Cleaning your couch (sofa) ought to be included in your regular household cleaning. When you vacuum the carpets, also vacuum the upholstered furniture. I recommend that you do this on a weekly basis.
Vacuuming the furniture removes dirt from the surface, which prevents the dirt from becoming embedded into the fibers
Often the best way to keep your couch clean is to avoid getting it dirty in the first place. Probably the best way to avoid stains and dirt from getting on your furniture is to set up some “prevention” rules in your home. For example, do not allow anyone to eat on the couch, loveseats or chairs. Also, do not allow shoes on the couch. In fact, to make sure that no one forgets this rule, simply don’t let people enter your house with their shoes on.
Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or fumes from cooking can also damage your fabric. If you don’t have a built in kitchen hood, then position a fan in a window to exhaust the air.
Furthermore, do not allow your four-legged family members to rest on your furniture. Besides the fact that they shed, both dogs and cats instinctually scratch or “burrow” the area that they are going to use for rest. If you have very delicate or very expensive furniture, you may want to just ban pets from the room altogether.
One other option is to purchase removable and machine washable slip covers for the couches.
When you first buy your furniture, opt for having it covered with a fabric protector. The stuff really works. Once your couch is coated, it can be surprisingly easy to clean a spill by simply blotting it.
Now, if you do not have a fabric protector on your furniture, time is not on your side: you are going to have to act quickly when it comes to stains. In the event of a spill, blot up as much of the liquid as you can with a clean towel. Note that you should not scrub the fabric because this can cause even more damage. Use a spot cleaner specifically meant for upholstery. Also be sure to test the product in an inconspicuous area first to confirm that it does not damage your fabric. After to apply it, use a soft brush to gently work the cleaner into the fibers in a circular motion. Then, vacuum it when it’s dry.
Routine care that you do is essential. However, periodic professional cleaning is also warranted. Every couple of years or so, hire a professional cleaning service to clean your upholstery. These cleanings are prevention from gradually occurring, permanent staining. You see, once a piece of furniture gets embedded with dirt, it is nearly impossible to restore it to look as good as it did when you first bought it.
Another source of potential damage that you might not think about is the sun. You must keep your furniture out of direct sunlight. The UV rays can cause your furniture to fade or dry. Silks are even more delicate.
Finally, to extend your couch’s life, regularly flip over all the loose cushions. This allows the wear to be distributed evenly; it also keeps the cushions from developing permanent indentations. Also, fluffing the cushions helps to keep them in shape.
You like your furniture because of how it looks and because it is comfortable. If you properly care for it, you can keep it looking as good as it did on the day that you brought it home.