Care Guide
Best Practices to Clean & Care For Your Couch
We know that living an active lifestyle requires a lot of furniture, and we want you to have your pick. Our collections are designed with high-quality materials so everything in the house will stand up against wear from children or pets alike!
When it comes to cleaning your sofa, we have you covered. This is a helpful guide to keep in your back pocket. Feel free to bookmark it on your phone or print it out. If you have any questions (i.e., is this safe to wash? what cleaners do I use? can I vacuum?) send us a message!
General Care Tips
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Avoid chemicals
Chemicals can be a great way to keep your bathroom and kitchen appliances clean, but they’re not always the best choice for cleaning furniture- chemical cleaners may react poorly with natural fibers or materials.
The sunny spot — best left to your pets
A few hours in the sun will turn any room into a cheerful place, but be careful of some risks if you can't avoid it as most furniture items are prone to fading and damage with direct UV rays exposure.
Flip it and reverse it
For furniture with zipper-removable cushions, it’s important to flip them frequently. While flipping a cushion doesn't make the stain go away (we've tested this extensively), they do help even out wear and tear on your favorite seat!
Connecting Modular Couches
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Pre-Treatment
Even if your couch is covered in a material specifically designed to resist stains, it can still get dirty. To keep up with the wear and tear of life as well as to prolong its lifetime, you should pretreat it with an upholstery protector before soiling happens!
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Scotchgard is the best product for protecting furniture surfaces against spills.There's a clear reason this is the industry leading protector brand. Professional upholsterer and carpet cleaners rant and rave about this product.
- Tested for over 50 years
- Protects against spills and stains!
- Safe to use on delicate fabrics like silk, wool
- Great for protecting furniture, upholstery, carpeting
Looking to protect your couch from spills? Accidents happens to everyone. Whether it's a bowl of popcorn for movie night or a glass of wine. Stains are preventable.
We recommend protective coatings, i.e., latex paint, every year for your best protection. Try and spray generously and evenly over the fabric. Try to keep your distance from the fabric and avoid oversaturation.
It's easy to apply protector. Stand back, shake the can, spray lightly. Hold your ScotchGard six inches or more away from the fabric. Move fluidly and avoid sudden movements. Don't overspray. Over-spraying causes damage if applied in excess and may not be covered under our Haus Warranty.
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If you're looking for the perfect couch, it's important to keep up with your cleaning. Look into getting regular professional cleanings at least once per year even if they were applied protectant before leaving home! This will help ensure its cleanliness and make sure it looks newer longer.
When it comes to preserving the beauty of your sofa, protectors are key! It prevents everyday stains from becoming permanent discolouration.
When the late night snacks get messy
When you have that "Oh sh*t" moment
When you "accidently" spill your wine
When your pets take over the ottoman
...these messes sit on the surface of the fabric
Stain Protectors will help keep your sofa looking in good shape for years of enjoyment!
There is this YouTuber we watch, her name is Melissa Maker. She's remarkable! She wrote two amazing books all about cleaning your house. She swears by the Vectra Geen Label Stain Protector. So, we tested it. It works! But... it doesn't just "work" it's also free of major toxins and carcinogens. It keeps your furniture green and clean!
- Silicone-free
- Fluorocarbon-free
- Safe for microsuede
Upholstery
It's modular for a reason. So switch it up! Looking to keep your sofa as "fresh" as it looked on day one? We recommend rotating and flipping your cushions and pillows every week. Another great weekly tip is to vacuum your sofa. Most vacuums include an attachment to pick up dirt and small particles that build up over time.
We always recommend getting your upholstery professionally cleaned annually. This depends on how often you enjoy your sofa. Try searching for your local service or ask our team for a recommendation.
Ink is not your friend. Those pesky pens, the morning newspaper, or your fresh pair of blue jeans. If you're looking to protect your latest living room addition, we'd recommend finding a better surface that isn't likely to be affected.
It's always great to read the label. If you're unsure about what do with your sofa, don't take the rusk. Just ask! If you have any household chemical or products under your sink, exercise caution and avoid spraying near things that may be affected by chemicals (i.e., your wood coffee table or cashmere jacket).
