Maintenance guide for upholstered furniture

We spend a lot of time on our upholstered furniture, so it's no wonder it gets dirty. Here's everything you need to know to maintain your upholstery.

• If the stain is fresh, remove any residue immediately, then blot the moisture with a paper towel or cloth. Always clean stains from the outside towards the inside, to avoid the formation of rings.
• Immediately sprinkle starch onto oil and grease stains. Let it act on the stain, until the grease has been absorbed, and then brush.
• To overcome old grease stains, dab them with ammonia, rubbing alcohol or eau de cologne, and then rub them gently with a damp cloth.
• Remove milk stains by rubbing them with cold water or moisturizing soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a dry cloth.

• Use the vacuum cleaner to clean sofas and armchairs, set on minimum power to avoid damaging the upholstery.
• Shake cushions and other removable parts in the open air, to thoroughly remove the dust.
• Before beating a large piece of furniture (to remove the dust), cover it with damp cloths that will absorb the dust.
• Moisten the covering of an armchair with vinegar water to restore its colours.
• Vinegar water is excellent for furniture which is not too dirty. Use a lint-free cloth soaked in vinegar water, then wipe with a damp cloth.

If you want to prepare a cleaning product for fabrics, you can make one at home:

1. Heat 500ml (2 cups) water and dissolve 25 g (1 oz) soap flakes in the water
2. Let cool, and add 100 g (3 1/2 oz) glycerin and 100 ml (1/2 cup) alcohol, mix, and then keep in a container
3. Mix 15 ml (1 tbsp.) of this solution in a bit of water, beat with a whisk, and then apply with a sponge.

• Follow the care instructions - brocade, chintz, silk and tweed covers are usually dry clean only. The others can go into the washing machine.
• After they are washed, iron the covers on the reverse side, and then put them back on the cushions while still slightly damp. Once they are well-taut, they will dry without wrinkling.

• Remove stains on cotton or linen with a soft eraser.
• Dark velvet can be washed with a brush moistened with cold coffee.
• To clean corduroy, use a sorrel decoction: let the sorrel 60 g (4 tbsp.) infuse in 1 L(4 cups) boiling water for 10 minutes before filtering.

Leather sofas and armchairs can last for many years. Well maintained, they will remain in excellent condition.

• Washable leather can be cleaned with soapy water 15 g (1 tbsp.) black soap for 1 L (4 cups) water. Allow the leather to dry completely before shining it.
• Once or twice a year, brush dark leather with castor oil, to nourish it.
• Light-coloured leather can be cared for with a petroleum jelly. Let it penetrate for an hour, then wipe with a soft cloth.
• To smooth cushions that have become rough, use a mixture of beaten egg white and linseed oil.
• For leather that is quite old, use a nourishing grease and let it penetrate for 24 hours. Wipe it carefully and avoid staining your clothing.

• Immediately sprinkle grease stains with talcum powder: the powder will absorb the grease. Then brush the leather.
• To remove stains from suede leather or full-grain leather, rub it with sand paper or an eraser. Do not rub vigorously or for a long time as you'll risk damaging your furniture.
• Let the water strains dry and then brush.

• Use a damp cloth and soap for water soluble stains. Rinse with warm water and dry.
• In case of stubborn stains, lather in saddlery soap, and then spread it on the stain using a sponge, in circles. Let the product act. Rinse with water, wipe and let dry, then apply saddlery grease.
• The traces of old grease can be removed with talc. Start by warming the stain with a hair dryer, then sprinkle it with talcum powder. Let act for several hours before brushing.
• Ballpoint pen marks usually disappear with a little milk. Spots of ink with water. If that is not enough, scrub delicately with a little turpentine.

Our furniture is a staple in each room of our home. Be sure to keep yours in great condition with these tips.