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Expert tips to care for your sofa

1. Arthur G's Madeline Ehlers said most fabric sofas required a light overall vacuum once a week to keep the fibres clean and free of dust, allowing the fabric to breathe.

2. Yogesh Shah, of Torrance & McKenna and Leather Interiors, said sofa cushions should be rotated if possible to ensure even wear, and any spills should be dealt with by a professional cleaner.

3. Adam Watkins, of Bespoke Furniture Gallery in Nedlands, recommended having fabric shielding done at the time of purchase, and to keep the sofa out of direct sunlight.

4. Ms Ehlers said it was recommended to have fabric-upholstered furniture professionally cleaned every 18-24 months because this would help refresh and rejuvenate the fabric fibres. Following the manufacturer's care instructions was also essential.

5. For leather sofas, Ms Ehlers said aniline, oiled, pull-up and waxed leathers required an application of a leather conditioner and cleaner to ensure they retained their suppleness and wearability, as well as to help rejuvenate, nurture and protect the leather. For semi-aniline, finished and pigmented leathers, she recommended a specially formulated leather cleaner to remove soiling, enhance softness and provide protection.