Whether it’s binge-watching The Crown or watching reruns of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, a comfortable sofa takes its place in the living room for the perfect lounging experience at home. It’s therefore important to invest in sofa care. From leather to rattan, here are tips for maintaining different types of sofa!

Fabric Sofas

To keep your fabric sofas in optimal condition, it’s important to clean up spillages immediately. As stains set in fabric sofas easily, a few minutes of delayed action can affect the condition of the furniture.

Dab gently with a cloth to avoid spreading the stain, but if the stain has already set, cleaning it with white vinegar and a mild soapy detergent should do the trick. Upon cleaning, allow your sofa to dry completely.

Leather Sofas

Leather sofas are tough and durable, making them a great choice for the living room. Despite that, these sofas are prone to cracks – especially in seasoned spots.

To keep your leather shiny and soft, mix one part vinegar with two parts linseed oil and apply it to the surface of the leather. Rub the oil in with a soft cloth and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before buffing the sofa to remove the excess mixture. Once dry, your sofa will look as good as new!

Artificial Leather Sofas

While artificial leather sofas may be less durable compared to their genuine leather counterparts, they’re relatively easier to maintain. Simply mix warm water with some mild dish soap before wiping the sofa. Refrain from using bleach or ammonia solutions as bleach can harm the protective plasticiser coating on the material, causing the sofa to stiffen.

Rattan Sofas

Rattan is a durable material, but as rattan sofas are weaved, regular cleaning with a brush is especially important to prevent mold from growing in crevices. It’s also recommended to remove stains with a cloth with soapy water. If the rattan fibres show signs of cracking, brush them with boiled linseed oil before letting dry.

General Tips

While different materials require different care, general maintenance tips apply for all types of sofas – one of which is to avoid exposing your sofa to direct sunlight as this may result in the premature deterioration of the furniture. It’s also important to dust or vacuum your sofas regularly, to prevent the dirt from wearing out your furniture.