What Are the Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Velvet and Leather Sofas?

Sofas are the focal point of living rooms, serving the dual purpose of offering comfort and style. Velvet and leather, in particular, are common sofa types known for their classic, timeless looks. However, these two materials also call for proper maintenance. Cleaning leather sofas can be especially difficult. Preserving their beauty and durability while preventing permanent damage needs skill. In this blog, we will be sharing tips on how to clean your leather sofas and velvet couches. So, scroll down to read a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts!

Understanding the Fabric: Velvet vs. Leather

Leather and velvet sofas are very popular. They can add charm and elegance to your living room. However, it is important to understand the difference between the two before choosing which one fits your space the best.

• Leather is a durable and luxurious material and is often easy to wipe clean. It can last for years, even improving with age. 
• Velvet is a delicate woven fabric with an elegant sheen. It is a more challenging fabric to clean, but it is manageable with the correct procedures.
  

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Leather Sofas

Maintaining your leather sofa requires regular care and specific stain treatment. Here are some dos and don’ts to guide you through it.

Dos for Leather Sofas

• Regular Cleaning – Dust the leather sofa regularly with a lightly dampened cloth. Also, vacuum the corners with a soft brush attachment.
• Leather-Specific Products – Use leather cleaning wipes and moisturizers 3-4 times a year to clean, moisturize, and protect the sofa and keep it soft.
• Protect from Stains– If you spilled something on your sofa, clean it immediately. You can also use a leather protector to repel stains
  

Don’ts for Leather Sofas

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals – Do not use regular soaps, waxes, silicones, oils, or detergents with harsh chemicals to clean your leather sofa, as they can damage and dry out leather.
• Avoid Water – Do not use water to clean the sofa, as heavy soaking can cause dryness and spot marks. 
• Keep Away from Heat or Sunlight – Avoid placing your leather sofa near radiators, fireplaces, or in direct sunlight. This can result in drying, cracking, and fading.
• Avoid Rough Scrubbing – Avoid vigorously scrubbing the surface of your leather sofa as it can damage the surface. 

Knowing how to clean a leather sofa effectively ensures its longevity and appeal. Following this list of dos and don’ts will certainly improve the lifespan of your sofa

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Velvet Sofas

Velvet requires gentle care to maintain its plush texture and color. It is a lot more delicate than leather, so here is what to do and what not to.

Dos for Velvet Sofas

• Regular Dust Removal – Use a lint roller or vacuum with a soft brush attachment on the lowest setting to regularly remove dust from your sofa.
• Handle Spills Carefully – For spills like tea or coffee, allow them to dry, then gently rub with a damp cloth, warm soapy water, or a baby wipe. 
• Professional Cleaning – Consider professional steam cleaning or shampooing every 12-18 months, especially to get rid of odors and deep dirt.
  

Don’ts for Velvet Sofas

• Avoid Chemical Cleaners – Chemicals can fade colors and degrade fibers, so do not use them on a velvet sofa.
• Protect from Direct Sunlight – UV rays can dull velvet’s color, so avoid putting your sofa in direct sunlight.
  

When to Call the Professionals

While home cleaning suffices for daily maintenance, professional help is crucial for deep cleaning, stubborn stains, or embedded dirt. Here is why you should get in touch with professionals to clean your sofa. 

• Professionals have specialized equipment and solutions to thoroughly refresh your sofa without damage. 
• They can safely tackle issues that DIY methods might worsen, ensuring your sofa looks its best and lasts longer. 
• Just as you might consider kitchen deep cleaning services for a comprehensive home refresh or a dedicated mattress cleaning service for hygiene, professional sofa cleaning provides a level of care that extends beyond surface tidiness. 
• Additionally, professionals also address pet odors and ingrained grime, which improves the overall life of your sofa.
  

Conclusion

Keeping your velvet or leather sofa in top condition is not always easy. It can get tiring due to regular maintenance. However, following proper care instructions and getting help from professionals can make the process easier and more convenient. At Aquuamarine, we are dedicated to improving the hygiene of your home and have expertise in cleaning velvet and leather sofas. Get in touch with us today to get a quote!