Upholstery can present a number of care and maintenance headaches, depending upon the material. This holds especially true if the materials aren’t cared for regularly.
Each fabric and material is different from the next and care instructions for that particular item should always be followed.
There are, however, a few maintenance tips that can be applied to fabrics of all kinds.
For starters, preventative measures are important and should always be applied to new furniture. They can be the difference between a simple clean-up and the need to replace or reupholster the furniture.
These measures begin before the furniture is purchased. Consider your lifestyle. The idea of relaxing on an elegantly embroidered silk chaise lounge on a quiet afternoon is what you long for, but if you have young children, it’s time to reconsider the dream.
Once you’ve found the right pieces, treat it with a moisture and soil repellent. This will keep the accidents from becoming permanent. Test any repellent or cleaning material in an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire piece of furniture.
Whenever a spill happens, though, it is important to spot clean it right away. Blot it gently with a folded towel; never rub it.
Keep dirt, dust and debris from becoming embedded in the fibers of the fabric by brushing and/or vacuuming it regularly.
The life of upholstered furniture can be extended by turning loose cushions to prevent indentations from forming sooner than they have to.
UV rays from the sun has a harsh effect on almost everything it touches. Just look at anything left in the sun for a long period of time. Direct sunlight through a window can cause furniture to fade.
No matter how much you care for and maintain your upholstered furniture, it’s always a good idea to have it professionally cleaned every couple of years. Once it becomes visibly dirty, it is much more difficult to get it looking new again.