After having your furniture reupholstered, you have to care for it. This ensures it serves you for a long time and protects your investment. While maintaining reupholstered furniture may feel like a chore, it’s pretty easy, especially if you are consistent with the cleaning.
This article explores several maintenance tips to help you keep the furniture looking and feeling great for years.
Understand the Material Used to Reupholster Your Furniture
Understanding the material used to reupholster your furniture is crucial for its care and maintenance. That’s because different materials require different cleaning methods and products. For example, synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon are generally more stain-resistant and easier to clean than natural fabrics like cotton or linen. On the other hand, silk or velvet are pretty delicate and may require professional cleaning to avoid damage.
In addition, certain fabrics are treated with stain-resistant finishes, which can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. Once you know the cleaning needs of the fabric you have, it becomes easier to maintain your customized furniture properly.
Contact us today to update your furniture! (888) 272-6623
Vacuum Frequently
Vacuuming reupholstered furniture regularly is a crucial maintenance step. It helps to remove dust and dirt that can otherwise settle into the fabric. Those abrasive particles can cut and damage fabric fibers, leading to wear and tear. Try to keep the upholstery free from dust and dirt to help it maintain its original color and texture. As a bonus, cleaning your furniture often helps reduce allergens like dust mites and pet dander, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.
Take Care of Spills Immediately
Every once in a while, you or your kids spill something on the furniture. It’s essential to address spills as soon as they happen to keep the liquid from soaking into the fabric. Use a clean, soft cloth to blot gently, avoiding rubbing, which can push the liquid more deeply into the upholstery. It’s also advisable to test spot cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t damage or discolor the fabric, and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for the best results.
After reupholstery, upholsterers might attach a cleaning code on the underside of sofa cushions to help with cleaning. The codes are as follows:
- “W” for water-based cleaning solutions like gentle soap or upholstery shampoo
- “S” for water-free solvents like rubbing alcohol
- “S-W” for either solvent-based or water-based cleaning products
- “X” for vacuum-only cleaning
Keep The Furniture Away From Direct Sunlight
While natural light can brighten up dark rooms, it can damage your sofa’s fabric. Too much sunlight can cause discoloration, fading, and fraying, particularly with brightly colored upholstery. Even on cloudy days, sunlight can still harm the fabric. To protect your sofa, place it away from windows, especially if it’s made of delicate materials. If your living room furniture layout won’t allow such a setup, use curtains, blinds, or UV-protective coatings on windows to offer protection against UV rays. Be mindful of exposing your sofa to fumes. Cooking fumes can discolor the fabric and make it absorb odors over time.
Fluff Pillows and Rotate Cushions
Fluffing pillows and rotating is another aspect of caring for your reupholstered furniture. Doing so ensures even wear and tear, which prevents sagging and helps maintain the shape and fullness of the pillows. Rotating cushions extend their lifespan and keep the furniture looking uniform. These practices preserve comfort and support. They also contribute to an attractive and inviting appearance by avoiding permanent indentations and keeping the upholstery looking fresh.
Consider Using Furniture Protectors
Using furniture protectors is necessary, especially if you have small kids and pets. Protectors shield against spills, stains, and everyday wear, extending the furniture’s lifespan. They enhance durability and preserve the fabric’s appearance, particularly in high-traffic areas. Many protectors are removable and washable, simplifying maintenance. For those who prefer not to use protectors, regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and applying fabric protectant sprays can help maintain upholstery quality and longevity.
Keep Smoke at Bay
Keeping smoke away from your reupholstered furniture will help prolong its life. Smoke can permeate the fabric, causing persistent odors that are difficult to remove. It can also result in fabric discoloration, yellowing, and permanent stains. The chemicals in smoke can degrade the fibers and other materials, reducing the furniture’s durability. Avoid smoking indoors and ensure good ventilation. You will prevent these adverse effects, preserving the appearance, comfort, and structural integrity of your reupholstered furniture for years to come.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents
Harsh chemicals can weaken the fabric fibers, leading to fraying, tearing, and reduced durability. They can also strip away protective coatings and fade the fabric’s color, resulting in a dull and worn appearance. To maintain the beauty and integrity of your reupholstered furniture, it’s best to use gentle, upholstery-specific cleaners and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Hire a Professional Upholstery Cleaner
Hiring a professional upholstery cleaner once or twice a year is essential for maintaining and caring for your furniture. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and expertise that go beyond what regular vacuuming can achieve. They can deep clean your upholstery, removing embedded dirt, allergens, and bacteria that regular vacuuming might miss. This thorough cleaning helps preserve the fabric’s appearance and extends its lifespan by preventing wear and tear caused by accumulated debris.
Perform Regular Inspections
Regular furniture inspection is another essential part of caring for your reupholstered pieces. By routinely checking for signs of wear or damage, such as loose threads or minor tears, you can address small issues promptly, preventing them from becoming major problems. This proactive approach helps maintain the furniture’s aesthetic appeal, enhances its durability, and avoids costly repairs, ultimately preserving your investment.
Maintaining your reupholstered furniture is key to its longevity and beauty. Regular inspections and gentle care can go a long way. However, when your furniture needs a fresh start, trust the experts at CLS Custom Upholsterers & Refinishing. We specialize in high-quality reupholstery services that breathe new life into your cherished pieces. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can transform your furniture.
#westillmakeitlikeweusedto #thecatalanofamily #since1945 #handcrafted #custommade #handcraftingonlongisland #transparency #theclsteam #clsworkmanshiplifetimeguarantee
Thank you, very informative