A piece of furniture where exciting conversations are begun or “Friends” reruns are passionately watched – the sofa is one piece of furniture that can certainly never be taken for granted! And saying goodbye to food stains, pet fur, or even coke spills with quick ease, especially when guests come over is the dream of many a homeowner. So, read ahead as we make sofa cleaning at home super easy for you with a few simple tips, which will leave your couch sparkling fresh at all times!
Always Protect your Sofa with a Slipcover
Slipcovers protect your delicate sofa upholstery from stains and spills. Ensure to opt for slipcovers made from washable fabrics, which can be easily removed and washed well during routine cleaning. As an extra precaution – you can even purchase matching arm covers that will prevent the sofa arms from perspiration stains too.
P.S. It’s advisable to not keep your sofa too close to the window, as the colours of the slipcover and upholstery may fade eventually due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Fluff the Cushions and Seats Regularly
Have you ever wondered why one often plumps and fluffs the cushions, especially when visitors are expected at home? This is because such an action ensures that the filling inside the sofa does not get accumulated in one place. In this way, the sofa seats and cushions tend to stay in shape for a long time, giving a cosy feel and look to the couch.
So, make “fluffing†a daily habit and you’ll always have a soft, cushiony sofa waiting for you at home! Moreover, you must also avoid sitting upon the sofa armrests, as they may become flat too soon.
Run the Vacuum Cleaner Once a Week
A good vacuum session once a week, is what will remove all the dirt settled on the couch. Ensure that you use the required upholstery attachments of the vacuum for cleaning the sofa base as well as the seats. Such routine cleaning not only ensures that your sofa looks spic and span all the time, but also maintains the natural brightness of the sofa colour.
For a magic touch, you can even sprinkle baking soda on the sofa. Leave it for a couple of hours, and then get to the vacuuming process. This entire process is quite effective in killing bacteria, loosening stains, and removing odours from the sofa!
Be in the Habit of Quickly Removing Stains
When it comes to stains and accidental spills on the sofa, it’s always better to deal with them immediately rather than later! Waiting even a few minutes might be quite detrimental for the sofa as the stains tend to set in quite soon.
For lighter stains – use a damp white cloth dipped in mild soapy water, then finish with a dry wipe. If the stain is stubborn and has set in – it’s time to spot clean it with the recommended sofa cleaning solution. If you prefer natural cleaners, a solution of equal parts vinegar and baking soda works well too!
Use a Lint Roller to Remove Pet Hair
When it comes to removing pet hair from sofas, the struggle is too real! While a vacuum cleaner can’t get these out too well, we recommend you use a lint roller to trap all the pet hair! In such cases, we also suggest that you invest in a couple of washable throw covers, where the pet hair can easily be washed off in the washing machine.
Religiously Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Instructions
Before you start cleaning, invest some time in reading the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning and maintenance of your sofa. Using the recommended cleaning agents, fabrics, and mode of cleaning mentioned in the manual ensures that your sofa will stay in top condition for several years.
Another thing to remember is to check the cleaning codes on the sofa tag, as this tells you which kind of cleaner is safe to use on your sofa. Here are what these codes stand for:
W – water-based cleaner
S – solvent-based cleaner
S/W – water and solvent based cleaner
At Ashwin Sheth Group – we’ve given you these easy cleaning tips to ensure that your sofa does not remain neglected or require professional cleaning services during the pandemic. Be it enjoying a good Netflix N’ chips marathon or getting ready to entertain guests – follow these tips regularly and your sofa will surely remain the appealing showstopper of your home, every day!
And if you’re too late with your couch finally being beyond repair – now is the perfect time to get your hands on our sofa buying guide, which is bound to ease the purchasing process for you!
