Good question. If you have a sofa-bed with arm-rest cupholders (like those sold by ARV Furniture in Mississauga), there are a number of maintenance habits you can follow to keep the sofa — and especially the cupholders/arm-area — in good shape for many years. Here are some practical tips.
✅ General Sofa Bed & Upholstery Maintenance
Vacuum weekly (or bi-weekly) — Use a vacuum with a soft-brush or upholstery attachment; make sure to clean not just seat surfaces but also seams, crevices, arms and under the cushions. This prevents dust, crumbs, pet hair and debris from embedding in the fabric or padding, which can cause wear or “sandpaper” damage over time.
Spot-clean spills immediately — If any liquid or food spills, blot (don’t rub) gently with a clean cloth. Then use a mild, upholstery-safe cleaner (or mild soap + water) to treat any remaining mark. Always test a cleaning solution on a hidden area first.
Rotate/flip cushions & fluff them — If cushions are removable, rotate or flip them every few weeks so wear is even. Fluffing helps maintain comfort and prevents sagging or indentations.
Keep sofa out of direct sun or heat sources — Prolonged exposure to sunlight (or hot vents / AC heat) can fade fabric or dry out leather/frames. Try to place the sofa away from sunny windows or use curtains / blinds to protect it.
Avoid sitting or standing on the arms — Especially important if your sofa has built-in cupholders in the arms: they’re structural but not meant to bear full body weight. Sitting on arms can stress seams, padding, or cupholder joints and lead to damage.
🍹 Extra Care for Cupholders & Arm-Mounted Features
Because your sofa includes cupholders or arm-mounted features, it’s worth adding a few more targeted precautions:
Use coasters or small trays instead of placing cups directly — Even though there’s a cupholder, liquids can overflow, drip, or leave condensation rings that damage fabric, padding or finishes. If possible, use a coaster or small tray inside the cupholder for extra protection.
Wipe cupholders often — Every time you use the cupholders (especially with drinks), wipe them out with a dry or slightly damp cloth. This prevents sticky residue, stains, or moisture from accumulating.
Check for loose parts or hinges regularly — If your sofa bed folds out or has moving parts, inspect the cupholder/arm area occasionally. Tighten any screws or bolts if they become loose and ensure hinges or joints are operating smoothly (per general sofa-bed maintenance advice).
Avoid heavy or sharp objects on the arms — Don’t rest heavy items, sharp-edged items, or tools on the arms — especially near cupholders. That can stress the joinery or tear the upholstery.
🛋️ Some Extra Considerations for Canadian Climate (e.g. Mississauga / Toronto Area)
Because you’re in Ontario, seasonal temperature and humidity changes can affect furniture:
Avoid placing sofa near heating vents or direct heat sources in winter — In cold months many people use heaters, fireplaces, or baseboard heating; avoid placing the sofa too close, as heat can dry out fabrics or crack wood/metal parts.
Watch for humidity fluctuations in summer / rainy seasons — High indoor humidity (or condensation near windows) can lead to moisture absorption, which over time might affect padding or frame integrity. Good ventilation is helpful.
Clean more frequently if you have pets or kids — If your household includes pets or children, the risk of spills, hair, scratching, or general wear rises; in that case, weekly (or even more frequent) cleaning and inspection is worthwhile.
