11 tips that will keep your seaters in mint condition
Photographs: iStock
Keeping a sofa set spic and span is easy if the maintenance is done regularly. Read on to find out material-specific upkeep tips for sofas of different makes, by Geetesh Saraf, Director, Urja Facility Management Services.
1. Type of sofa cleaning depends on the type of material sofa is made up of. Every sofa manufacturer mentions codes on tags which specify the materials that are appropriate for the sofa:
W: Water-based cleaners or detergent cleaning.
S: Water-free solvent cleaners or dry-cleaning detergent.
WS: Water-based cleaners and water-free solvents, or both, steam vacuum and dry cleaning detergent.
X: Either vacuum or bristle brush, or a professional help for shampooing.
O: Organic material, and therefore needs to be cleaned with cold water.
Do not to use random cleaners on your sofa. In case, there's no code that gives you directions for cleaning, use a small amount of cleaner on the part that's stained as a trial.
2. How frequently your sofa needs cleaning depends on how dusty the environment is. You can clean a sofa regularly or at specific intervals. However, deep cleaning should be done every three or six months, depending on the conditions. Equipment for keeping your sofa in mint condition includes a sofa brush (with soft or hard bristles), a good cleaning chemical, and wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
3. You do not require a specific cleaner for regular cleaning as a normal dry vacuum cleaner will help you get rid of the dust. However, in case the sofa cover cannot be removed, you can use steam cleaners. Vacuum cleaners have an upholstery attachment, which can help you clean the sofa in a better way, with the help of soft-bristle brushes.
4. To get rid of stains on a fabric-upholstered sofa, use a mild, lukewarm solution of liquid detergent, or use specific chemicals for stain removal. Ensure that the chemical you are using won't harm your sofa material.
5. Use leather cleaners for a leather sofa set and vinyl for a vinyl one. A home remedy for cleaning leather sofas: dry vacuum it and wipe with a mixture of equal quantities of white vinegar and water. Dry well thereafter with cotton cloth.
6. When it comes to bamboo seaters, it's better to remove the loose/detachable upholstered parts before cleaning or vacuuming the bamboo parts. Polishing with linseed or sunflower seed oils will further enhance their beauty. For wrought-iron seaters, wipe with a mild detergent mixed in water, and dry well with a clean cloth. If you're using cleaning sprays on wooden/metal sofas which do not have detachable upholstered sections, spray the agent on a paper towel and use this to clean the sofa. This will prevent the chemical from spoiling the upholstery.
7. To take care of pet odours or any other such smells, sprinkle baking soda (making sure your sofa is completely dry) and clean after 10 minutes.
8. In case the fabric upholstery has become damp, keep the sofa in the sun for some time or use a hairdryer to get it dry, else this may create health issues.
(Left) Use the soft-bristle brushes (that are part of vacuum cleaning equipment for regular cleaning. (Right) To get rid of stains on a fabric-upholstered sofa, use a mild, lukewarm solution of liquid detergent.9. Some companies make special products, such as lint rollers, to get rid of fur.
10. See that the room is adequately ventilated, otherwise upholstered furniture will tend to get damp. Keep your sofa in a room that is directly exposed to sunlight.
11. Take help of professional services or steam cleaners to get rid of excess moisture or staining. Charges for such services range from 100-250 INR per seat.
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Geetesh Saraf
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