Just a friendly reminder, your fabrics and leather may fade due to sunlight. It's inevitable. But... there are things you can do prolong your sofa's life and colour. We recommend avoiding direct sunlight when your place your couch or set-up your living room. We would hate to see your couch get damaged!
If you can, avoid non-commercial products like:
- scented fabric fresheners
- odour neutralizers
- stain protectants
Stick to commercial-grade protectants
Spills & Spot Cleaning
We'll be the first to admit, spot-cleaning can be a difficult task. Fading and stain may occur if not performed correctly. Our #1 piece of advice is to hire professional upholstery cleaners. They will get the job done. They guarantee it. If you are comfortable and decide to spot clean yourself - reference this guide and do your research to see what products are safe to use with your upholstery fabric.
PRO TIP: ALWAYS BLOT SPILLS.
If you spill something, don't panic. If you followed the steps above you are protected. Ensure you blot immediately. DO NOT rub the liquid into the fabric. This may cause rings and discolouration. This has shown to wear down the fibers faster and often ruins the aesthetics.
If you have a bouclé or pilled fabric, we recommend brushing to bring your furniture back to life!
Cleaning codes are your best friend. Always apply generously and test out a spray or two in a hidden area, like behind the couch or the spot in-between where your modules connect.
Standard Cleaning Codes
When it comes to couch cleaning, there's an industry-standard. Cleaning codes specify that a fabric type should be cleaned using one particular method. You can ask a HAUS associate on how to clean it or refer back to your invoice for instructions (if available):
- O: Spot clean in cold water using biodegradable detergent or eco-friendly soap; air dry. Organic dry cleaning is also recommended.
- W: Spot clean using distilled water and water-based cleaning agents or foam only.
- S: Spot clean with mild, water-free cleaning solvents only. Do not use water or dry clean.
- SW: Spot clean using distilled water and water-based cleaning agents, foam or mild water-free cleaning solvents.
- X: Vacuum or lightly brush to remove overall soil. Never use water, foam or liquid cleaning agents.
Note: For pre-washed fabrics upholstered onto the frame, follow the S cleaning code.
Slipcovers
Make sure to vacuum or brush your furniture at least once a month in order prevent dirt from settling on it. Rotate cushions regularly, and avoid direct sunlight that can cause fabric to fade unevenly over time!Immediately blot spills with a clean white cloth.
Reversing and rotating your seat every so often will be the key to achieving maximum comfort.
Dry Clean-Only Slipcovers
A good upholstery cleaner will make your sofa look like new again.
After you've spent all this money on furniture, it would be a shame to ruin them with inexperienced cleaners who don't know what they're doing! It is recommended that people use either dry-cleaning or professional cleaning services for best results.
For a fresh new look, always dry clean the entire slipcover for uniform results. Close all zippers prior to cleaning – just like clothing some fading is expected (over-time) but this will not reduce its quality or beauty!
Machine-Washable Slipcovers
One way to get the most out of your slipcovers is by using a washing machine. Make sure you close all zippers before washing and divide up into practicable loads if possible!
Wash in cold water with mild detergent.
Tumble dry on low until slightly damp; remove promptly to reduce wrinkling.
You should not line dry a slipcover because it may stretch the fabric.
Put the slipcover back on the seat cushion when damp to avoid shrinkage.
As with clothing, some fading is to be expected.
Depilling
You know your favorite sweater? Yeah, the one that has tiny balls of thread and fibres all over it. Well, you can experience something similar on a couch too! It's called pilling. Pills form when there is repeated friction against an object such as fabric or upholstery in furniture like sofas - they are made from little bits of loose threads and fibre pulled out by the time-consuming process we lovingly refer to as “piling” (or more commonly known as rubbing).
Although this occurrence isn't just limited to old couches with poor quality material; even high end fabrics have been observed pausing at pill formation after months of use due to wear and tear caused through repetitive motion experienced during
The Martindale Test is an internationally recognized way to measure the durability of fabric. This test involves robotic discs that move abrasive materials against upholstery until it shows signs of distress, and then records how many oscillations have been made before this happens so they can quantify the level at which said material will break down over time.
