There are many factors to consider when buying an upholstered sofa for the living room or any part of the house. While most people concentrate only on taking into account the colour, height, style, material, and price, they should also consider the ease of maintenance and the level of perspiration it causes. Leading furniture seller Wakefit recommends that apart from taking into account these factors, one should learn how to maintain to keep it at the optimal condition for as long as possible. Read below to know all about the maintenance of your faux leather sofa:
How to Maintain a Leatherette Sofa?
There are many reasons why someone prefers a leatherette sofa compared to leather. One of the reasons is that it is considerably expensive compared to leatherette and is also not environment-friendly. Whatever may be the reason for your investment in a leatherette sofa, knowing what it is made of help in taking better care of it.
Leatherette, also called faux leather, is made of fibres of synthetic polyester and is coated with polymer. It is called faux leather, which appears like genuine leather but does not cost as much. This poly skin comes in different types and finishes. That means it ranges from shiny to matt to metallic appearance. Because of this construction, it is highly resistant to scratches, abrasion, and daily wear and tears. It is also highly elastic and waterproof, making it useful for homes with pets and kids. A faux leather sofa is also an ideal choice as the best reclining sofa for heavy person as there is less wear and tear due to weight.
Maintaining the leatherette sofa is easy and simple, which is why it is ideal for families with pets or kids. Even removing stains is easy. Here are some ways to do it:
Vacuum regularly: Accumulation of dirt, debris, and dust can spoil the finish of the materials. To prevent that from happening, one has to clean it regularly, preferably once a week at the least. For that, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment and clean it from top to bottom. Do not forget to remove the cushion and clean them under them; if there is a crevice attachment, use that too so that the tufted area and the seams are also cleaned. If you want to remove any smell from the faux leather, sprinkle baking soda, wait for 30 minutes, and vacuum it.
Moisturise: Leatherette can easily dry out and cause cracks on the surface if neglected. Ensure that the leather recliner sofa that you laze around on is not in direct sunlight as it can fade away. Since dryness can cause cracks, apply an artificial or vinyl conditioner or a product designed for care if you are in a dry climate. You can also apply olive oil or coconut oil on a soft cloth and massage it on the sofa. Do a spot test on a hidden area before applying it, as these can darken the colour.
Wipe: Wiping your recliner chair in the living room is also easy. Use warm water and mild dish soap to clean it. The soap you use should not contain degreasing agents or anti-bacterial properties. Once you have wiped the surface with water, take a damp cloth dipped in water and clean it. After wiping the surface with water, use a fresh dry cloth to prevent water spots.
Disinfect: Did your kid have an accident while you were comforting him/her on that single seater recliner sofa? Don’t worry, as you can easily disinfect that surface. Unlike other types of material, including leather, disinfecting faux leather is simple and straightforward. Make a solution of chlorine bleach and water, use a damp cloth to spread on it, or spray it enough on the damp surface. Wait for a few minutes, then wipe the surface with another cloth dipped in plain water.
Remove Stains: Removing stains can be done by pouring a little alcohol on a lint-free cloth. This method can remove stains not just on faux leather but also on vinyl chairs and sofas. However, if the stains are that of dye transfer, like sitting on a leatherette sofa in new jeans, they cannot be removed. If alcohol application does not work, try using white vinegar. This may need to be applied several times to remove the stains. After the treatment, clean with plain water using a damp cloth and then dry it with a towel. A few precautions to take while removing colours are:
- To dry the surface to be cleaned so that further moisture stains get prevented.
- Do not rub vigorously as the material gets damaged.
- Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth over the surface, which should be dedicated only for upholstery cleaning.
- When stains happen, act immediately so that it does not penetrate inside.
A little care and regular attention can help maintain your leatherette sofa and increase its lifespan as a sofa is a considerable investment. When it comes to stains, act immediately as that prevents permanent damage.
