Caring For Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture must be properly cared for and stored if it is going to look its best for an extended period of time. Caring for upholstered furniture is more difficult than other kinds of furniture because the fabric and padding are so absorbent. The places where the cushions come together act like a magnet for any piece of debris that happen to fall on the couch. Sofas and padded chairs tend to be more popular for sitting because they are softer. This can mean an enormous amount of traffic that gradually affects the condition of the furniture. Not to mention that there are many different kinds of materials that upholstery can be made of and each one has different care requirements.
Dust Once Per Week
The most important task of keeping and maintaining upholstered furniture is frequent dusting and vacuuming. Once a week take care to dust the corners of the upholstery using a vacuum cleaner with a bristle attachment. The dust and fragments that tend to seep into these tight spaces have a sand paper like effect on the surrounding fabric. While dusting be sure to fluff and rearrange the cushions so that they are used evenly. This keeps one side from becoming damaged to overuse. It also helps to redistribute the position of the furniture ever so often which will cause a change in seating patterns.
Spot Cleaning
Before attempting to pot clean upholstery read the manufacturer's instructions for care on the tag carefully. If the spot cleaning is not done correctly it may cause bleaching, a ring, or some other kind of conspicuous spot. The sooner that a spill or scuff is treated then the more likely it is able to be removed. Always blot at the stain never rub because that can make things worse by coaxing it deeper into the material. When dealing with a slip cover it may be a good idea to take it off to treat the stain or at least place something between it and the upholstery. However original lining is best left on the furniture.
Deep Cleaning
It is not necessary to deep clean upholstered furniture more than once every one to two years. To ensure uniform cleaning results retail experts have to recommend a professional cleaning service. It is also possible to do it yourself with foam cleansers and other products. Always check with the manufacturer's tag to determine the proper cleaning method beforehand. When deep cleaning upholstered furniture do not soak the fabric in cleansing solution because it will form a soapy residue that attracts dirt. Look for products that contain a soil retardant to prevent future stains.
Fabric Protectors
Many retailers offer additional fabric protection coatings for their upholstered furniture. The benefits of a fabric protector are that it reduces risk of stains, protects against microbes, and reduces fading caused by UV rays. However the proper storage and care of upholstered furniture can also do these things, especially when it is not kept in direct sunlight. To apply protectant yourself use a spray on silicon soil retardant that is compatible with the fabric of the upholstery. Consult with the label directions carefully to make sure that the product is being used correctly and will not damage the furniture.
Different Materials
Upholstered furniture is available in an array of materials from microfibers to leather but each one has different requirements for care. Canvas, microfibers, and sunbrella are particularly durable materials that are practically stain resistant. Cotton blends can be cleaned with soap and water but should be applied with a fabric protector for everyday use. Wool and wool blends are able to be spot cleaned but double check the instructions for detailed information. Linen and silk upholstery must be professionally cleaned. Leather and suede can be buffed with a vacuum using a dry brush attachment.