Look for couches with a Martindale rub-test of 25,000 rubs or more. To put that into perspective, HAUS sofas are typically Martindale tested to withstand up to 100,000 rubs. Go us.
Nobody wants to look at a worn-out sofa, so it's time for your first date with the salon.
The first thing you’ll need in order to remove pilling on your sofa? A depiller. This is a common item you can get for around $14 at most big box, sewing, or craft supply stores (New York Magazine shares their favorite model here.)
Start by pulling the fabric taut to ensure there are no wrinkles. If you’ve ever tried shaving a curved area like around your ankle, chin, or cat’s armpit, this step will make a lot of sense to you. Once you’ve done this, use scissors to cut off any longer loose threads. Take your depiller and run it over the surface of your sofa in light, circular motions. We don’t want any nicks, so make sure the depiller is barely touching the fabric. While your first depilling session might be a bit longer, regular trims will reduce the time needed for any future maintenance.
Now that you’re done, all that’s left to do is run your hands over your newly soft and smooth couch.
To sum it up:
- Vacuum every two weeks
- Fluff pillows and cushions
- Use a depiller on a regular basis
Spot Cleaning Your Fabric Couch
What’s the first thing you need to do when cleaning your favorite sofa? Check out the manufacturer's recommendations! They know what is best for that specific fabric, so make sure to always follow their care guide. For example, they'll instruct never, everusing water or a suds-based method on viscose fabrics because it can cause damage and weakening due to over-cleaning.
Most stains can be completely removed if you follow these steps: first, grab a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel. Wipe away any liquid that may have been spilled on your fabric (whether it is pizza grease or wine). It’s important to not rub the stain as this will only make it go deeper into the material and cause more permanent damage! Leave the wet piece of clothing until most of its original color returns before washing again.
Next, mix a drop or two of dishwashing liquid with water in a lidded mason jar. This can be done without making even more mess if you shake the mixture until bubbles form and it becomes foamy.
Soak a clean and damp cloth in the suds of this mixture. Gently blot on stain, making sure not to saturate fabric.
When you're finished cleaning the stain, there's a couple of ways to dry off your fabric. If it can air-dry then all that is left for you do is wait as each individual fiber dries on its own and brings moisture away from other fibers in contact with them. But if this isn't an option because of time constraints or some other factor, use your blow-dryer on low heat and power settings to speed up drying times without sacrificing quality.
Is your upholstery stained and in need of a deep clean? The pros know best, so call them instead!
How To Clean Fabric Furniture
This is a two-pronged effort. Vacuuming will clean the fabric pieces in your house, but vacuums need to be cleaned too! Make sure that all of the bristles on any vacuum head have been wiped down and are free from dirt or grit particles; make sure you wipe out an empty canister so it's ready for new dust and debris when needed. You may not want to get super intense about scrubbing every piece of your vacuum cleaner if possible, since this just might wear them out faster than usual - take care with those tools though by making certain they're as clean as possible because what goes around comes around: If these cleaning supplies aren't kept up then eventually everything else won't either which means more work
Vacuum attachments are made for fabric upholstered furniture. Literally. The attachment specifically is the small rectangular piece with soft bristles around the suction area and can be used to give your fabrics a once-over, paying special attention to seams, crevices, and any tufts that might need some extra help from lint rollers (couch pet hair cough).
There are a few different ways to clean up spills on your fabric furniture. For example, when you see that dollop of dip or splash of red wine hit the fabric, absorb it with an absorbing cloth or paper towel and leave in place until all liquid is absorbed. Remember - scrubbing will push them deeper into fibres so do not use any solvents like detergent!
After, air dry or use a blow dryer on low setting to dry out. You’ll be surprised at how effective this simple measure can be.
Air dry or use a blowdryer on low setting to dry your cushion out. This measure may seem simple, but surprisingly is effective in removing the excess water from wet hair!
