How to care for sofa upholstery: fabric and leather

Upholstery lasts longer with care, and that care takes a few minutes a week. Here is what fabric needs, what leather needs, and which mistakes to avoid.

General rules for any upholstery

• Vacuum the sofa once a week with a soft nozzle: dust wears fabric like fine sand.
• Keep the sofa out of direct sunlight: fabric fades and leather dries out.
• Blot a fresh stain straight away, working from the edges to the centre.
• Do not dry upholstery with a hairdryer or place a heater next to it.

Fabric

Keep the name of your fabric: the supplier’s cleaning advice is listed under it. For stains, use a mild soap solution or an upholstery cleaner, and test it on a hidden spot first. If the cushion covers are removable, wash them only as the label says.

Velour and chenille have a pile: after cleaning, brush it gently with a soft brush in the direction of the pile.

Leather

Wipe leather with a soft damp cloth and blot spills straight away without rubbing. Treat it regularly with a leather care product so it does not dry out and crack. Alcohol, bleach and abrasives damage leather.

What not to do

• Do not soak a stain with water “to loosen it”: it will spread.
• Do not use bleach or solvents.
• Do not sit on the armrests: they are not designed for that load.

If something goes wrong

Our sofas come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If there is a problem with the mechanism, frame or seams, do not repair it yourself: contact the manager, who will tell you what to do next.

Still choosing a fabric? Read which fabric suits a home with kids or pets.

Message or call our manager: 0 800 330 717, daily 10:00–19:00, or via Telegram. Is your upholstery fabric or leather?