It always seems to happen in slow motion: that glass of red wine toppling over, those sneaky sauce-covered little fingers smearing the cushions. Your once pristine sofa starts looking like it’s been through a rainy day at daycare.
Not all sofa messes are a crisis. Sometimes they're just the result of a hectic month where cleaning your fabric couch wasn't a top priority. We've all been there. Whether you're seeking advice on regular upkeep or need tips for spot cleaning after a certain toddler mistook the sofa for their personal napkin, our in-house experts got your back with some helpful advice on maintaining and cleaning your fabric furniture.
General Tips
- Read the Label: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
- Call for Help: If you're unsure about cleaning methods, give us a call at Cintesi for advice.
Prevention/Protection
- Scotch Guard: Protect new fabric with Scotch Guard Fabric Water Shield to repel water-based spills. You can find instructions and more information here.
- Regular Maintenance: Vacuum crevices using a fabric attachment or soft brush head to remove crumbs and dust. Flip, rotate, and fluff removable cushions regularly.
- Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade and discolour fabric over time. Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight or use throw blankets to cover exposed areas.
Cleaning spills and stains
- Immediate Action: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb liquid spills. Avoid rubbing, which can push the stain deeper.
- Blotting: Leave the cloth on the spot to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Damp Cloth: Use a clean, soft damp cloth or sponge with a mixture of dishwashing liquid or white vinegar diluted in a lot of water to gently blot the stain. Avoid saturating the fabric.
- Air Dry: Once clean, let the fabric air dry completely.
Deep Cleaning
For tougher stains or deep cleaning:
- Steam Cleaning: Use a steam cleaner designed for upholstery. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test on a small area first.
- Professional Cleaning: Consider professional cleaning services for a thorough clean without risking damage to your furniture.
Additional Tips
- Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda on your fabric furniture, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up to remove odours.
- Spot Test: Always perform a spot test on a hidden area before using any new cleaning product.
The best moments in life come with a little mess. In a perfect world, our kids and pets would be spotless angels, wine would never spill, and no French fry would ever escape into the crevices of your stylish living room furniture. Sure, it would be clean, but it would also miss the fun and spontaneity that a bit of mess brings. Now that you know how to clean your fabric furniture, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy those moments to the fullest.
