Soft furnishings (such as sofas, fabric chairs, soft beds, etc.) have become the core elements of modern homes due to their comfort and beauty. However, if they lack scientific maintenance, they are prone to fading, structural deformation, and stain penetration. The following combines professional guides in multiple fields to systematically sort out the maintenance points of soft furnishings to help you extend their service life and maintain the quality of your home.
1. Daily cleaning and maintenance
Regular vacuuming and dust removal
Use the soft brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner at least once a week to thoroughly clean the surface, gaps and under the cushions of the furniture to avoid dust accumulation that causes fabric wear or bacteria.
For fabric furniture, you can wipe the surface gently with a clean white cloth. Velvet materials should be kept away from water. It is recommended to use dry cleaning agents for local treatment.
Deal with stains in time
When liquid overflows, immediately use white cotton cloth or absorbent paper to gently press and dry it. Do not wipe it hard to avoid expanding the scope of the stain. Oily stains can be dotted with a small amount of neutral detergent and then wiped with clean water.
If leather furniture is stained, wipe it gently with a special leather cleaner and avoid using cleaning products containing alcohol or solvents.
Uniform wear of cushions and backrests
Turn over or change the direction of the cushions every 3 months to avoid local depressions; down pads need to be patted daily to restore fluffiness.
Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures
Ultraviolet rays can cause fabrics to fade and leather to crack. It is recommended to place furniture away from windows or use blackout curtains or UV-proof curtains
Stay at least 50cm away from heat sources such as heating and air conditioning outlets to prevent drastic changes in temperature and humidity from causing material aging.
2. Targeted care for different materials
Fabric fabrics
Removable covers need to be dry-cleaned, and washing may cause shrinkage or color difference. Dark fabrics are more prone to scratches than light fabrics, and the surface uniformity needs to be checked after cleaning
Pre-treatment with anti-fouling spray (such as products containing fluorocarbons) can form a protective layer to reduce stain penetration
Leather and synthetic leather
Leather furniture should be maintained with a special care agent every 3 months to maintain flexibility; synthetic leather can be cleaned with warm water and neutral soap, and stubborn stains can be tried with a white vinegar solution (water-vinegar ratio 1:1).
Avoid pet scratching, and sharp objects should be kept away from the leather surface.
Metal and wooden parts
Metal frames should be cleaned with a soft non-woven cloth every six months, and stubborn stains on powder-coated surfaces can be removed with soapy water. After cleaning, they should be thoroughly dried to prevent rust.
Wooden handrails or edges should be wiped along the grain direction, and wax-containing window cleaners should be avoided to prevent residue from darkening the surface.
Glass and stone countertops
Tempered glass should avoid direct dragging of hard objects, and special glass cleaners should be used when cleaning; marble countertops should be waxed regularly and should be avoided from contact with acidic liquids (such as vinegar and juice).
3. Deep cleaning and professional maintenance
Annual deep cleaning
At least once a year, hire a professional cleaning service to use steam cleaning or high-temperature extraction technology to remove deep dirt, allergens and odors. Professional teams can choose the right cleaning agent based on the fabric code (such as "W" and "S" on the furniture label).
Repair and renovation
Small-scale damage (such as loose threads) can be trimmed with scissors; large-scale damage (such as sponge collapse) is recommended to contact the manufacturer to replace the filling or re-cover the fabric.
4. Environment and usage habits optimization
Control indoor humidity
Humidity above 60% can easily cause the fabric to absorb moisture and swell. It is recommended to use a dehumidifier or air conditioner dehumidification function, especially for cotton and linen furniture.
Pet and child protection
Prepare special mats for pets and trim pet nails regularly; microfiber or scratch-resistant leather with high wear resistance can be used in areas where children often stay.
Ventilation and odor management
Open windows for ventilation every day to prevent cosmetics and food odors from penetrating into the fibers; fabric furniture needs to be wrapped with a breathable dust cover and placed with a desiccant when stored for a long time.
5. Special precautions
Maintenance of new furniture: Check the care label before first use, and some fabrics need to be sprayed with protective agents in advance.
Transportation and moving: lift the base when transporting to avoid dragging and breaking the legs; store horizontally when not in use for a long time to prevent the frame from deforming.
Through the above methods, soft furnishings can remain in a like-new state for more than 10 years. Scientific maintenance can not only save replacement costs, but also improve the quality and health of home life.
