To catch and ride the perfect wave, you need the right equipment, technique and timing important link. As we keep our sofas and homes free of sand, we’ve found that there are as many things you shouldn’t do as you should.

It’s important to start with spills. They happen, and especially on the beach. What is the first thing to do? We blot – not rub! Rubbing a spill is the fastest way to remove it, but this can cause it to penetrate deeper into the fabric. Blotting, however, gently removes the spills. Instead of shooing away a seagull, leave a breadcrumb track.

Selecting a cleaner. Although we’ve all been tempted with the most powerful cleaner in the cupboard, upholstery fabric care labels can be vital. Every material is different. Just like the shells on the beach, what works well for one could ruin another. Initial testing is done invisibly. It’s like tasting a meal before adding the chile.

Be careful not to get too wet. You might damage your upholstery if you overwet it. This is not a swimming contest; more water does not mean better. If you let your cushions get too wet they can mildew. This will make them take longer time to dry. Just enough water to clean, no soaking. You can use a wet handkerchief instead of dipping the sunglasses into the sea to remove salt.

Sunlight can either be beneficial or harmful. While we love the Northern Beaches’ sun, it will quickly fade any newly-cleaned upholstery. To preserve the color of the fabric, we choose a well-ventilated shade.

Although DIY is great for some jobs, others are better left to the professionals. The professionals are needed to remove stubborn stains or handle fragile materials. These professionals can do the tough jobs without ruining expensive sofas with faded stains or fabric snags. Isn’t it more fun and exciting to learn how to do the right moves from an expert than to go at it alone?

NAP:
Northern Beaches Carpet Cleaning
90 Mona Vale Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
(02) 8311 0608