Maintain inviting upholstery for the perfect entertaining space

Maintaining your upholstery is critical to keeping your home looking fresh and inviting. It's also easier than you think.

• Clean upholstered furniture regularly with the vacuum cleaner; but reduce the suction to avoid damaging the underpadding.
• Beat the dust out of upholstery outdoors to prevent dust from spreading through the room and settling on the furniture.
• Before beating large upholstered furniture, cover it with a damp cloth to catch the dust being released. If you moisten the cloth with vinegar and water, the colours will take on new freshness.
• Moisten furniture's pressure points with a little hot water, cover with white paper and iron dry. Be careful not to burn the points.
• Clean dirty couch cushions every year with a vinegar solution made from one part vinegar and one part water. Apply it with a cloth and then wipe off with tap water.
• Machine-wash or dry-clean removable covers when necesary. Make sure to observe the care directions. Brocade, chintz, velvet, silk and wool tweed must be dry-cleaned.
• After washing cushion covers, iron them from the inside and put them back on the cushions while still damp; they will stretch better and dry without wrinkling.
• Rub soiled spots on wool or linen covers with a soft rubber eraser.
• Clean dark velvet upholstery covers with a brush moistened in cold coffee; then moisten a cloth with tap water and pat the velvet to pick up any excess.
• Clean synthetic covers by dipping a cloth dampened with water and a little baking soda and gently rubbing the cushion with it. Go over it again with a water and soap solution.
• Remove lint and pet hair with a damp sponge or a piece of tape wrapped around your hand with the sticky side out. Do this often so the fur collection doesn't grow out of control.