How to increase the lifespan of your sofa

Without proper care and attention your sofa could end up looking decidedly more shabby than chic. Creased fabric, saggy cushions and stains are all signs of an aged sofa. Whether it’s a leather two seater settee, a big corner unit or a cosy cuddle chair, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way to help your sofa last longer. 

Here are some tips to help you care for your sofa:

Sofas don’t like sunbathing

Keep your sofa out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Leaving your sofa in the sun or near the radiator can cause leather upholstery to dry out causing it to crack over time, and fabric upholstery can fade and its fibres can weaken. 

Valencia sofa from Lukehusrt Furniture in Kent

Prevent saggy cushions

Over time sofa cushions can get saggy and less supportive. If they’re foam cushions, you can refill or replace the inners. As with everything in life, prevention is better than cure. Try to distribute your weight as evenly as possible; don’t sit too far forward on the bottom cushions to help prevent creases appearing. You should also plump sofa cushions daily and reverse them, if possible, to encourage even wear and prevent creases and wrinkles.

Clean up spills and stains

Stains can really age your sofa and make it look older than it is. Whether it’s wine, ketchup or even water, mop up any spills as soon as possible to stop them from becoming ingrained. Carefully wipe up any liquids and then dab rather than rub. The longer you leave stains the harder they are to get out. Greasy or oily stains may need professional attention. 

Clean sofa cushions regularly

Not only does dust and dirt reduce your sofa’s lifespan but it can harbour allergy-irritating dust mites. Weekly, pick up your sofa cushions and brush them down, or vacuum them on a low setting. You can also use your vacuum cleaner’s nozzle to vacuum between the cushions. 

If you have a loose cover sofa, wash the covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions regularly. Iron the covers before refitting, ensuring you place another piece of fabric between the iron and the sofa cover to prevent damage.

Humber leather sofa from Lukehurst Furniture in Kent

Leather care

Leather sofas can last many years and age beautifully but they don’t do this on their own. Clean your leather sofa with a microfibre cloth to remove dust and use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. Saddle soap is great for removing built up dirt and dust and enhances the condition of the leather. Before using an products on your sofa always do a spot test on an area that’s normally hidden, such as on the back. You wouldn’t want to smother your whole sofa with a product to find it’s ruined. If you’re going on holiday, you could protect your leather sofas from the sun by covering them.

Consider furniture covers

If you want to keep your sofa looking as good as new for as long as possible, using a throw or furniture covers will protect the sofa from the sun and reduces stains. Removable arm caps can help reduce wear and tear on the arms too.

Buying a sofa is a big investment so it makes sense that you want to keep it looking as good as the day it was delivered. Hopefully these tips will help you to improve the lifespan of your settee. 


31st March 2015

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