Covers

If your sofas and armchairs are looking tired and a bit grubby perk them up with a little TLC.

Fixed Covers

1. Take off any loose seat and back cushions and give them a good plumping.

2. Vacuum the cushions and frame using a brush attachment and the narrow nozzle tool to get down the sides and backs.

3. Wipe over with a barely damp cloth, wrung out in clean water.

4. Tackle stains with a damp cloth and warm water with a little washing-up liquid. Resort to a proprietary stain remover if necessary.

Loose Covers

The great thing about loose covers is that they can be taken off and washed or dry-cleaned. However, getting them on and off can require quite an effort so if they are not too dirty freshen them up as for fixed covers.

If you do remove them follow the manufacturer's washing or cleaning instructions carefully.

Because covers are big and bulky it's best to wash them in a big machine at the launderette. When you take them out, pull them into shape and dry them naturally as tumble drying tends to shrink fabrics.

The shapes can be awkward but ironing helps to keep the fabric clean and, if you are careful, you can always run the iron over them after they have been put back on.

Put loose covers back on while they are still slightly damp as they will shrink to fit.