendly fabrics - Live Smart fabrics are a great choice
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Rotate cushions every month - Fluff and flip all cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear.
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Avoid placing in direct sunlight - This will prevent fading of the fabric or leather.
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Deal with the spills immediately - The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.
- Vacuum regularly
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Schedule a Cleaning with a professional - schedule a professional cleaning every 12-18 months.
A properly maintained sofa can last for years and stay inviting! With these ongoing cleaning tips, you can keep
both leather and fabric sofas looking fresh and not tired and overused.
Contact us for professional cleaning recommendations or visit our showroom for expert advice and high-quality,
durable fabric and leather options