Breathe some life back into your couch with these secrets that will keep your couch looking new.
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We bought our sectional a couple of years ago and wanted to know all the tips to keep your couch looking new. Being parents, pet owners, and frequent entertainers didn’t scare us from going with the light-colored couch that we really wanted because these tips work!
The best tips to keep your couch looking new:
1. Turn and fluff the cushions weekly.
Keep this tip in mind when your couch is looking a little tired because it could be all that it takes for a refresh. Instantly rewarding and takes hardly any time at all.
2. Regularly vacuum or brush your sofa.
Vacuum on and under the cushions every week, especially if you have pets or children. This will prevent soil, dirt, and dust from embedding in the upholstery.
If you don’t have a rubber brush in your cleaning supplies, it’s time to grab one. You can use this to clean crumbs, pet hair, etc. off of your couch cushions. I actually prefer this when I don’t feel like lugging out vacuum. (This rubber brush is also perfect for cleaning your broom bristles or duster!)
3. Use a throw blanket for pets if you allow them on the couch.
Be sure to run this blanket through the wash at least once a week so pet odor doesn’t absorb into the couch cushions.
4. Apply a fabric treatment.
In many cases, you can choose to have your couch professionally treated when purchased from a furniture store.
However, a simple application Scothgard can be done anytime to protect your couch’s fabric. This is MUCH cheaper and repels liquid for an easier clean up.
Don’t forget to regularly condition and protect your leather couch also to reduce possible imperfections.
5. Use washable slip covers
Washable slipcovers are one of the best hacks for giving well-loved couches a new chance at life!
6. Remove build-up of fuzz, lint, and pilling.
I LOVE the Conair fabric shaver. It is a miracle worker for making the worn fabric look brand new again. You can also try it out on your sweaters.
But a handy lint roller will help some too.
7. Know how to clean your couch BEFORE you need to clean it.
Get familiar with the fabric of your couch. Many couches have labels on the platform (just under the cushion) to indicate fabric description. This will help you research safe cleaning options. Learn more about upholstery cleaning codes here.
Test whatever cleaning products you’d plan to use on a discreet area of the upholstery to be sure it won’t stain or damage the fabric.
8. Spot clean spills and messes immediately to avoid permanent stains.
Blot up as much as possible using a rag or paper towel.
Then, working from the outside in, gently clean with warm water and cleaning solution. I swear by this Resolve Fabric Upholstery Cleaner. It’s been the best for little, muddy paw prints on my white couch.
Cleaning from the outside to the middle of the problem area will prevent stains or those pesky water rings left behind after cleaning.
9. Protect the fabric of your couch by keeping it out of direct sunlight.
This will reduce fading and protect your investment and keep your couch looking new long-term.
10. Use pillows inserts to make worn cushions look full again.
Years of wear can make a sofa look a little sad and deflated. This hack works like a charm. If the cushion backs of your couch have a zipper, you can stuff it with a king-size pillow to create fullness again. No one would ever know.
11. Refresh your sofa with new decorative pillows.
Use fluffy feather down inserts for the decorative pillows on your couch. This will give the illusion of fullness and allows you to easily swap pillow covers. Which could be the perfect refresh you’ve been looking for.
Bonus Tip: How to properly clean a couch-
Step 1: In the bucket, mix 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
Step 2: Get a microfiber cloth damp with your cleaning solution.
Step 3: Gently blot any stained areas with the cloth. Do not scrub or rub the area.
For larger messes: The Bissell Little Green machine is my secret weapon. It’s as close as you’re going to find to a professional cleaner at home.
If you have a light-colored couch, kids, or pets- it is WORTH the investment. I use it on carpet and rugs too. This was a life-saver when my daughter was a newborn with reflux. I’ll spare you anymore details.
Step 4: Use a towel to soak up any excess water remaining on the couch surface.
Step 5: Let the sofa air dry. If it’s humid, you could set up a box fan pointed at the sofa for faster drying. Water can cause cushions and fabric to mildew.
What is the point of furniture if it can’t be well-lived in? We aren’t meant to have showrooms for homes anyway.
Snuggle your pet on the couch. Enjoy popcorn and drinks while watching a movie with your family. When it comes to your couch, enjoy it first and maintain it second.
But if you’ve found yourself on this page, I know you also feel the importance in taking good care of the comforts you’ve been blessed with. I hope these tips help!
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