How to Care for Your Sofa and Upholstered Furniture

Your sofa is probably the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home. Upholstery gets just as dusty as any other surface, you just can't always see it. Think of it a bit like your favourite clothes: a little regular care keeps it looking and feeling great for much longer.

Weekly habits

• Plump and turn cushions. Reversible seat and back cushions should be turned and plumped at least once a week, or even daily for feather and fibre fillings, so they keep their shape and wear evenly.
• Vacuum gently with a soft upholstery brush to lift dust and crumbs. Take extra care around fringes, piping and braid.
• Swap your seat around. If everyone has a favourite spot, the cushions there will soften faster. Moving around now and then keeps wear even.

What to expect from a new sofa

Fillings settle and soften as you use them, and seat cushions will relax a little over the first few months. This is normal. Regular plumping keeps it to a minimum. Sitting on the front edges of cushions or on the arms can distort the padding, so try to avoid it.

Stop spills becoming stains

Act quickly, blot, don't rub. Mop up spills straight away with a clean white cloth, working from the outside in.

• Don't use household detergents or stain removers unless the fabric's care label says it's safe. They can damage the fibres and leave a ring.
• Always test any cleaning method on a hidden area first.
• For deeper cleaning, we recommend a reputable professional upholstery cleaner.

Velvet and chenille

Velvet and chenille have a raised pile that gives them their soft, rich look. It's natural for the pile to flatten or look lighter and darker from different angles. This is called shading, and it's a characteristic of the fabric rather than a fault. Brushing gently with a soft brush in the direction of the pile helps keep it looking even.

Sunlight, pets and everyday wear

• Strong sunlight can fade fabrics, so position your sofa out of direct sun if you can, or draw the curtains on bright days.
• Keep pets off where possible. Claws and fur are tough on fabric.
• Watch out for belt buckles, zips, toys and watch straps, which can snag. If a thread does pull, snip it off neatly or tuck it back in. Never pull it.
• Use arm caps if you have them. Arms are usually the first place to show wear.
• Castor cups help prevent dents in carpets and wooden floors.

Recliners and wood trims

For recliners, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the mechanism, and don't let children or pets play on the footrest. Wooden or decorative trims just need an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid spray polishes and solvent cleaners, which can damage both the wood and the fabric next to it.

Still not sure?

Every piece we sell comes with its own care instructions, so check those first. If you have a question about a particular piece or finish, our team is always happy to help. Email customersupport@woods-furniture.co.uk, contact us or pop into one of our showrooms.