Upholstery cleaning and how to restore the look of a sofa

Name: Christchurch Carpet Cleaning
Address: Christchurch, NZ
Telephone: 021 638 637
Price range: $$

If your couch is looking like it’s seen better days, you may have that sinking feeling that often accompanies a big-ticket expense. Not only is buying a new sofa a significant investment, but it can also feel like an endurance test. How many sofas will you sit on before you find one that is as comfortable? How many swatches of material will you compare before you find one to complement your interior design? Should you replace the chairs too? Once a decision has been made, how many weeks will it take to be delivered?

So rather than falling down the rabbit hole, why not restore your current sofa? As long as the frame is not damaged, it can be more economical, time and sanity saving to take these highly effective steps to improve the look of your sofa.

Step #1 Call your local upholstery cleaners

The term ‘upholstery’ refers to the materials fixed to parts of furniture. These are soft coverings that provide cushioning for added comfort and includes dining chairs, ottomans and foot stools as well as sofas and couches. Just like clothes and carpets need a deep clean, upholstery require regular deep cleaning

Sofas are not just used for sitting. We lie on them, eat and sleep on them, which means they get grubby over time, especially when children and pets are in the home too. From skin particles and animal dander, through to food and drink, dust and dirt, the fabric of upholstery becomes host to a collection of embedded debris that leaves it looking less than its best. Professional sofa cleaners use specialist equipment eco-friendly advanced products to get rid of all kinds of household stains including greasy fingerprints, urine, coffee, red wine and soy sauce.

a person cleaning a blue couch with a vacuum cleaner

Step #2 Fix the couch shape

After numerous Netflix marathons over the years, your sofa maybe suffering from a mid-life sag and drooping cushions – this immediately ages the couch. While the springs may require professional attention, inserting a custom-cut length of plywood on the decking under the cushions is a quick, cheap and easy fix. Cover the board material to prevent friction pilling on the cushions. Similarly, replacing flattened seat cushions dramatically improves the look of the sofa.

Step #3 Use a fabric shaver

If you have ever owned a wool sweater, you will be familiar with pilling. It is those aggravating balls of fluff found under the armpit or around the cuff. Caused by everyday wear and tear, they are a collection of tangled broken threads which clump together – and they can also occur on sofas.

Upholstery made from one type of thread tends to suffer from pilling more than sofas covered in a blend of materials. Although small on stature, once pilling is established it makes a sofa look shabby, quickly. The solution is to use a fabric shaver, just as you would for a sweater – a quick and easy way to restore the look of your sofa.

Professional couch cleaning in Christchurch is an affordable and quick solution to refresh your sofa while simultaneously extending its lifespan. While using hot water extraction, the ingrained particles that damage fabric fibres are eliminated, and the risk of premature wear and tear significantly reduced. It’s the first step in successful sofa restoration.

Christchurch Carpet Cleaning serves Canterbury. We offer carpet cleaning services but also affordable sofa cleaning, too. If you would like us to assess your sofa to see if it is a good candidate for professional upholstery cleaning, drop us a line or call 021 638 637.

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A cat is sitting on a couch next to a stain on the couch.

Unveiling the dirty truth: it’s time to clean your sofa

21 Apr, 2024

If you had to name the dirtiest place in your home, where would you say? The kitchen? The bathroom? These areas of the home are top of the list, but they tend to be diligently cleaned because they are famed as harbourers of bacteria, germs and allergens. However, one place that is often overlooked is upholstered furniture which surprisingly, if left untreated, is equally as likely to cause health problems. Unclean upholstery is a breeding ground for allergy triggers such as dust mites, pollen, and moulds, which cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions in humans and pets. Cleaning upholstery removes these hazardous microbes, creating a healthier indoor environment for your family. While professional upholstery cleaning services deliver the best visual and hygiene results, you can clean your upholstered furniture between professional cleanings. 7 Steps to clean a fabric couch and chairs Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and the fabric care codes before undertaking any upholstery cleaning. It’s crucial the recommended cleaning methods are followed for the specific fabric. Fabric care codes include: · W for water-based cleaning · S for solvent based cleaning · WS for water or solvent-based cleaning · X denotes professional upholstery cleaning only. Note: the steps below should only be followed for upholstery displaying W or WS fabric care codes. If possible, remove the cushion covers. Wash cushion covers on a cold/gentle cycle or handwash (always check manufacturer’s instructions). Paying attention to every nook and crevice and using the attachments, thoroughly vacuum the entire couch. Sprinkle bicarb over the sofa and leave for half an hour before vacuuming the residue. For stubborn stains and grubby ‘high traffic’ areas such as the arms or where the dog sits , you can make a bicarb paste. The bicarb’s mild abrasive nature helps lift stains but also neutralises odours. Make a DIY sofa cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Spritz the upholstery until it is damp taking care not to oversoak or drench. Using a dry, lint-free cloth, wipe the soiled sofa fabric surface and allow to air dry