How to keep your fabric sofas and chairs looking their best
Fabric sofas and chairs are a popular choice among our customers. The soft material makes them inviting to sit on, and the variety of colours and designs suits all tastes. Fabric furniture brings warmth, comfort, and style, but it also requires a little extra care to keep it looking its best.
Here are our tips on how to care for your fabric sofas and chairs to keep them looking pristine for longer.
1. Regular cleaning
Regular cleaning greatly improves the appearance and extends the lifespan of your fabric sofa and chairs.
Vacuum weekly: Use a soft brush attachment to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from settling deep into the fabric fibres.
Steam cleaning: Periodic professional steam cleaning can refresh the fabric and remove ingrained dirt.
Brushing: For velvet or chenille, use a soft-bristled brush to lift the fibres and maintain their texture.
Dust the frame: Remember to dust wooden or metal legs, arms, and frames as these surfaces collect dust and can scratch floors if ignored.
2. Tackle stains immediately
Spills are a common hazard and can easily ruin the appearance of your fabric furniture. To minimise potential damage, act immediately.
Blot, don’t rub: If a spill happens, gently blot the area with a clean cloth. Rubbing can push the stain further into the fabric.
Use gentle cleaners: For most fabrics, a mild detergent diluted with water works effectively. Test on a hidden section first to prevent discolouration. Check the cushion labels for care instructions.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Bleach, strong solvents, or abrasive cleaners can damage fibres or cause colours to fade.
3. Protect against fading and wear
Fading and wear are inevitable over time, but there are steps you can take to help prevent these ageing effects.
Pay attention to sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fabric to fade over time. Whenever possible, place your furniture away from strong sunlight or use curtains and blinds to shield it.
Position away from heat: Direct and prolonged exposure to heat sources like radiators or fires can cause discolouration, loss of quality, and structural damage over time. Ideally, place your sofa away from a heat source.
Use arm and headrest covers: For high-contact areas such as armrests, slipcovers or small protective cloths can help minimise wear and tear.
Rotate cushions and pillows: Regularly turning the cushions can even out wear and help them keep their shape and colour consistent.
4. Consider long-term protection
A professionally applied fabric protector can improve your sofa's resistance to spills and stains. Some sofas and chairs are available with stain-resistant fabric options. For example, Ashwood Designs offers Aquaclean Technology - a revolutionary fabric treatment that coats each fibre with an invisible molecular layer, preventing dirt from penetrating the fabric.
Fabric sofas and chairs are a cosy and comfortable choice. By following these simple steps, you can keep your furniture looking great for years to come.
If you’d like to treat yourself to a new fabric sofa or chair, why not browse our collection today?