14 Tips on Fabric Maintenance

1.     Sunlight has the ability to fade colours on fabrics and leather, take care not to position your sofa in the path of the sun.

2.    To guard against deterioration from sunlight, always put on your air conditioner and or pull the curtains to darken the room especially when the fabric is leather, pale linen, silk, chintz, etc.


3.    Do not launder your sofa in parts, vacuum the entire sofa at least twice a week, this will ensure an evenness in appearance. Engage a professional drycleaner especially when not sure of fabric.

4.    Turn the sofa cushions regularly and plum daily to ensure even wear and tear as well as aesthetic appearance.


5.    Vacuum or shake out your curtains occasionally but most especially after the harmattan season to loosen accumulated dust.

6.    Dry-clean your curtains every three to five years and get your interior solution provider to put it up for you again.


7.    The first spots to give way on your sofa are usually the arm and the spots where the head rests. To help protect against this, avoid causing friction in those areas by not letting people sit on the arm of your sofa, and by brushing down the entire sofa with a soft brush the way you would brush you hair to even any recess in the fabric.

8.    Steam-wash your throw pillow fabrics occasionally especially if it is of a delicate nature. Always buy pillow covers that have zips for ease of removal and washing. Air the pillow filling every two weeks.


9.    Do not wash your sofa cushions with soap or detergent as this can cause the fabric to ‘run’ (colour bleed). Wash them in washing machine at 40c or get them professionally cleaned. Always remember to use a fabric conditioner.

10.  Ensure that you dry out your cushion thoroughly in the event of a spill to avoid dampness which may lead to the accumulation of micro-organisms, nasty odour, allergies etc.


11.  When wiping up spills, wet the entire surface evenly, using a soft sponge, allow to dry naturally under mild sun – early morning sunlight.

12.  When dealing with 100% cotton fabrics or linen, (as in throws, bed sets, duvets etc), wash with mild soap using lukewarm water. Avoid causing friction by rubbing vigorously. Do not squeeze and iron on a low heat while slightly damp.


13.  Do not wash dark and light coloured fabrics together. Also wash similar fabrics together always to ensure evenness.

14.  If unsure of what to do in case of a spill, stain, tear etc., call a professional to the rescue. Remember that the higher the quality of fabric used, the easier it is to maintain. Always buy and use very good quality fabric for your furnishing at least you can be guaranteed 5 years’ worth or more of use.


At Rosemary’s we delight in transforming your home and office into a haven even with a limited budget. We also offer consultancy and advisory services on all aspects of interior decoration. Call us today on 08033069199 or 08169308907. #AskRosemarys



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