Your sofa is a central element in the living room, providing style and comfort, but it’s well-known how expensive it can be, which is why every homeowner’s goal is to extend its lifespan as much as possible.
A lot of different factors can limit its lifespan, such as pets, kids and daily wear and tear, and one of the main things to keep in mind when selecting the right sofa is your lifestyle. While you may be dreaming of a specific type of sofa, it’s always best to lead with practicality, then aesthetics. Let’s say you have a dog; in this case, you should prioritise finding a sofa with the best material for dogs.
If your living room is a lively place where you and your family spend a lot of the time, it’s imperative to choose a durable sofa, with materials that can take a beating while preserving their brand-new look. Ultimately, it’s all about finding a sweet spot between durability and aesthetics.
The good news is that with some simple considerations, you can ensure your sofa will stay fresh and comfortable for many years. Want to learn more? Keep reading!
Extend The Life of Your Sofa With These 4 Tips
Choose high-quality fabric
The sofa fabric is just as important (if not more important) than the choice of shape, size, and cushion, so putting some thought into it is essential.
There are different fabrics to choose from, including cotton, velvet, linen, microfiber, and leather, to name a few, and all of them have unique characteristics and downsides. For instance, cotton is durable but not resistant to all elements, such as excessive moisture, while microfiber can withstand frequent washing and preserve its shape and colour for many years.
Obviously, you want to make sure that the fabric is high-quality, as this will ensure you will enjoy your sofa for as long as possible.
Leather is an excellent fabric choice, as it is durable and sophisticated and works in nearly all home styles, whether you prefer an ultra-modern design or an old-school traditional.
Keep the sofa away from direct sunlight
Since sofas are a focal point in the living room, they require thoughtful consideration when it comes to their exposure to sunlight.
To prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration, it’s essential to ensure that your sofa is shielded from sunlight, and to this end, you can install blinds or curtains, which will be helpful, especially during peak sunlight hours.
Another idea is to use UV-blocking films, designed especially to filter out harmful UV rays while also enabling natural light to filter in – think of it as having an invisible shield for your windows. You can also rotate the position of the sofa regularly to distribute the impact of the sun evenly and clean it and condition the fabrics to ensure resilience and integrity.
Arranging your sofa strategically and using these simple light-blocking tips will help you maintain its durability and aesthetic appeal in the long run.
Clean the sofa regularly
It’s no secret that germs and dirt can build up on your sofa if you don’t take proper care of it, but luckily, regular cleaning and maintenance will help you maintain its hygiene and beauty.
First and foremost, regular vacuuming is very effective and simple, and it helps remove dust, dirt, and debris from the sofa’s surface and crevices. Moreover, removing stains effectively is important as well, and you can do so by using a specialized cleaner or mild detergent when blotting the stains with a paper towel or clean cloth. If you’re wondering how often you should clean your sofa, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Suppose you’re the type of person who prefers to vacuum once a week; that would be enough when it comes to the sofa (but just as long as you don’t have pets).
On the other hand, if you have pets, kids, or someone in the home who suffers from allergies, cleaning the sofa more often will be necessary. Also, consider deep cleaning your sofa every six months by either using a steam cleaner or hiring an expert upholstery cleaning service. This will help you remove odours, allergens, and deep-seated dirt, ensuring the sofa is fresh and brand new.
Pet-proof the sofa
Having pets is undoubtedly a great joy, but it can also pose challenges when it comes to furniture maintenance – particularly your sofa. Thankfully, there are some ways you can prevent pet-related damage, keeping your home pet-friendly and stylish alike.
First, it’s important to remember that pets, no matter how well-behaved, will leave fur behind – and if someone in the family has allergies, this can pose a problem. You can minimize the amount of allergens and pet hair on the sofa by regularly grooming your pet and using an air purifier to eliminate pet dander from the air. One of the most cost-effective ways to protect your sofa from the damage pets could cause is to leverage sofa covers.
Given their disposal and washability, you can ensure the cleanliness of your sofa, besides avoiding stains, hair, and odour. Last but not least, consider training your pets to avoid sitting on the sofa – this can be a great tip if you want to keep it in tip-top condition.
To this end, consider creating a designated pet area(if your furry friend has a comfortable sleeping spot, it won’t likely want to climb onto the sofa anymore), so make the place as cozy as possible by adding toys, treats, and blankets. Consider also using positive reinforcement and giving your furry friend high praise whenever it doesn’t sit on the sofa, as this will help it maintain appropriate actions.
The bottom line
A little does go a long way when it comes to extending your sofa’s lifespan.
Regular cleaning, pet-proofing, thoughtful positioning, and choosing the right fabric will ensure your sofa remains comfortable and looks good for as long as possible. So, will you commit to taking proper care of your sofa?
