Sofa beds have always been a popular choice for guest rooms. However, recently, we’ve been noticing an increasing trend of people using this style of sofa in place of a bed in their homes. There’s a good reason for this shift! These pieces of furniture are practical, comfortable, and space-saving, and, not least, they come in a wide range of beautiful and high-quality models. As upholstery care specialists, we see a good deal of sleeper sofas in our work. But as we encounter sofa beds more frequently, it becomes evident that people often overlook the fact that this type of furniture requires different maintenance compared to a conventional sofa. Here are some expert tips for cleaning and caring for your sofa bed, ensuring it looks great and stays comfortable for years to come.

Read also: How to Properly Care For a Fabric Sofa

Sofa beds have two very different uses that lead to different issues with their maintenance. Image by Freepik

Understanding the Unique Maintenance Needs of a Sofa Bed

People opt for this type of sofa for various reasons – some live in compact spaces, others prefer having a functional guest room, and a few even consider Airbnb-ing their spare room. Regardless of the reason, a sofa in these scenarios serves a dual purpose: seating for relaxation and a bed. This dual role poses several challenges, including wear and staining. Besides the susceptibility to spills and stains, sofa beds are exposed to the same dirt and grime that mattresses endure. Prolonged use can lead to fabric wear, cushion deformation, and more. So, how can we tackle these issues? Read on to find out.

Check also: 5 Upholstery Cleaning Hacks to Keep Your Sofa As New

Vacuuming your sofa bed prolongs the life of the upholstery. Image by senivpetro

Keeping Your Sofa Bed Clean and Fresh

Regular vacuuming of your sofa bed is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. Soft furnishings tend to accumulate dust, dirt, pet hair, and debris, which can lead to various problems if left unchecked. These particles not only spoil the sofa’s appearance but can also harbour allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, potentially causing allergies or respiratory issues. Frequent vacuuming helps prevent premature wear and tear, preserving the fabric and cushions and ultimately extending the lifespan of your sofa bed. By making regular vacuuming a part of your sofa bed cleaning routine, you ensure a cleaner, more inviting, and longer-lasting piece of furniture in your home.

Read also: How to Keep Your Upholstery Stain and Odour-Free

A waterproof mattress protector is a game changer in preventing stains on your sleeper sofa.

Preventing Stains During Sleep

When it comes to mattress cleaning, the most common stains we encounter are from sweat, blood, greasy sebum stains, and, in some cases, urine. This is perfectly normal, as each of us produces these bodily fluids. While hiding such unsightly stains on a mattress with sheets or a duvet cover is easy, the same cannot be said for a sofa bed. Using a mattress protector is a smart move to avoid embarrassing moments with your guests and stubborn stains on the upholstery. While some furniture brands offer special protectors for sofa beds, a regular waterproof mattress protector works wonders. Ensure it fits your sofa bed size and place it beneath the sheet. This way, your furniture is shielded from blemishes, and if an accident occurs, simply toss the protector in the washing machine for easy cleanup.

Check also: How to Keep Your Mattress Odour-Free

Snacking on your sofa can lead to food and beverage spills, so it’s wise to avoid it as much as you can. Image by Freepik

Preventing Daily Stains on Your Sofa Bed

Sitting or sleeping on a sofa bed that smells like beer or pizza sauce is not enjoyable. To prevent stains:

  • Avoid eating on the sofa bed, or consider using covers. In case of spills, promptly address the stain to prevent it from becoming stubborn and difficult to clean.
  • Schedule professional deep sofa cleaning at least twice a year.
  • Request that the professionals treat the fabric with Scotchgard; this way, you won’t need to worry about accidental spills.

Read also: When to Hire a Professional Upholstery Cleaner

Sebum stains can be quite difficult to remove as they cling to the upholstery’s fibres. Image by katemangostar

Preventing Sebum Stains on Your Sofa Bed’s Back and Armrests

A ‘sebum stain’ is the result of the oily secretion from our skin’s sebaceous glands, including those on our scalp. When we repeatedly rest our heads in the same spot, this greasy substance can leave stubborn stains on the upholstery. Sebum stains can pose a challenge when cleaning your sofa bed, as the oiliness can cause it to cling to the fabric fibres. Luckily, there’s a straightforward solution – place a piece of linen on the area where your head touches the upholstery while sleeping. This clever trick will safeguard your upholstered furniture during relaxation and movie nights and prevent the buildup of unsightly sebum stains. By covering the back and armrests of your sofa bed, you can significantly extend the life of the upholstery.

Check also: 5 Tips on Cleaning Your Suede Sofa

Treating spills right away is the best way to prolong your sofa bed’s beautiful appearance. Image by pressfoto

Dealing with Stains on Your Sofa Bed

In the event of a spill on your sofa bed, acting swiftly to prevent a permanent stain is essential. Here’s what you should do:

  • If the stain has solid particles, gently remove them with a spatula or spoon without applying excessive pressure.
  • Use a clean, white* cloth to blot the spot gently, absorbing as much liquid as possible.
  • Before treating the stain with a stain-removing product, spray the affected area with cold water.
  • Apply an upholstery stain remover according to the product’s instructions. After treating the stain, allow the sofa to air dry completely before sitting or sleeping on it to prevent filling deformation and re-soiling of the fabric. Avoid using multiple products on the same stain, as different ingredients may react unpredictably and seal the stain.

*When using a clean, colourless cloth, you avoid transferring dyes onto the sofa fabric during the stain removal process.

Suppose you’re uncertain about cleaning the sofa yourself or dealing with stubborn stains. In that case, it’s best to book a professional sofa cleaner.

A top mattress will do wonders in supporting your back during sleep and will help prevent cushion sagging.

Preventing Cushion Sagging

Most sofa beds aren’t designed for daily use as a bed, and they often lack proper back support. However, if you find yourself needing to sleep on the sofa bed daily, prioritize your comfort. With frequent use, you’ll likely notice the cushions sagging and lumps forming in the filling. To address this issue, consider investing in a high-quality sofa bed mattress specifically designed for this purpose. This will distribute your weight more evenly, preventing cushion sagging. Additionally, using a top mattress offers the added benefit of protecting the upholstery from stains during sleep. Top mattresses not only make your sofa bed more comfortable but also extend the lifespan of your furniture.

Check also: 5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Sofa

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your sofa bed remains in top condition, providing comfort and functionality for years to come.