You've just purchased the sofa of your dreams and you've installed it in your home... now what?
With simple and regular care, your upholstery should be clean and fresh for many years to come. Keep reading for our top tricks and tips:
With light-colored fabric, take care to prevent dye transfer
Most people associate dye transfer with discoloration resulting from dark, saturated jeans leaving a "haze" on light-colored furniture. However, while this is a common cause, dye transfer can occur from any fabric and any color, not just dark denim.
Our East & Vine collections come in either white or cream, so dye transfer is a risk. Our LiveSmart™ performance-treated slipcovers allow for easier cleaning and care, but cannot prevent all stains from occurring. Here is how you can protect your furniture:
1) The golden rule is to avoid placing dark, saturated materials on light-colored fabric repeatedly or for an extended period of time, especially if the materials are damp. This is not only true for clothing but also throw blankets and pillows.
Be mindful of your clothing. If you have just purchased new jeans or pants that have been dyed, be aware that they leave potential to discolor light-colored fabrics, especially if you are moving around or causing friction.
If you are just getting home from a workout and are sweaty, avoid sitting on the upholstery, as dampness increases the chance of dye transfer. Make sure to shower first or to cover your seat with a towel until you are all clean.
It is best to use a white cotton sheet to cover the fabric if you are planning to sit while wearing clothing with the potential to stain.
2) To prevent possible transfer of ink onto fabric, do not leave newspapers or other printed materials lying on upholstery.
3) Take special care when spraying household chemicals and commercial products near upholstery.
Flip cushions from time to time
We have a whole blog about this here, but the short version is that you should rotate and flip your cushions at least once every three months. This avoids having flattened cushions and also ensures one side of the fabric isn't catching all of the wear and potential staining.
Regularly vacuum and lint-roll your cushions
Inevitably, you will drop items on your sofa and in-between your cushions. If you have pets, you already know what to expect when it comes to shedding and having hair stick to your fabric. All of these inconveniences are part of actually living on your furniture, and can be mitigated by regular cleaning.
We recommend vacuuming once per week and lint rolling as much as necessary.
Be prepared with the right products
When something more drastic happens -- a red wine spill or a pet accident -- be ready with the right products so you can take quick action.
Most spills can be treated with a mixture of liquid detergent (1 tbsp.) and lukewarm water (16 oz.). Have a clean cloth ready to dampen and blot the stain with the detergent mixture. For dried, non-liquid spills, a soft brush or butter knife might be necessary to help remove the stain.
Be practical with your use
You should feel comfortable living on your furniture, but you can extend its life expectancy by making some easy, practical choices.
One of our favorite hacks is to always use a tray if you are eating a meal on your furniture. Not only will this reduce the likelihood of spills, it will make transportation of food easier from one room to another.
If your pets like to get on the furniture, place a throw blanket or special pet cover over the cushions.
If you follow these guidelines, you are looking at a long life ahead for your upholstered furniture.
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