Fabric Sofas are a popular choice due to its affordability and how it adds a soft touch to every home. With a variety of colours, textures and designs, you’ll be spoilt for choice while finding for a perfect sofa.
However, due to the nature of fabric, they can also be a major nightmare when it comes to cleaning. Accidental spills and scratches are bound to happen from time to time and unless you want to sacrifice the soft fabric touch with a sheet of plastic, you’ll need to know how to care and clean a fabric sofa.
Know Your Material
There are a variety of fabric with different compositions and styles.
First and foremost, you’ll need to know the material of your sofa. In the modern world, fabric can be made out of a variety of material which are not limited to Polyester, Wool, Acrylic and Silk.
Take note of specific washing instructions for the sofa which is given by the original manufacturers. Most if the time, it is very specific to the material that is being used and it will avoid unnecessary damage that may void the warranty!
At times, the cleaning instructions may not be available but every fabric will come with a tag. These tags will indicate the recommended cleaning method for the fabric. So do be very cautious as even plain water might leave stains!
Here are some common labels that you’ll see on the tags!
Washing labels or tags are usually hidden but accessible.
If you are still unsure about the washing instructions, it will be wise to give a call to the sofa manufacturer to have a more conclusive understanding of the material.
Cleaning Stained Fabric
Once you’ve find out the material of your sofa and the washing instructions, it is time to look for the right product. Off-the-shelf fabric stain removers or fabric cleaners that are meant for sofas would be perfect but once again, do double check on its composition.
Once you're ready to apply it, test out the solution or product on a small, inconspicuous area of the sofa/material before you begin the major clean. Ensure that there are no discolouration or patches after the solution dries up.
Plain water may leave marks like these on fabrics.
Steam cleaning
Steam cleaning is another option that you can consider provided that the material is suitable. It will be more expensive compared to a typical fabric cleaner. Alternatively, you can call an Upholstery Cleaning Service that will take care of the fabric stains for you.
Conclusion
Fabric sofas are perfect for cuddling on a rainy day or simply for those who prefers washing removable covers. They are budget friendly yet comfortable and stylish. The points above covers tips on cleaning fabric sofas but you can also adopt a more preventive method by using a fabric protector. Scotchgard has developed a spray-on fabric protector which allows the fabric to repel liquids instead of absorbing them so that any accidental spills will be easier to manage.
At Grey and Sanders, we believe in a more informative approach and we will be more than happy to answer any enquiries to better help our customers. Contact us at 8371 8864 to enquire, or visit us at:
Tan Boon Liat Store
Millenia Walk Store