How to keep your sofa looking new
With the average sofa lasting between 7 and 15 years, there’s every chance that your living room’s seating arrangement has experienced a lot during its time in your home!
Whatever style, shape, construction and material you have opted for, one thing’s for sure – your sofa won’t last forever. From general wear and tear to absorbing stains, spills, dirt and debris, these much-loved pieces will start to lose their shine (and their springiness) very quickly if they’re not properly maintained.
That said, it’s not always practical or affordable to replace your sofas and chairs on a regular basis. So, here’s our quick step by step guide to refreshing, repairing and maintaining your sofa to keep it looking new for longer. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean your sofa properly, you’ll find everything you need to know below.
- Take a good look at your sofa
And we mean a REALLY good look!
Pick out stains, track down worn-out parts of the fabric, and check for sagged cushions, misshapen upholstery, and any rips and tears that could be affecting the sofa’s look and feel. Once you’ve got a good idea of what needs to be done, you can work out how to best care for your seating.
- Gather up your supplies
Much of the time, you’ll already have these items to hand. But it’s worth making a note of the tools you’ll need to keep handy if you want to look after your sofa on an ongoing basis (and carry out unexpected repairs as soon as you spot any damage).
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- A specialist upholstery cleaner or mild soap solution
- Microfibre cloths
- An upholstery brush
- Stain remover (make sure this is suitable for use with your sofa’s fabric – always test the formula in an inconspicuous place first)
- A fabric shaver (for removing pilling)
- A needle and thread or fabric glue (for small repairs)
- New foam or batting for cushions (if needed)
- A fabric protector spray
- Deep clean your sofa
Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface, cushions, and crevices. Pay special attention to seams and under cushions, as these are the places that often get neglected during daily maintenance.
Identify stains and use a stain remover that’s appropriate for your sofa's fabric. Apply the stain remover to a microfiber cloth, not directly to the fabric, and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing the solution into the fabric, which can damage it.
Depending on your sofa’s fabric, you can either use a shop-bought upholstery cleaner or a homemade solution of warm water and mild soap. Dampen a cloth with the cleaner and gently scrub the fabric in a circular motion. For tougher stains, use an upholstery brush. After cleaning, blot with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture and speed up the drying process.
After it’s been cleaned, allow the sofa to air dry completely. If possible, move the cushions to a well-ventilated area. Avoid using the sofa until it is fully dry, otherwise you run the risk of creating mildew.
- Refresh your sofa cushions
Over time, sofa cushions can lose their shape; the filling will become flat and they will lose their comfiness. Get your cushions back to their best by vigorously fluffing them to redistribute the filling. If they’re still not bouncy enough, remove the cushion covers (if possible) and add new foam inserts or batting to restore their shape and firmness.
If the cushion covers are worn or torn, you can repair them with a needle and thread or fabric glue. If they are beyond saving, consider replacing them with new covers or using a slipcover for a quick refresh.
- Repair damage
Usually, you can fix minor tears and frays with a needle and thread or fabric glue. Carefully stitch or glue the affected area to keep your work discreet. For fabric that has developed pilling (those little fuzz balls), use a fabric shaver to gently remove them – this will leave the upholstery looking smoother and newer.
- Polish or refinish your sofa’s wood and metal parts
If your sofa has exposed wood or metal elements, such as legs or armrests, these will likely need some attention, too.
Use furniture polish or a mixture of olive oil and vinegar to clean and shine wooden parts. For scratches, use a wood touch-up pen or apply a small amount of wood filler before polishing.
Clean any metal elements on your sofa with a damp cloth and use metal polish to remove lingering tarnish and restore shine.
- Apply fabric protector
Once the sofa is clean, fresh and fully repaired, apply a fabric protector spray to help prevent future stains and wear. Always follow the instructions on the product for best results!
- Consider slipcovers or reupholstery
If your sofa’s fabric is too worn or outdated, consider investing in a slipcover for an instant refresh. Slipcovers come in various colours and materials, allowing you to completely change the look of your sofa at a very low cost.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, reupholstering the sofa can give it something of a facelift and extend its life for many years.
- Rearrange and accessorise
Once your sofa has been cleaned and revitalised, why not rearrange your living space to breathe fresh life into your interior and highlight the "new" sofa? Add finishing touches like throw pillows, blankets, and other accessories to enhance the overall aesthetic and comfort of your sofa, without breaking the bank.
- Establish a proper care plan
To give your sofa the longest possible lifecycle, you’ll need to look after it regularly. Vacuum it weekly, wipe away spills immediately, and fluff the cushions as soon as they start to look a little lacklustre. You could also consider rotating cushions to ensure even wear.
There you have it – how to clean your sofa and maintain it for as long as you can. For more information and advice on sofa aftercare, please contact Roseland Furniture.
If, despite your best efforts, you’re convinced it’s time to buy something different, check out our guide to choosing a new sofa.
