Made to be lived on
Your sofa is probably going to see a lot. Movie nights, afternoon naps, kids, pets, snacks, the occasional coffee spill… all part of the job.
A little regular care will help your fabric furniture stay looking and feeling its best for longer.
Different fabrics have different characteristics and care requirements, so always check the care instructions supplied with your furniture before cleaning or treating it.
Get to know your fabric
Not all upholstery is the same.
Different fibres, weaves and finishes can respond differently to cleaning products and stain treatments, so it’s important to know what type of fabric you have before tackling a mark.
If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s care instructions or speak with your local Focus team.
And before using any cleaning product, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Give your cushions a little love
Cushions naturally soften and settle with use — that’s normal.
Plump and reshape loose cushions regularly and, where possible, rotate or swap them around to help them wear more evenly.
Some cushion fillings will naturally lose a little volume over time, so regular plumping can make a big difference to how they look and feel.
Vacuum. Gently.
Dust, crumbs and everyday debris can work their way into upholstery and contribute to wear over time.
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum regularly, keeping the suction gentle.
Avoid vigorous brushing, which can affect the surface, pile or texture of some fabrics.
Spills happen
The quicker you get to them, the better.
Blot spills gently with a clean, absorbent cloth. Don’t rub, scrub or soak the fabric, as this can spread the spill or damage the fibres.
Avoid reaching straight for household detergents or cleaning products unless they’re recommended for your particular upholstery.
If your furniture is protected by a Guardsman Product Warranty, follow the relevant Guardsman instructions for accidental stains and contact them as required under your warranty.
Keep it out of the spotlight
Strong, direct sunlight can cause upholstery to fade or change colour over time.
Where possible, position furniture away from prolonged direct sunlight or use blinds and curtains during the brightest parts of the day.
It’s also best to keep upholstered furniture away from heaters, fireplaces and direct air-conditioning vents, as extreme temperature changes can affect both the upholstery and the furniture underneath.
Share the good seat
We all have one.
But constantly sitting in the same spot can mean one section of your sofa softens and wears faster than the rest.
Using different seats and rotating cushions where possible helps your furniture age more evenly.
Watch the arms
Sofa arms are made for arms. Not so much for sitting, standing or launching yourself across the room.
Avoid sitting on the arms or allowing children to jump heavily on the furniture, as this can place unnecessary pressure on the frame and internal structure.
If you have recliner or sofa-bed mechanisms, operate them carefully and keep children clear while they’re opening or closing.
A note on body oils, pets and everyday life
Natural oils from skin and hair, perspiration, dirt and pet fur can build up on upholstery over time, particularly around headrests, arms and favourite sitting spots.
Regular vacuuming and appropriate cleaning can help minimise this.
If pets share the sofa with you, using a washable throw or blanket can also help protect high-use areas from dirt, oils, claws and general wear.
Dark clothes + light fabric
Some dark or non-colourfast clothing, particularly denim, can transfer dye onto lighter upholstery.
If you have a pale fabric sofa, it’s worth being a little mindful of brand-new jeans and darker fabrics until they’ve been washed a few times.
Loose threads
See a stray thread? Don’t pull it.
Carefully trim it with sharp scissors instead. Pulling loose threads can cause the fabric to unravel or create a larger hole.
About pilling
Pilling can sometimes occur with normal use and doesn’t necessarily mean there is a fault with the fabric.
Loose fibres from the upholstery — and sometimes fibres transferred from clothing, cushions or throws — can form small balls on the surface.
These can usually be removed carefully using a suitable fabric pilling remover.
Keep the covers together
If your sofa has removable-looking covers, don’t assume they’re designed to go in the washing machine.
Even covers with zippers may be intended for professional cleaning only.
Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and, where covers are professionally cleaned, it’s generally best to clean the full suite together to help avoid colour variation.
A little extra peace of mind
For added care and protection, ask our team about the Guardsman Fabric Care Collection.
Designed to help protect and care for fabric upholstery through everyday life, it also includes a Guardsman 5 Year Product Warranty for eligible accidental stains and accidental damage. *
*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to the Guardsman Product Warranty for full details.
One last thing
These care tips are general guidance only. Always follow the care instructions supplied with your furniture and test any cleaning or care product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Focus on Furniture cannot accept responsibility for damage resulting from cleaning products, treatments or methods that are unsuitable for your furniture.