Furniture is meant to be enjoyed. That's why if you have children or if you eat snacks in places other than the kitchen, then most likely you've had crumbs (and ketchup, juice, and other food items, too) spilled on your furniture's soft fabric surfaces.

To keep your upholstered furniture looking as beautiful as the day it was delivered to your home, try these helpful tips:

• Purchase furniture with durable, family-friendly fabrics if possible. Furniture Plus has a wide selection of sofas, chairs and loveseats that are meant to withstand daily use and enjoyment.
• Read the care labels on your furniture. Your furniture manufacturer knows best so do not follow any advice (even ours) that conflicts with their recommendations.
• Test any products you wish to apply in an inconspicuous spot to ensure colorfastness.
• Treat new (or clean) upholstery with silicone-based fabric protection. Spray lightly and evenly, covering all fabric surfaces completely. Allow to dry for approximately 24 hours. Repeat about once per year and after cleaning to help prevent liquids from soaking into your fabrics.
• Keep paper towels or soft cloths stashed away in each room for quick mop-ups. This saves rushing to the kitchen for these items, losing precious time while the stain sets.

• Carefully blot liquids immediately to remove as much as possible. Dab. Do not rub.
• For solid, moist stains that are likely to smear, carefully scrape off with a butter knife, spoon or metal scraper instead of blotting. Lift straight up as much as possible.
• Soak a colorfast washcloth with a mild solution of 1 cup water mixed with 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing liquid (such as Dawn). Do not over-wet the fabric; just use the detergent foam if possible. Blot stain gently again until the spot is lifted. Follow with a damp sponge to remove detergent residue. The faster the upholstery dries, the better (to prevent a water ring).
• If the stain is still there, treat with a solvent stain remover formulated for use on upholstery.
• Other stains (such as ink or lipstick) may require a solvent approved by your upholstery manufacturer.
• You may need to re-treat freshly cleaned areas with silicone-based fabric protection as described above. Be sure the fabric is completely stain-free first.

• Use a feather duster or lightly crumpled paper towel to whisk crumbs and dirt off the upholstery surface to prevent it from being ground-in.
• Completely vacuum cushions and beneath with the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
• If stains remain behind, treat with a stain remover formulated for use on upholstery (again, check labels and test first).

We hope you have found these tips helpful! Remember to count on Furniture Plus to help you create the beautiful home you desire.