When you first get a sofa bed, you treat it like royalty. You don’t let anyone eat on it. You keep your shoes off. And you make sure to sit down gently as if the cushions might protest if you sit too hard. Every time you unfold it, you do it slowly, almost ceremoniously, making sure every part slides into place perfectly.

But as the weeks pass, you’re not as careful. Suddenly, there’s a coffee cup on the armrest, snack crumbs nestled between the cushions, and you pull the fold-out bed open without much thought. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with that. Your sofa bed doesn’t need that level of devotion forever. But it does deserve a little ongoing care to stay comfortable, clean, and ready for impromptu guests.

Daily Care Tips

Daily care can keep your sofa bed fresh, clean, and comfortable. Here’s how to maintain its look and feel with minimal effort.

Clean Spills Immediately

Don’t give liquids the chance to seep in and become stubborn stains. As soon as a spill happens, grab a clean, absorbent cloth and gently blot the area. Be patient and resist the urge to rub, as that only pushes the liquid deeper into the fabric and can spread the stain.

For liquids like coffee, wine, or juice, it’s a good idea to have a mild fabric cleaner on hand. Apply a small amount to the cloth (never directly to the fabric) and dab at the stain, working from the outside toward the centre to avoid spreading it further. For greasy spills, like salad dressing or pizza grease, sprinkle a bit of baking soda or cornstarch on the spot to absorb the oil before hoovering it and applying a cleaner.

If your sofa bed has removable cushion covers, check the care label before treating the stain — it might allow for machine washing or recommend specific cleaning products.

Fluff & Check Cushions Daily

Daily use can flatten cushions, leaving them looking deflated. Fluff them each day to help them keep their shape. Simply grab the edges and give them a few firm shakes. While you’re at it, check for crumbs, dust, and dirt hidden between the cushions. Removing debris early prevents it from wearing down the fabric or causing small tears.

Weekly Maintenance

Weekly maintenance takes your sofa bed’s longevity to the next level.

These simple tasks don’t demand much time but have a big impact on the sofa bed's look, comfort, and cleanliness.

Hoover the Upholstery

Sometimes, your sofa bed needs more than just a quick wipe-down. Loose crumbs, pet hair, and dust love to hide in the nooks and crannies. Letting them linger can weaken the fabric’s fibres and make your sofa bed look older than it is.

To tackle this, grab your hoover’s upholstery attachment and work methodically. Start with the flat surfaces like the seat and backrest, then move on to the edges, piping, and folds. Don’t forget to lift the cushions and clean underneath — this is where you’ll often find a surprising collection of crumbs, coins, and other bits of debris.

For pet owners, a pet-friendly hoover can work wonders. These tools are designed to grip and lift stubborn fur that regular vacuums can’t handle. If you want that "freshly cleaned" feel, hoovering your sofa bed once a week is a must.

Rotate Cushions to Keep Them Plump

If one side of your sofa bed’s cushions sees more action than the other, you’ll end up with lopsided, sagging cushions. To avoid this, flip and rotate them every week. This spreads out the wear, keeping them fuller and more supportive. It’s a small effort that keeps your sofa bed looking symmetrical and feeling comfortable for longer.

Imagine how a well-fluffed pillow feels compared to one that’s been flattened night after night — the same idea applies here. Rotate, flip, and fluff for even support and a polished look.

Wipe Down the Frame & Legs

Frames and legs are often forgotten, but they’re dust magnets. Each week, run a damp cloth over these areas to clear away dust, lint, and fingerprints. Hard surfaces like metal, wood, or plastic can quickly lose their lustre if neglected. A quick wipe leaves them shiny and clean, restoring that brand-new finish.

If you’ve noticed grime building up, add a tiny bit of gentle cleaner to the cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that could strip finishes. This weekly touch-up keeps your sofa bed’s frame and legs looking as fresh as its cushions.

What’s the Best Sofa Bed Material for Easy Care?

Here’s an overview of different sofa bed materials and how easy they are to clean.

Sofa Material	Ease of Cleaning	Care Tips	Ideal For
Microfibre	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Easy)	Wipe with a damp cloth	Homes with pets, families, high-traffic areas
Leather	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Easy)	Wipe with a dry cloth, occasional conditioning needed	Elegant living spaces, active households, classic style lovers
Chenille	⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)	Use a soft-bristled brush, avoid water, hoover regularly	Plush aesthetics, homes without frequent spills
Velvet	⭐⭐ (Challenging)	Spot clean stains quickly, avoid direct sunlight, use a steamer for maintenance	Polished living rooms, statement furniture pieces
Cotton	⭐⭐ (Challenging)	Spot clean stains, may require professional cleaning for deep stains	Eco-conscious households, breathable and natural fabric users
Linen	⭐⭐ (Challenging)	Spot clean promptly (prone to wrinkling and stains)	Breezy rooms, sustainable living
Wool	⭐⭐ (Challenging)	Use a gentle hoover, avoid harsh chemicals, spot clean stains	Natural texture lovers
Silk	⭐ (Difficult)	Professional cleaning recommended (highly sensitive to spills)	Luxurious, high-end interiors

At Furl, we design sofa beds with your lifestyle in mind. With a vast selection of fabrics and customisable options, you get something that reflects your taste, adapts to your needs, and stands up to everyday life.

Final Words

A little care goes a long way in keeping your sofa bed in top shape. Tackle spills immediately, hoover at least once a week, and rotate cushions to maintain their shape. By making maintenance part of your routine, your sofa bed will stay fresh and inviting for years.