Couch Revitalization

From Storage to Splendor: How to Restore Your Sofa to Tip-Top Shape After it Posts Bail

The experts at Couch.com guide you through the secrets to revive a sofa after it has been held hostage in storage. From dusting off cobwebs to banishing stains.

How do you clean a sofa that has been in storage?

Cleaning a sofa that has been in storage requires some care and attention. So, with Couch.com expert tips, you'll have that futon sofa bed looking fresh and fabulous in no time:

  • Assess the situation: Before diving into the cleaning process, take a good look at your sofa and investigate. This is sort of a "duh" but making a plan can save you a lot of time and mental anguish if you attempt to just go ahead and clean the whole thing without thinking first.
  • Removable covers: Does it have removable cushion covers? If so, hooray! Easily remove and clean them separately.
  • Fabric situationship: What type of fabric is your sofa made of? Different materials require different cleaning approaches.
  • Dust off the cobwebs: Even though your small sectional sofa has been in storage, it probably collected some dust and dirt. First, start by using a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove any loose dirt.
  • Fight those stubborn stains: If your sofa has some pesky stains that survived the storage journey, there are tons of cleaning tips.
  • Manufacturer label: Check the manufacturer's instructions. The cleaning codes (usually found beneath the cushions) to determine which cleaning products are safe to use on your sofa.
  • Test, test, test: Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it won't cause any damage. Patience is key!
  • Spot-clean master: Spot clean the stains using a mild detergent or upholstery cleaner recommended for your sofa's fabric. Next, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth and avoid scrubbing too vigorously.

Remember, cleaning your sofa with care and the right products will help it regain its former glory. So roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite cleaning playlist, and show that sofa some love! Lastly, if it feels too far gone, check out how to dispose of couch here.

How do you fix a sunken couch?

couch on pallets in a storage unit unwrapped

Don't be caught snoozing on a saggy couch! But, when you stow away your sofa without proper stacking skills, you might end up with impressions nobody wants. So, our experts dive into some clever ways to tackle this tricky situation below. You likely want to hire a pro to do these things but it's sofa science not rocket science so it may be worth a shot to tackle in a DIY fashion!

  • Flip your couch over and inspect the support system: Grab your flashlight and lift your kids couch. Naturally, look out for any broken springs or sagging webbing. You can even remove the bottom piece of fabric called the "dust cover" partially to get a better look inside. It may be hard to reattach (they're usually stapled) but a little extra insight can go a long way!
  • Replace any damaged springs or webbing using the appropriate materials: Once you've detected those troublemakers, it's time to kick them out of the couch party! Head over to your trusty local hardware or upholstery store for some reinforcements. Whether it's replacing springs or bolstering the webbing, the handyman or handywoman within you will prevail!
  • If your couch has sinuous springs, add additional support: Don't ignore those secret springs hidden beneath the surface. Enhance their support by introducing a trusty companion: plywood or a sturdy support board. Slide it underneath those cushions like a superhero cape, and watch as your sinuous springs soar to new heights of comfort!
  • Plump up cushions: Remove the cushions from your couch and fluff them up by giving them a good shake and kneading. Again, this will help redistribute the filling. If the cushions are flat, you can add some extra filling material like couch cushion foam inserts or fiberfill to give them a boost.
  • Rotate and flip: Doing this to your cushions regularly will prevent them from becoming too worn in one area.

Furthermore, with a little bit of effort and some handy skills, your sunken couch will be back to itself in no time. But, if the couch is too far gone, a quick google of "donate furniture near me" is all you need!

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Alex Back
Couch.com CEO & Founder
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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