How to protect the sofa when your kids are small

The living room sofa serves as a central part of the home – it’s where we relax at the end of a busy day, where we play games with friends and family, or unwind while watching a movie. But if you have young children, it can also become a magnet for messes. Keeping this piece of furniture clean can feel like an ongoing battle with a young family, but with the right strategies, you can keep your sofa clean and prolong its lifespan. Here are our essential tips for keeping a couch clean, even with little ones around.

Take the time to spot-clean where possible

Accidents are inevitable, but spot cleaning can often remove spills before they develop into stains. It can help to have a reliable spot cleaning product on hand for these moments – one you’ve tested on a hidden area of your furniture and can trust won’t make the problem worse. Be sure to dab and blot the spill rather than scrub the area, as this can make the problem worse.

Prevent stains by protecting fabrics

To prevent stains and protect your furniture, consider using Scotchgard on your couch. Scotchgard is a fabric protector that creates a barrier against spills, stains and dirt, making it easier to keep your furniture clean. By applying this protectant to your sofa, you enhance the stain-resistant qualities of the fabric, regardless of whether it’s a performance fabric or a standard one.

Scotchgard works well on various fabric types, including cotton, velvet, textured weaves and chenille, so you can maintain both the aesthetic and practical aspects of your couch. It’s an excellent option for families with children and pets, providing an added layer of protection against everyday messes.

Invest in an oversized throw

For day-to-day protection, consider covering your sofa with an oversized washable throw. This simple addition can make a world of difference in preventing spills and accidents from reaching your couch’s upholstery. If an accident happens and something gets spilled on the sofa, you can simply put the throw in the washing machine and your sofa will remain in good condition.  Plus, they add a cosy layer to your living room, so it still looks stylish. Whether it’s spilled milk or a toddler’s impromptu art session, a good throw can act as the first line of defence, keeping your sofa clean and comfortable.

Designate special seating for kids

To reduce the wear and tear on your main sofa, you might consider setting up special seating areas for your kids. Whether it’s a dedicated armchair, a bean bag, or even a mini sofa, giving your children their own spot can help minimise messes on the family couch. Alternatively, you could establish rules, such as no snacks on the sofa which can make a big difference in keeping the main sofa clean. Encouraging kids to use their designated space for play and snacks can preserve the longevity of your living room furniture.

Schedule professional cleanings annually

No matter how careful you are, your furniture will always benefit from a deep clean every once in a while to sanitise it and prevent a build-up of dust and dirt. Professional upholstery cleaning will give your couch a deep clean to rejuvenate the fabric, removing deep-seated dirt, stains and allergens that regular cleaning methods like vacuuming might miss. While this might seem like an unnecessary expense, it can actually extend the life of your sofa, making it a worthwhile investment. If you’ve got young children, scheduling a professional clean once or twice a year will help to protect your furniture for the long-term.

Your sofa is an important (and expensive) piece of furniture that serves as the cornerstone of family life, so it’s worth keeping it looking its best. With these tips, you can keep your couch clean and welcoming, no matter how much “life” happens on it.

If you’d like to give your home a professional clean, why not contact Apple Clean today? In addition to sofa cleaning, we offer a host of other cleaning services including carpet and curtain cleaning, and stain removal for homeowners and businesses across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.