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Save your sofa from the day to day wear and tear.

When we buy a sofa we expect it to last a good few years, however the time will come when the sofa may start to look a bit worn and tired. This does not mean that the sofa has to be replaced, with a little time and effort it could be refurbished, some gentle refurbishment may extend its lifespan.

To save a sofa the first key task is to have a good look at the sofa, be very critical and do not underestimate the task in hand but do not be put off if it looks like hard work. It is amazing how a good clean helps to freshen up a tired piece of furniture. Depending on the type of sofa; fabric, leather, loose or fixed covers, a thorough clean will always help. Most sofas regardless of material will withstand a good going over with a vacuum cleaner, this will get rid of all those pieces of hidden dirt, and also helps remove smells from the fabric and inners of the sofa. After vacuuming look for any manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning the fabric, if the covers are loose put them in the washing machine and wash according to the instructions. Even leather can be cleaned, there are numerous products on the market to clean leather furniture.

Once the sofa has been cleaned and freshened have a good look at it and also have a look at the rest of the room, can the sofa be moved to a better place, can the lighting be changed? Declutter around the sofa and give the sofa cushions a good plumping. Perhaps new soft furnishings such as new cushions would brighten up the sofa. Old cushions can be recycled, wash them and them put on new covers either bought or home made. It is very easy to make cushion covers from old throws, curtains, duvet covers even skirts or jumpers. Charity shops and car boot sales are great places to find inexpensive cushions, covers and throws.

Pick out a colour from the overall colour scheme of the room and dress the sofa, make loose covers or look for throws to match or contrast with the decoration. Throws are excellent to use on sofas, they can act as a cover up or add a dash of colour to a sofa, throws can be easily washed and they protect the sofa as well as adding colour and comfort.