Maintaining Your Upholstery and Soft Furnishings
Investing in quality upholstery and soft furnishings for your home or business is significant, both in terms of time and money. To ensure their longevity and keep them looking as good as new for years to come, here are essential care tips:
1. Strategic Placement The location of your furnishings significantly influences their durability. Although sunny spots may be appealing, direct UV sunlight can fade, bleach, or even weaken fabrics over time. Surprisingly, UV damage is more prevalent in winter due to the lower angle of the sun. Protect your furnishings by using sun-filters, lined curtains, and protective throws, and by rotating cushions to distribute wear evenly. Keep furniture away from heat sources like radiators to prevent warping or drying out of materials. Always lift furniture rather than dragging it to avoid damage.
2. Routine Cleaning Vacuum your upholstery and soft furnishings weekly to remove surface dust and particles, preventing dirt from embedding into the fabric. Use a soft brush attachment or a clean white cloth and focus on all nooks, especially under cushions, using gentle movements to avoid fabric damage.
3. Cushion Care Daily plumping of cushions helps maintain their shape and fullness, crucial for materials like velvet or feather-filled furnishings that can compress over time. Regularly rotate cushions to ensure even wear.
4. Minimise Dye Transfer Beware of dye transfer from non-colourfast clothing, particularly noticeable on light fabrics. Check clothing labels for dye stability, especially for new items.
5. Ensure Good Ventilation To avoid your furnishings absorbing unpleasant odours, ensure adequate airflow in the room by regularly opening windows.
6. Cosmetic Caution Avoid direct contact between furnishings and body lotions, gels, or cosmetics, particularly on leather, to prevent potential damage.
7. Handle Snags Carefully If your furnishings snag on sharp objects, carefully cut the snag close to the fabric rather than pulling it, to avoid enlarging the hole.
8. Protect From Pets Pet claws can damage furnishings. Monitor pets closely, encourage the use of scratching posts, and consider protective covers. Regularly remove pet hairs with a specialised brush.
9. Prompt Spillage Response Act quickly to blot any spillages with absorbent paper or a clean cloth. The cleaning approach depends on the spill type and the fabric involved. While home remedies can be effective for some spills, testing a small area first is advisable. For serious stains or regular maintenance, consider hiring professional cleaners experienced in handling various fabrics and stains.
10. Professional Cleaning Annual professional cleaning can remove ingrained dirt, odours, allergens, and bacteria that regular home cleaning methods cannot. This not only enhances the appearance of your furnishings but can also extend their lifespan.
By following these care tips, you can ensure your upholstery and soft furnishings remain in pristine condition, contributing to the beauty and comfort of your space for years to come.
If you would like your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned by us, then we can schedule a consultation. For further information, email or give us a call at 01926 614 781.