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Proper care will greatly extend the life of your upholstered furniture.

• Before using any cleaning product on your furniture, always do a spot test of the product on an out-of-sight portion of the fabric. You need to do this in order to ensure that the cleaning product will not damage the upholstery fabric or the leather.

During periods when your furniture is at a heightened danger of being abused, such as during a child's party, cover your upholstered furniture with slipcovers. This will prevent wear and tear on the upholstery and the slipcovers can be easily cleaned if soiled.

Once a month, rotate and turn your seat cushions. This will help the cushions wear and fade evenly.

Vacuum your furniture every time you vacuum your rugs. This will prevent dust from settling into the fabric and discoloring it.

Be religious about cleaning up spills immediately. The quicker the spills are removed, the less likely that it will stain the fabric.

• Always follow the cleaning instructions that came with your furniture. Each type of fabric is different and each may require a different cleaning technique.

• At least once a year, thoroughly clean the piece. Portable steam cleaners can be rented at most grocery and drug stores.

Spray-on soil and stain repellents are very popular. Unfortunately, while they do help repel soil and stains, they also damage the fabric.

• Spray-on repellents contain a solvent that can weaken seams and the backcoating on upholstered fabrics. It can cause the fabric to degrade.

Soil and stain repellents that are added at the time the fabric is made do not damage the fabric.

If not maintained properly, leather upholstered furniture can quickly acquire a scruffy appearance. Regular cleaning will help keep your leather furniture in good shape for years.

• Dust and vacuum your leather furniture at least once a week or as needed.
• For wet spills, soak up as much of the spill as possible with a sponge or towel. Then dab the spot with distilled water to clean. Never rub the leather as you may scratch it.
• For oily spills, dab up as much as you can and just let the rest soak in.
• Never use furniture polish or baby oil on leather upholstery.
• Once a week, buff leather with a soft cloth to bring out its shine.

When your furniture becomes so soiled that you are unable to clean it, don't automatically begin to think about having the piece reupholstered. As a first step, you may want to consider having the piece professionally cleaned.

• A reputable cleaner will come to your home, at no cost, to inspect the piece. If they feel that they can clean it, they will provide you with a firm estimate.

• Before you allow any work to be done, be sure that you have obtained a contract and that you know of any risks associated with the cleaning method used by the cleaner.