Your sofa takes a lot of abuse. Of course, when you first get it you’re very careful not to eat on it, to keep drinks away, and to make sure shoes never touch it. But, time passes, and standards tend to slip. It usually happens after the first mark has appeared on the sofa and it no longer seems as new.
Sofas experience wear and tear but they can be cleaned to help them look and feel like new again. The best approach is to have a professional leather upholstery cleaning specialist clean the sofa at least once a year. Between times you’ll have to vacuum it, dust it, and dry mop it.
You will also need to learn how to handle a sofa emergency. This is when something unforeseen has suddenly happened, such as wine being spilled on the sofa. Knowing how to react and doing so quickly can make the difference between a stain and a sofa that still looks new.
Absorb the spill
When liquids are spilled on a sofa they will try to penetrate the fabric or leather. The deeper they get the harder it is to remove the stain. That’s why the first thing you need to do is absorb the liquid. It’s important to place a cloth on the stain and allow it to soak the spill. If you need to blot you can but be careful not to spread the spill You should never scrub the spill as this will encourage the liquid further into the sofa.
Baking soda
Baking soda is an excellent household item that can be used for a variety of things, including unblocking toilets. If you pour some of this into the spill and leave it, the baking soda will draw out the liquid. After 15-30 minutes, vacuum the sofa and see if the spill has gone or not. If it hasn’t you can repeat the application of baking soda.
Cleaning solution
It’s a good idea to invest in a cleaning solution before you need it, this will ensure it is to hand when needed. You’ll need to verify the material your sofa is made from and any guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
You’ll then be able to choose the most appropriate cleaning solution in your local store and use it on your sofa. Simply follow the instructions.
If you don’t have any cleaning solution handy then the best idea is to use some standard dish soap. As always, test it in an inconspicuous area first and then use it on the spill.
Regular maintenance
An important factor in the success of emergency treatment is how often you clean and maintain your sofa. Ideally, it should be vacuumed at least once a week. This removes dust and debris but makes sure you use a brush that is appropriate for the material your sofa is made from.
It’s also a good idea to wipe your sofa with a cleaning solution and a damp cloth. You’ll want to keep the sofa as dry as possible while ensuring it is clean.
Final words
You can then reinforce the original spill/stain protection and this will help reduce the need for emergency action if an accident happens.
