How to Keep Your Fabric Sofa Looking New: Care Tips & Long-Term Protection

A fabric sofa adds comfort, warmth, and style to any home—but unlike leather, it can be more susceptible to everyday wear, spills, and stains. That doesn’t mean you have to live in fear of kids, pets, or wine nights on the lounge. With a few simple habits and the right protection in place, you can keep your fabric lounge looking fresh, clean, and inviting for years to come.

At Our Furniture Warehouse, we offer premium-quality fabric sofas and lounges designed to last—and we back them with expert advice and services to help you maintain their condition. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips for sofa care, explain the benefits of fabric protection, and introduce our in-house protection service that comes with a 5-year warranty against stains.

1. Start with Regular, Light Maintenance

Your fabric sofa doesn't need constant cleaning, but a little routine attention goes a long way.

✔️ Vacuum Weekly

Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to gently remove crumbs, dust, and pet hair from your sofa’s surface and crevices. Regular vacuuming prevents buildup that can wear down the fibres and dull the fabric’s appearance over time.

✔️ Rotate Cushions

If your sofa has loose seat or back cushions, rotate and flip them weekly to help them wear evenly. This avoids the dreaded “saggy spot” where everyone tends to sit and keeps the sofa’s shape consistent.

✔️ Brush Off Surface Debris

For quick clean-ups in between vacuums, use a lint roller or soft-bristle brush to remove hair and light debris. This helps maintain a polished, well-kept look even on busy days.

2. Treat Spills Quickly (But Carefully)

Life happens—and sometimes, that means coffee, red wine, or juice ends up on your sofa. The key is to act quickly and gently.

✔️ Blot, Don’t Rub

Use a clean, dry cloth to gently blot (not scrub) the spill. Rubbing can push the liquid deeper into the fabric and cause more damage.

✔️ Use Mild Solutions

For stubborn spots, mix a small amount of dishwashing liquid with warm water and dab the stain using a soft cloth. Always test in a hidden area first to check for colorfastness.

✔️ Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Avoid bleach or solvent-based cleaners unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer, as they may damage the upholstery or strip its protective layer.

💡 Tip: Always refer to your sofa’s care label for cleaning codes (W, S, WS, or X) to ensure you're using the right products and methods.

3. Protect Against Sunlight and Wear

✔️ Keep Away from Direct Sunlight

Exposure to direct sunlight can cause fabric to fade or weaken over time. If your sofa sits near a sunny window, consider sheer curtains or blinds to soften the UV rays.

✔️ Avoid Overexposure to Heat Sources

Prolonged exposure to heaters or fireplaces can also damage fabric fibres. Keep your lounge at a safe distance to preserve its structure and colour.

✔️ Use Throws for High-Traffic Areas

Stylish throws or blankets can not only add a design element but also protect high-use areas of your sofa from body oils, pet fur, and wear.

4. Invest in Fabric Protection for Peace of Mind

Even with careful use, the best way to safeguard your fabric lounge is with a professional-grade fabric protection treatment. This invisible barrier helps repel stains, moisture, and dirt, giving you more time to respond to life’s little accidents.

Why Fabric Protection Matters:

✔️ Prevents permanent staining
✔️ Makes cleaning easier and more effective
✔️ Helps extend the life of the fabric
✔️ Maintains the sofa’s appearance over time

Unlike DIY sprays from the hardware store, professional fabric protection is evenly applied, non-toxic, and bonded to the fibres for longer-lasting coverage.

5. Our In-House Fabric Protection Service

At Our Furniture Warehouse, we understand that buying a premium fabric sofa is a big investment—and we want you to enjoy it without worry. That’s why we offer an in-house fabric protection service for every fabric lounge or chair you purchase.

✔️ Applied by Trained Professionals

We apply the fabric protection during our pre-delivery process to ensure even coverage and total protection.

✔️ Invisible, Odourless, Non-Toxic

You won’t notice it’s there—but it will be working hard to repel stains and spills, so they sit on the surface instead of soaking in.

✔️ 5-Year Warranty Against Any Stain

If you experience a stain and can’t remove it, you’re covered for five years. We’ll professionally clean it or even replace the affected part if necessary. That’s true peace of mind.

💬 Customer Tip: Many of our customers with kids or pets find the fabric protection service well worth the peace of mind, especially when paired with a lighter fabric tone.

 6. Style Your Sofa for Everyday Living

Keeping your sofa looking new isn’t just about care and maintenance—it’s also about how you style and use it every day. Incorporating soft furnishings and thoughtful accessories not only adds comfort and character but also provides a practical way to protect high-use areas.

✔️ Use Throws or Sofa Covers – A stylish throw blanket over the arm or backrest can help protect against friction and body oils while giving your space a seasonal refresh.
✔️ Add Decorative Cushions – Rotate or switch out scatter cushions to change the look without replacing the whole sofa. They also reduce wear on fixed cushions underneath.
✔️ Coordinate with Your Room Décor – Choose cushions and accessories in tones that complement your rug, artwork, or timber furniture, giving your space a cohesive and intentional look.

💡 Design Tip: Layer textures like linen, wool, or velvet for a luxurious feel, and select colours that reflect your personality while working with the overall tone of your room.

7. Choose the Right Fabric in the First Place

If you’re still deciding on your new lounge, take time to think about the fabric type that best suits your lifestyle:

• Tightly woven fabrics like polyester blends or olefin offer excellent durability and stain resistance.

• Linen and cotton feel soft and breathable but may require more careful maintenance.

• Velvet or chenille provide a luxurious look but benefit greatly from professional protection to stay pristine.

💡 Best Tip of All: Ask about fabric protection at the point of purchase so your sofa is protected from day one.

 Keep Your Fabric Sofa Beautiful for Years to Come

Caring for your fabric lounge doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. With a few regular habits, smart positioning, and the right protection, your sofa can stay looking just as good as the day you brought it home.

At Our Furniture Warehouse, we don’t just offer beautiful furniture—we offer long-term value, expert support, and services that help you get the most out of your purchase.

🛋️ Ask our team about our fabric protection service today and enjoy a 5-year warranty against any stain, professionally applied in-house before delivery.