Upholstered furniture adds comfort, elegance, and personality to any living space. Whether you own a plush velvet sofa, a tailored linen chair, or a textured boucle bench, proper care is essential to keep these pieces looking beautiful and fresh over time. With the right cleaning habits and maintenance, you can extend the life of your upholstered furniture and maintain its pristine appearance for years.
Here’s a complete guide to help you take the best care of your upholstered chairs, sofas, and benches—no matter the fabric type or usage level.
1. Understand Your Fabric Type
Before diving into maintenance, it’s important to identify the type of upholstery fabric. Each material requires different care techniques:
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Velvet: Delicate and plush, requires gentle brushing and steam cleaning.
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Linen: Breathable and natural, but prone to wrinkles and stains.
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Bouclé: Textured and looped, needs soft brushing and vacuuming.
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Cotton or Polyester Blends: Durable and more resistant to daily wear.
Always check the manufacturer’s tag or consult your furniture maker for specific cleaning codes:
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W: Water-based cleaning allowed
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S: Solvent-based cleaner only
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WS: Either water- or solvent-based cleaners
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X: Vacuum only—no liquids
2. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum your upholstered furniture at least once a week using the upholstery attachment. This removes dust, crumbs, and debris that can settle into the fabric and cause wear or odors over time.
Focus on:
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Seat cushions
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Backs and sides
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Creases and seams where dust collects
Regular vacuuming helps prevent dirt buildup that can grind into the fibers and age your furniture prematurely.
3. Rotate and Fluff Cushions
To prevent uneven wear and sagging, rotate your seat and back cushions weekly. This helps them maintain shape and comfort over time.
For loose cushions:
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Flip them front to back
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Swap them left to right (if symmetrical)
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Fluff them to maintain volume and loft
This simple habit prolongs cushion life and ensures a uniform look across your furniture.
4. Spot Clean Immediately
Spills and stains are inevitable, but the key is to act fast.
Steps to follow:
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Blot, don’t rub – Use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot up the liquid.
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Check the cleaning code – Use only the recommended cleaner (water or solvent).
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Test a hidden area first to ensure colorfastness.
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Use mild solutions like dish soap and water (for “W” codes) or specialized fabric cleaners.
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Air dry completely – Avoid using heat, which can set the stain.
For tougher or set-in stains, professional cleaning may be necessary to restore the fabric without damage.
5. Protect Against Sun Damage
Direct sunlight can fade fabric colors and weaken fibers over time. To avoid this:
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Position furniture away from windows or use UV-protective films or curtains.
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Rotate your furniture periodically if exposure is unavoidable.
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Use throws or covers on sun-facing sides.
Fading is especially common with natural fabrics like linen and cotton, so extra caution is needed in sunny rooms.
6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh or generic household cleaners can discolor or damage upholstery fabrics. Always use cleaning products specifically made for upholstered furniture and approved for your fabric type.
Avoid:
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Bleach
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Ammonia
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Alcohol-based products
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Abrasive scrubbing tools
Instead, use soft microfiber cloths, mild soap, and specialized fabric care sprays that condition and protect.
7. Invest in Fabric Protection
For high-use furniture, consider fabric protection treatments such as Scotchgard or stain-repellent finishes. These invisible coatings create a barrier against moisture and stains, making cleanup easier.
Some custom furniture brands offer built-in protection as part of the manufacturing process. If not, ask your upholsterer or furniture professional to apply one before delivery.
8. Schedule Deep Cleaning Annually
While regular maintenance helps, a yearly deep clean is recommended to remove embedded dirt, oils, and allergens.
Options include:
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Professional upholstery cleaning services
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DIY upholstery cleaning machines (be sure they match your fabric code)
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Steam cleaning for specific fabrics like velvet or microfiber
A thorough deep clean can revive your furniture and refresh your entire space.
9. Keep Pets and Sharp Objects Away
Pets can bring joy—but also hair, claws, and occasional accidents. To protect your furniture:
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Use washable slipcovers or throws
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Trim pet nails regularly
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Train pets to avoid climbing on delicate upholstery
Avoid placing items like keys, zippers, or heavy bags directly on fabric surfaces to prevent tears or snags.
10. Use Arm and Headrest Covers
High-contact areas like armrests and headrests absorb more oils, lotions, and wear. You can protect these zones using:
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Coordinated fabric covers
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Decorative throws
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Slip-resistant cloths
They’re easy to remove and wash—and help maintain the original color and texture of the upholstery underneath.
Conclusion
Caring for upholstered furniture doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few consistent habits—like vacuuming, spot cleaning, and sun protection—you can extend the life, beauty, and comfort of your favorite chairs and sofas.
Whether you’ve invested in custom-made seating or a ready-to-order piece, these care tips will help you preserve the look and feel of your furniture for many years. Treat your upholstered items as functional art—and with a little TLC, they’ll remain a cherished part of your home.
