Did you know the average sofa doesn’t last long – just 8 years? Maybe it’s too little for such a big piece of furniture, which sometimes is also a very expensive investment. The article also stated that the usual sofa hosts thousands of hugs, cuddles, naps, arguments, jumping, and food and drink spills during its lifetime.
Specialists recommend that we should take better care of our sofas if we want to enjoy them longer and keep their good look. It is important to be aware of ways to keep your sofa in great condition. Hiring a company for London flat cleaning can be of great assistance, but there are also ways to do the job yourself. Here is an overview of how to clean and maintain your sofa yourself.
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Before Starting
Usually, every manufacturer puts cleaning instructions on the label of the furniture. So before you begin following any tips, read these instructions and complete them. If there is no label on your sofa or it has faded with time, you can ask for more information at a furniture store or contact the manufacturer directly. For anyone wondering, there are various codes that provide information about cleaning certain materials. Below you’ll find an explanation of what the most common codes mean:
W — Cleaning this material with water is quite alright.
S — Water should be avoided when it comes to cleaning this material; use a solvent-based cleaner instead.
WS — It is permissible to clean this material either with water or a solvent-based cleaner.
X — Only vacuum this material. Do not use water or solvent-based cleaners.
Sofas with Fitted Covers
Maintaining a clean sofa of such type can be quite challenging as it is impossible just to remove the covers and run them through a washing machine. You will have to find alternative ways of cleaning it. Some sofas can be cleaned with minimal effort. Others may require a professional intervention.
If your sofa can withstand water, then you can clean it with a solution of warm water and neutral liquid soap. To ensure that this mixture won’t damage the upholstery, first, rub it into a small hidden area (preferably on the back of the sofa) and see if something happens. As soon as you finish cleaning a section, move on to the next and make sure to wipe it down with a dry cloth quickly. Doing so will ensure that all surfaces remain free of moisture.
Sofas with Loose Covers
Fortunate is the individual who owns a couch, as taking care of it is pretty simple – just take off the covers and follow the directions outlined on their tags. Cleaning them should be no challenge whatsoever. For some, a regular cleaning in the washing machine might be enough. For others, you might need to find a dry cleaning company.
When cleaning your sofa covers, be sure not to let them dry out fully. Otherwise, the material might shrink and make them a poor fit for the furniture. Therefore, when the covers are slightly wet, put them on the sofa, so they can take the shape of the couch.
Leather Sofas
Leather sofas can last longer than the already mentioned types of sofas. In order to achieve this, you should take special care of yours and maintain it regularly. Leather furniture will last much longer when it’s kept clean, so it’s important to know how to do that properly. A dry and clean white cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush is ideal for this task, as this won’t damage either leather surfaces or stitching. Spills should be attended to swiftly – using a paper towel – as otherwise, leather can quickly absorb any substance, which can become increasingly hard to remove.
How to clean a fabric sofa naturally
Do you have a fabric sofa that needs some cleaning? No need to worry. There’s no reason to use caustic compounds in order to get that clean. Instead, you can use natural ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and washing-up liquid to get your sofa looking and smelling great again. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean a fabric sofa naturally, from using baking soda to removing smells to letting it dry. With these tips, you’ll have your couch looking and smelling like new in no time!
Baking Soda – the versatile cleaner
Clean fabric sofas can be achieved without harsh, toxic chemicals by using the humble yet powerful ingredient of a box of inexpensive and non-toxic Baking Soda. To start off, it is best to vacuum the couch to remove any debris and then mix equal parts washing-up liquid and warm water with two tablespoons of Baking Soda. With a microfiber or kitchen cloth, gently scrub the sofa with this solution. Furthermore, combining Baking Soda with white vinegar will create a paste that can help deodorise the furniture’s surface. After applying it, let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it off. Finally, consider disinfecting the material even more by using wipes or sprays that are specifically designed to do so.
Let it dry
After cleaning a fabric sofa, it’s crucial to let it dry completely before use. You can speed up drying by opening windows and using fans or moving the couch outside. Avoid constantly using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to prevent mould growth, and sprinkle baking soda to absorb any remaining moisture. Wait for the sofa to dry completely before sitting on it, or use a cool blow dryer to speed up the process. By following these drying tips, your sofa will last longer and smell better.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, there are numerous tactics for tidying up a range of sofas. Sofas with fitted covers can be quickly and easily cleaned by taking the covers off and washing them. Alternatively, loose covers on sofas can be laundered either manually or put into the washing machine. Leather sofas require special attention, which includes using an appropriate cleaner and protective product. Moreover, baking soda is a natural resource that works proficiently to spot clean fabric couches while also getting rid of bad odours. Finally, no matter what kind of sofa it is, regular maintenance will keep it useful for longer as well as help maintain its pristine appearance.