Keeping your nice upholstery in great condition
Suede, velvet, chenille, and other upscale upholstery can add class and style to any room. Leather and even cotton or linen can have a similar effect. But without proper maintenance, the fabric can begin to fade. With just a little effort, you can keep your couches, chairs, and sofas in peak condition for much longer. Here are some tips to help you prolong the life of your luxury furniture.
1. Clear out and vacuum regularly.
Weekly, or as often as you vacuum the floor, vacuum your upholstery as well. Start by pulling out the cushions and gathering any coins, crumbs, paperclips, or other debris that's fallen through the cracks. Then, vacuum the cushions and fabric surfaces, paying special attention to crevices, ridges, and other small areas.
Any loose dirt that's sitting on the surface can get ground deep into the fibers if it's not removed soon, so regular vacuuming is important. Be sure your vacuum attachments are clean, so they don't leave extra residue on your fabric.
2. Fluff the cushions and pillows.
Since cushions are full of stuffing, they are susceptible to shape-shifting – especially because they carry weight in the same place. Nobody wants their cushions to go limp and flat, and fluffing can help them retain their shape.
Fluffing can include punching, squeezing, shuffling, or anything that will force the stuffing to move around inside the cover. At a minimum, plan on spending a couple minutes fluffing your cushions and pillows every few days to keep them in their best shape.
3. Flip and rotate the cushions.
Cushions take all their wear in the same place, so if you flip them and switch them around, you can even out the wear and extend the life of the fabric. Depending on the shape of your couch and cushions, you may be able to simply flip them upside-down and switch them with each other. Some couches have T-shaped cushions, which you can invert and move to the other side of the couch.
4. Protect your upholstery from sunlight.
Direct sunlight can affect your furniture's fabric like it can affect your skin, so it's important to protect it if you want to prolong the life of your luxury furniture. If you want to place your furniture in a room with lots of natural light, consider using a slipcover to protect it from the sun. Throw blankets, which come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and styles, provide protection as well.
If your furniture's fabric looks great and you want to show it off, you can still protect it from sunlight. When you're away or not using the room, close the curtains or throw a sheet over the sofa. This will keep the fabric looking new when you do use the room.
5. Make house rules to keep your furniture clean.
Food, crayons, and pet accidents can have disastrous effects on your furniture, so make rules to mitigate that danger. Depending on how your household runs, rules could include prohibitions on juice and wine or all food in the living room. You could allow adults but not children to eat in the living room, or have your children keep their art supplies in a different room. Dogs can be trained to stay off furniture.
6. What can you do about pets?
You love your cat or headstrong dog that likes to snuggle on the couch, but you also love the great look your furniture brings to the room. So what can you do?
If you can't trust your pets to stay off the furniture,
Emfurn.com advises that it's probably a good idea to cover the couches and chairs, especially when you're not around to supervise. House training accidents, dander, fur, and mud tracked in from outdoors can dirty the upholstery, and claws can get easily snagged in delicate fabric.
7. What if I spill or dirty the fabric?
Spills and accidents happen. When they do, clean up the mess right away, taking care to blot more than you wipe. Be careful with any cleaning agents, since every piece of upholstery is unique and it's not always possible to know what to expect. If you do opt for a commercial cleaning chemical, always spot-test in an inconspicuous area first.
However, when it comes to upscale upholstery, your safest bet is to contact a professional. At Modernistic, we know exactly how to treat specialty fabrics. With immediate care, we can get rid of almost any stain, saving your fine furniture for years to come.
8. Prolong the life of your luxury furniture with professional care.
An annual or seasonal deep cleaning can prevent dirt and grime from becoming a permanent part of your upholstery and extend the life of your furniture. Since deep cleaning can be a complex process, it's best to call a professional. Professional cleaning is also key to removing stubborn stains or discoloration from regular use.
It's easy to schedule a professional cleaning with Modernistic, and our coupons can help make it even more affordable. We'll help you keep your furniture clean, comfortable, and looking great. Contact us today to prolong the life of your luxury furniture.
Serving Rockford, MI for 40 years.
