Looking after your sofa

A little regular care can help keep your sofa looking good and feeling comfortable for years to come.

Different fabrics and upholstery materials can have different care requirements, so always check any care label or manufacturer instructions supplied with your sofa before cleaning.

Vacuum regularly

Dust, crumbs and everyday dirt can work their way into the fabric over time.

Use a soft upholstery attachment to gently vacuum your sofa, including the seats, backs and areas underneath removable cushions.

Avoid using excessive pressure, particularly on delicate fabrics.

Plump and rotate cushions

If your sofa has loose cushions, regularly plump them up to help maintain their shape.

Where cushions are reversible, rotating and turning them periodically can help spread everyday wear more evenly.

Fixed cushions should also be gently straightened and reshaped as part of your normal routine.

Deal with spills quickly

Accidents happen. If something is spilled on your sofa, deal with it as soon as possible.

Gently blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth rather than rubbing it. Rubbing can push the liquid further into the fabric and may damage the surface.

Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before using any cleaning product.

Keep your sofa away from excessive heat and sunlight

Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause some fabrics and materials to fade.

Where possible, position your sofa away from direct sunlight and avoid placing it directly against radiators or other strong heat sources.

Take care with pets

Pets can cause additional wear to upholstery through claws, hair and general use.

Regular vacuuming can help keep pet hair under control, while keeping claws trimmed can help reduce the risk of accidental damage.

Be careful with cleaning products - Never use a cleaning product simply because it is described as suitable for upholstery.

Different fabrics can react differently to cleaning products. If you need to use a specialist cleaner, check that it is suitable for your particular upholstery and test it on an inconspicuous area first.

Your sofa will settle

New upholstery can feel different from the sofa you tried in the showroom. With regular use, cushions and fillings naturally settle and soften. This is normal and is part of the way upholstered furniture develops its character over time.

Need advice?

If you're unsure about caring for your sofa, check the care information supplied with your furniture or speak to our team at Readers before attempting any cleaning or treatment.

Looking after your wooden furniture

Wood is a natural material, so every piece of wooden furniture has its own character. Natural variations in colour, grain and texture are part of what makes real wood unique.

With a little care, your furniture can continue to look beautiful for many years.

Dust regularly

Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from your furniture.

Avoid abrasive cloths or anything that could scratch the surface.

Wipe up spills promptly

Water, drinks and other liquids should not be left sitting on wooden surfaces.

Wipe spills up promptly with a clean, slightly damp cloth and then dry the area.

Particular care should be taken with hot drinks, alcohol and strongly coloured liquids, which can mark some finishes.

Protect the surface

Use coasters, placemats and table mats where appropriate to protect surfaces from heat, moisture and everyday marks.

Avoid placing very hot items directly onto wooden furniture.

Avoid excessive heat and sunlight

Wood responds naturally to changes in temperature and humidity.

Avoid positioning furniture directly next to radiators, fires or other strong sources of heat.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can also alter the colour of some woods and finishes.

Allow the wood to breathe

Try to maintain a reasonably consistent environment in your home.

Wood naturally responds to changes in humidity and temperature and may expand or contract slightly. This is normal with solid and natural wood furniture.

Be careful when moving furniture

Never drag larger pieces of furniture across the floor.

Where possible, lift furniture when moving it, or use appropriate furniture-moving equipment. Dragging can damage both the furniture and your flooring.

Cleaning products

Don't use household sprays, furniture polish or cleaning products unless you know they are suitable for the particular finish on your furniture.

If you're unsure, a soft cloth slightly dampened with water is usually the safest starting point.

Always follow any specific care instructions supplied with your furniture.

Natural wood will change over time

One of the attractions of real wood furniture is that it develops over time.

Changes in colour and small variations in the appearance of the wood are natural and should not necessarily be regarded as faults.

With proper care, your wooden furniture can remain part of your home for many years.

Looking after your mattress

A good mattress is an investment, and a few simple habits can help keep it comfortable, clean and in good condition.

Give your mattress time to settle

A new mattress can feel different from the one you tried in the showroom.

Give yourself time to adjust to the new feel and allow the mattress to settle naturally.

Rotate your mattress

Unless your mattress is specifically designed to be used in one direction only, rotating it regularly can help distribute wear more evenly.

Turn the mattress from head to foot according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Some mattresses are designed to be single-sided and should not be turned over, so always check the care instructions supplied with your mattress.

Use a mattress protector

A good-quality mattress protector can help protect against everyday spills, perspiration and general wear.

It can also make keeping your mattress fresh and clean considerably easier.

Keep it clean

Vacuum your mattress occasionally using a suitable upholstery attachment.

Avoid soaking the mattress or using cleaning products unless they are specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

Let your mattress breathe

When changing your bed linen, allow the mattress to air for a short while before putting fresh bedding on.

Avoid making the bed immediately if the mattress or bedding is damp.

Don't bend or fold it unless instructed

Some mattresses can be rolled or compressed for delivery, while others cannot.

Never bend, fold or move a mattress in a way that isn't recommended by the manufacturer.

Give it time

Your body may take a little while to get used to a new mattress, particularly if you've changed firmness or mattress type.

Allow yourself time to adjust before deciding whether the mattress feels right for you.

When should you replace a mattress?

There isn't one fixed replacement date that applies to every mattress.

How long a mattress lasts depends on its construction, quality, usage and how well it has been cared for.

Signs that it may be time for a replacement include visible sagging, loss of support, damaged springs or simply finding that you are no longer comfortable.

If you're unsure, our team at Readers can help you compare different mattress types and comfort levels.