Upholstery care is essential to getting the most from your living room furniture. Understanding what leather, vinyl, and other fabrics need is crucial. Avoiding common pitfalls and building a maintenance schedule will ensure your pieces maintain their quality and comfort.

Do:

Use the right cleaners.

Abrasive cleaners wear down leather and other materials. Stay away from all-in-one products. They may be excellent for one surface but harmful to another. Watch out for vinegar and acidic products—they’ll wear down the color and can bleach the fabric. Instead, use a mild detergent. A 1/4 cup of laundry detergent mixed with 1 gallon of water is safe and remarkably effective for furniture cleaning.

Be consistent.

Cleaning living room furniture won’t go far if you’re inconsistent. To stay ahead of stains, smells, and other wear, vacuum surfaces once a week. Wipe up spills right away and address dirt and grime immediately. To preserve the material, schedule a professional upholstery cleaning every six months.

Don’t:

Use too much water.

Too much water will sink into the fibers and damage them, so use it carefully. If left to sit in your furniture, it could lead to mold and mildew growth, as well. Wring out your towel before cleaning up dirt. Blot liquid spills, and make sure you never allow water to pool around seams.

Scrub surfaces.

Scrubbing is exceptionally harmful, especially on leather, which will scratch. Always blot spills and lightly brush stains to safely remove substances from the fibers. Move in a circular motion on living room furniture, so you don’t push fibers in one direction too often.

If you’re ready to upgrade your living room furniture, turn to McGuire Furniture Rental & Sales. This St. Louis, MO, new and used furniture provider has served the area since 1981, providing stunning, affordable products from industry-leading brands. They also offer rental furniture options, which you can explore on their website. Call (314) 997-4500 to speak with a sales associate and connect on Facebook for deals and updates.