When you spill something on your furniture, do not panic. The first thing to try is a gentle blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel and some mild dishwashing detergent mixed in water (this will work best if the stain was caused by an oily substance). If this does not remove it after five minutes of effort, get out the vacuum cleaner for more serious stains — but again be sure to avoid excessive rubbing as this can cause additional damage. Finally, contact professional stained-furniture cleaners when faced with major accidents like soiling from food spills or other liquids.
Weaves or upholstery that fall under this category include:
- New Zealand wool
- Wool
- Viscose
- Cotton
- Merino felt
- Blends of the above
How To Clean Velvet Furniture
Velvet's pile is so deep and rich, it can be hard to see all of its different shades. That means that the slightest speck could get lost in a sea of plush fibers. To keep your velvet looking pristine for years on end, vacuum regularly with the fabric attachment! Even if you're just doing quick weekly vacuuming sessions with short strokes over every inch or two-- feel free to experiment by finding what works best for whatever type of furniture you have- this will help remove any dirt particles and grit from getting stuck before they do their damage.
Crush marks are a common problem for velvet pieces but there is no need to worry because they can easily be removed. If you notice them as silvery lines running through your sofa pile, don't fret - all it takes is some elbow grease and patience!
A couch made of luxurious velvety fabric will last much longer if proper care instructions are followed since these materials face the added challenge in their lifespan from "crush" damage due to being packaged or sitting on heavily stacked items such as an overly long movie marathon
The secret to velvet furniture is that the pile or texture of fabric has been crushed and mussed. With a little steaming, you can undo this effect with some gentle pressure from your steam cleaner while lifting up on the velvet pile by hand as well. For best results, lift in an opposite direction than where it originally lay so any creases are released into more relaxed folds rather than deep wrinkles.
The first thing you should do if there's a spill is to clean it up as soon as possible. Avoid scrubbing because this may cause the stain to set in and get worse over time, but once absorbed leave the area alone until dry before assessing your next step. If using dish soap or water doesn't work for small stains try calling a professional local fryer who can handle larger accidents with more confidence than anyone else around here!
For spills - again with "time is of the essence" thing; while fabric shares some generalities (make sure not to soak it too long) its unique nature warrants special attention when spilled on – avoid rubbing at all costs, instead allowing any liquid left behind from cleaning that spot evaporate fully prior continuing
Weaves or upholstery that fall under this category include:
- Cotton velvet
- Tufted velvet
How To Clean Leather Furniture
In the world of upholstered furniture, leather is king. HAUS uses full and semi-aniline leather in their products across all styles. Full aniline retains its natural markings like bug bites or scratches while a thin layer of wax helps to create uniform coloring with semi-aniline as well as hides any flaws better than other types of animal skin for those who are particular about these things. Ultimate furniture cleaning guide tip number one: know thy fabric!
Aniline is the process a hide goes through after it has been tanned. Our two different types of aniline are full-aniline and semi-aniline, giving you options to choose from depending on your liking!
We love full aniline leather because it’s especially forgiving. General wear shows up on the couch, but quickly gets in step with the overall look and blends right in. Cleaning both full aniline and semi aniline leather furniture is the same, and it’s simple. Once a week grab a clean, damp cloth and use it to wipe or buff away noticeable stains. Use a brush vacuum-attachment to clear up debris and crumbs from tufts, seams, and corners. Doing this regularly keeps debris from caking into hard-to-reach areas.
Your leather sofa could look brand new with a little maintenance. To keep it looking its best, give it a regular wipe-down using Otterwax'sLeather Salve and Oil for hydration and shine. Apply once you've received your couch, then again every six months to maintain the freshness of that beautiful smell!
If you spill something on your leather couch, cover the offending spill with a soft, dry cloth to soak up excess moisture. Take special care not to rub the stain! We get it: you’re nervous about your couch, and scrubbing seems like a good way to get your stain out. In fact, it simply encourages the stain to sink in further and set. Walk away. Once the initial spill is soaked up, gently clean the area by wiping with a damp cloth. From there, you can assess what further action is necessary. You may be pleased to see that the stain is gone. If it’s left a noticeable mark, consult a leather specialist or your local dry cleaner.
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