The ultimate guide to sofa maintenance

The ultimate guide to sofa maintenance

With premium upholstery and expert construction, our sofas are specially designed to withstand the various demands of daily life. From spilt drinks to muddy paw prints, general wear and tear can occur  but with proper care, you can ensure your sofa remains in top condition for years to come. We are firm believers that prevention is better than cure, so we have curated this expert guide to sofa maintenance, covering everything from practical care tips for different fabrics to easy cleaning routines for life’s unavoidable mishaps. 


FABRIC SOFAS

From on-trend boucle to soft-touch velvet, we use only the highest quality fabrics, each rigorously tested to ensure lasting durability and beauty. However, we still recommend regular maintenance to keep your sofa looking good as new.  

For linen or boucle sofas, vacuum once a week using a gentle upholstery brush attachment. This will help remove any dust or crumbs that may have collected in the fabric while also preventing pilling. If a spillage does happen, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth – never scrub as this can spread the stain. Then use a fabric-safe cleaner if needed, or if your sofa has removable covers (like our Ashley Sofa), place them in the washing machine – just make sure to check care labels first. To really refresh your upholstery, consider periodic steam cleaning or hiring a professional once a year for deep maintenance.  

With velvet, the pile can start to look a little flat over time. To combat this, gently brush the velvet in the direction of the pile using a soft bristle brush (hard bristles might damage the fabric). Although our velvets are naturally repellent to oil and water, it’s still important to act quickly if a spillage does occur. Spot clean using a mild, water-free solvent or dry-cleaning product and allow to dry naturally.  

LEATHER SOFAS

Leather is a natural material that only gets more beautiful with time, developing a rich patina that tells a story. With the right care, your leather sofa will age gracefully and last for many years. At Coco Republic, we have both aniline and semi-aniline leather options. Aniline leather retains the hide’s natural texture, grain and markings as it has no protective coating, while semi-aniline leather features a thin protective coating for added durability. This makes it more resistant to stains, dirt and fading, so it’s a better choice for high-traffic, family homes. 

When it comes to general care, dust weekly with a microfibre cloth to remove debris or anything that might scratch the surface of your leather sofa. For routine cleaning, mix mild soap with distilled water and use a damp cloth to wipe the surface of the sofa. Then, use a damp, clean cloth to remove any soap residue before drying with a microfibre cloth. Always avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the material.  

To prevent cracking and discolouration, you may want to use a leather conditioner. Apply every 3-6 months to help maintain the leather’s natural softness and lustre.

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PERFORMANCE FABRICS

Live in a busy family home? Stain resistant and easy to care for, our specialist performance fabrics are great for homes with children, pets or a fondness for red wine. At Coco Republic, we offer two highly durable performance fabric options: Crypton and Chenille.  

Engineered on a molecular level, our Crypton performance fabrics are resistant to stains, moisture and odours. Most liquids simply roll off the fabric or can be quickly blotted away with a dry towel or cloth. Dealing with a tougher stain, like coffee or crayon marks? Spot cleaning is key – use mild soap diluted in water or a fabric-safe stain remover and gently dab the affected area. 

Our Chenille performance fabric, on the other hand, is coated with a protective barrier, making it resistant to water, soil and stains. Again, most liquids simply roll off our Chenille fabrics or they can be blotted off the surface with a dry towel or sponge. If you have an oil-based or alcohol stain, we recommend a professional spot cleaning detergent or professional cleaner for best results.  

GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS

No matter the material, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your sofa looking beautiful for years to come. In addition to our specialist cleaning tips, it’s important to protect your sofa from everyday wear and tear. Prolonged UV exposure can cause fading and cracking, so keep your furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources, like radiators and heaters. To prevent damage, keep pets and sharp objects away from your sofa, and consider a fabric or leather protector for extra peace of mind.  

To minimise wear and maintain your sofa’s original shape, avoid sitting in the same spot all the time and rotate or reverse cushions once a month (many of our sofa styles offer this feature). If you have down-filled cushions, fluff and adjust them regularly so they remain plump and structured.  

Some Coco Republic fabrics may require specialised cleaning. Please refer to the ‘Material and Care Instructions’ section of the product page for any specific fabric care instructions. If you’re unsure or would like to learn more about our sofa collections, visit us in store and speak with one of our expert design consultants.  

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