5 things people with clean upholstery always do – they're simple, quick and oh-so-effective

That 'new sofa' look can make any living room feel revived, and implementing the things people with clean upholstery always do will help keep your space looking fresh.

From vacuuming your upholstery regularly to keeping your pets off and covers on, our experts share five easy and effective tips to take on board.

These five cleaning tips and upholstering maintenance tricks are easy to implement and will make a noticeable difference in appearance of your furniture, and help the surfaces look newer for longer.

5 things people with clean upholstery always do

1. Vacuum frequently

You may be wondering what vacuuming has to do with keeping upholstery refreshed, but this simple household chore can play a big in maintaining its appearance.

Vacuum upholstery frequently to ensure that the surrounding area and the upholstery itself is not getting coated in dust and debris. Our experts recommend doing this at least once a week, and up to three if you have pets.

‘People with clean upholstery make it a habit to vacuum their furniture at least once a week using an upholstery attachment, paying special attention to crevices and under cushions where dirt tends to accumulate,’ says cleaning specialist Taylor Riley of Germ Smart Cleaning. ‘This prevents debris from embedding into the fibers, which can lead to discoloration, premature wear and is difficult to remove.’

For an extra level of cleanliness, use a fabric-safe deodorizing spray from Amazon after vacuuming to keep your upholstery smelling fresh.

2. Use protective covers and throws

People who maintain clean upholstery often use protective covers or slipcovers to shield their furniture from stains. These covers are easy to remove and wash, making it much simpler to keep upholstery fresh without the need for frequent deep cleaning.

‘Waterproof or stain-resistant covers provide an extra layer of defense against accidental spills, particularly in homes with children or pets,’ says Angela Rubin, owner of Hellamaid. ‘Beyond their practical benefits, throws and slipcovers come in various textures and colors, allowing homeowners to update their decor effortlessly while preserving the integrity of their furniture.’

If you don't like the look of these, using a large throw can be a sufficient substitute. Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, says, 'I have two cats and black velvet sofas. During the day when we're working, the cats love sleeping in the middle of the sofas. This can lead to them 'making biscuits' with their paws on the velvet and leaving a lot of fur on the upholstery. To stop this, we use large throws on the sofa that can be easily washed. This puts a much-needed layer between the cats and the furniture.'

There is a large selection of affordable throws at Walmart.

3. Rotate and fluff cushions

Even wear is essential for keeping upholstery looking fresh and feeling comfortable. Regularly rotating and fluffing couch cushions ensures that they maintain their shape and prevent indentations, which can make furniture look worn out over time.

This simple trick helps to distribute weight evenly across the furniture, reducing the chances of sagging and damaging the fabric.

‘For cushions with removable inserts, taking them out and shaking them vigorously can further enhance their longevity,’ continues Angela. ‘Additionally, flipping cushions over periodically can ensure both sides wear evenly, prolonging their aesthetic appeal and comfort.’

If you want to add another layer of sofa maintenance, lightly mist your cushions with water before fluffing can help rejuvenate the fibers and keep them looking full and plush.

Punteha van Terheyden says, 'Every six months, we swap the position of two of our large and most-used sofas around. This ensure both seat cushions wear evenly. We also combine this move with cleaning the cushion covers and sprucing up the arms and back.

'I use a water and essential oil DIY cleaning solution – two cups of water to 10 drops of pure geranium essential oil from Amazon – and spray it on my MR.SIGA microfiber cloths. This way it's not saturating the upholstery, but has enough moisture to freshen up the velvet fibers. It easily lifts marks.'

For a commercial cleaner, Punteha recommends Dr Beckman Upholstery Stain Remover, also available from Amazon. She tested it out at home and enjoyed the gentle, but effective cleaning. 'It didn't smell strong either,' she adds. Be sure to test on an inconspicuous area first for color fastness before using more widely.

4. Keep pets off the furniture

While it may be tempting to let pets lounge on the sofa, their fur, dander, and claws can take a toll on upholstery. Removing pet hair from fabric can be difficult as it easily embeds itself into the fibers, and can contribute to allergies and odors.

Regular grooming, such as brushing and nail trimming, can also significantly reduce shedding and the risk of fabric damage. Furthermore, frequent vacuuming of pet hair and favorite areas with a specialized vacuum attachment for pet hair can help keep furniture looking fresh and clean.

It;'s worth nothing quick action is crucial when it comes to spills, too. Those with spotless upholstery know that blotting a spill immediately prevents it from becoming a permanent stain.

Always use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the liquid before applying a mild cleaning solution if needed. According to Taylor, avoid vigorous rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric and cause damage to the fibers.

5. Schedule professional cleaning

Even with the best at-home care, oils, pet dander, and dust mites can accumulate over time. Sometimes, you're better off calling the pros. Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, did this before she sold her old set. She says, 'I genuinely didn't think my light gray sofas could be revived. They'd survived four house moves in terrible winter weather, a year spent in the pandemic lockdown, and a total mess of a newborn feeding phase.

'However, the professional upholstery cleaner we brought in spruced ours up back in just a few hours and left them looking brand new. He also used large fans to help the sofas dry rapidly, leaving zero musty smell. It was seriously worth the small outlay.'

Even if you're not selling your sofas, people with spotless furniture typically schedule a professional upholstery cleaning once or twice a year to maintain the freshness and longevity of their items. This deep-cleaning process helps remove allergens, bacteria, and stubborn stains that routine cleaning may not fully address.

Professional cleaners use specialized equipment and fabric-safe solutions to rejuvenate upholstery, restoring its original appearance and extending its lifespan.

Meet the experts

Taylor Riley

Taylor Riley is a partner at GermSmart Commercial Cleaning in Brooklyn, New York. He has years of hands-on experience in both residential and commercial cleaning.

Angela Rubin

Angela Rubin is the owner of Hellamaid, an award-winning cleaning company in Canada with years of extensive experience in residential cleaning.

By utilizing these simple yet effective habits, you can ensure that your upholstery remains clean, fresh, and inviting. These not only enhance the look of your upholstered furniture but contribute to a healthier indoor environment by reducing allergens and dust buildup.

Taking the time to care for your upholstery extends its lifespan, prevents costly replacements, and keeps your living space comfortable and stylish. With just a little effort and consistency, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting furniture that remains as vibrant and welcoming as the day you bought it.

Next, delve into the habits of highly-organized homeowners.