Harry Murray
We purchased one of these sofas years ago in our first house, and loved it so much we eventually did the same for our family room here. We purchased one of these sofas years ago in our first house, and loved it so much we eventually did the same for our family room here.
Now, keeping it looking pristine was a little easier with our first Radley sofa that was a light gray, (probably because we didn't notice as much) but even I'm a little surprised at how well these lighter ones have held up! One of the reasons I love this sofa is because the cushions are not attached -- so you can move them around and flip them if needed. Keep in mind some sofa fabrics are made of materials that should not be cleaned with water. We had a couch like that years ago and every time liquid would touch the fabric, it would change the color and sheen of it.
If you leave the cushion covers open, the strings from the seams inside will create a tangled mess. Couch cushion covers are much easier to put back on when they are slightly damp and have some give.
Couch cushion covers are easier to put back on when they are slightly damp and have some give. I always take advantage of this deep clean to switch the cushions around -- I flip and rotate them every six months or so, so the wear is distributed.
After washing (and when completely dry), I give the sofa cushions a light application of this Scotchgard protective spray that repels liquids. I've machine washed the covers on many upholstered chairs and sofas over the years, and they've all come out perfectly!
Place the trash bag on the back (zipper) side of the insert first, then pull up: This trick will save you time and makes it so much easier to put the couch covers back on!
Of course a soft cloth and mild fabric cleaner is the easiest way to clean upholstery.
I find those are helpful to touch up the fabric on the actual sofa, like the sides and back (that obviously can't be removed). really difficult stuff: For more stubborn stains I use a basic fabric cleaner like Resolve. I may write an entire blog post about this incredible fabric cleaner...it is THAT GOOD.
Here's a look at a BIG stain that completely disappeared with this Chateau Red Wine Remover: If you choose to go with a light fabric on furniture, make SURE it can be cleaned with water-based solutions.
