Blog - Inspiration
How to Care for Your Upholstered Furniture
As much as we wish to never soil or dirty our upholstery, accidents happen, and it pays to be prepared when they do. Buying upholstered furniture is an investment that will last you for years, and knowing how to care for it will save you time and money down the road. Besides, it lets you curl up on the couch without stressing too much about wear, tear and whether you will spill your coffee on the fabric.
We’ve collected an array of tips and tricks for keeping your upholstery looking and feeling fresh, so you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.
Choose the Right Fabric
The first step of maintaining your upholstered furniture is to choose the right fabric for your needs. A home with pets and children will demand different things from upholstery than a home with only adults, and level of use is important to keep in mind. Considering these things before purchasing will make the task of maintaining your furniture much easier. To learn more, read our article on choosing the right fabric for a busy home.
General Cleaning
To keep your upholstery clean, you should vacuum it often. This helps get rid of dirt, dust and any pet hair, which could lead to a higher rate of wear if left alone. The more often you vacuum, the less dust and dander will gather inside cushions and in crevices, which is especially important if someone in the house has allergies. Most vacuum cleaners have a brush extension or similar attachments for upholstery cleaning, as well as a narrow extension for any nooks and crannies. After vacuuming, take a minute to wipe down any non-fabric areas such as legs, consoles or recliner buttons.
Protect Your Fabric
Get ahead of the curve and save your upholstered furniture before accidents happen by using a fabric protectant. Spray your fabric sofa, loveseat or chair with a fabric protection spray, which will create an invisible barrier that helps protect against dirt, dust and spills. For leather furniture, consider getting a leather conditioner to prevent the leather from drying and cracking, while also protecting against smudges and stains. Some leather conditioners can even double as a cleaner.
Preserve the Padding
To ensure your cushions maintain their shape over time, without compressing too much in one spot or another, flip and turn the cushions regularly. If possible, swap them around, so you don’t sit on the same cushion every day – that way, the padding gets an even wear and you can avoid dealing with lumps and bumps in your spot of relaxation. This can also help with avoiding wear and bald spots on the fabric.
Another danger for the padding is the overuse of water when cleaning the cushion covers, as this can saturate the padding material and cause permanent damage. Always use water sparingly and carefully when cleaning non-removable covers, and make sure you consult the manufacturer’s instructions if cleaning the padding itself.
Clean Spills
When accidents happen, the key to keeping your upholstered furniture spotless is to clean spills right away. Remember: never rub at a stain. Instead, blot gently with a clean colourfast towel. If the fabric is water-safe, you can add some water or a mild cleaner. Use a soft brush to work the cleaner into the fibers with a circular motion, and vacuum when dry. Always test any products in an inconspicuous area before using.
Know Which Cleaner to Use
Different fabrics demand different care, so make sure you know what type of cleaner to use for your upholstery. Some fabrics can be cleaned with water-soluble cleaners, others with non-water-based cleaners, and others should not be cleaned with liquid at all. Know what type of fabric your furniture is upholstered with and use only appropriate cleaners.
Always remove any excess liquid before cleaning, follow the cleaning agents’ instructions, and blot gently with a clean cloth. This UV3 Upholstery Cleaner is a great choice for various fabrics and materials. To remove ink, grease or lipstick stains from leather, try this UV3 Ink Eraser Stick. Some upholstered furniture can also be steam cleaned, or you can use a dry-cleaning agent. If the fabric is especially delicate and difficult to work with, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
Keep Away from Sunlight and Pollutants
To avoid the fading of fabrics and colours, try to keep the piece of furniture out of direct sunlight. Silk and other delicate fabrics are especially sensitive to this kind of damage. Do your best to maintain proper ventilation in the area, as airborne pollutants can harm your upholstery. Also, fumes from cooking and unpleasant odours from things like litter boxes are easily absorbed into upholstered furniture and can be tough to get out.
Remove Odours
If your upholstered furniture has picked up an unpleasant scent, it does not necessarily signal that the piece is at the end of its life. To remedy this, remove any washable parts, clean them with an appropriate cleaner according to instructions and let dry. Sprinkle baking soda generously on the seating and backrest, making sure to get into crevices and corners. Leave the baking soda treatment on for anywhere between an hour and a day, depending on the severity of the smell. Afterwards, vacuum the entire piece. Repeat the process if necessary.
Now you are equipped with some essential knowledge on how to best preserve and maintain your upholstered furniture. If you have any specific questions, contact one of our Brick stores or chat with us online. Any time you buy furniture from The Brick, you can add our 5 Year Furniture Protection Plan to your purchase. This protection plan provides long term coverage at an affordable price, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your new upholstery items.
- Kailey Friedrich
Kids’ Bed Buying Guide
What do you need to know before buying a bed for your son or daughter? More than you might think. Find out what you need to know about buying a kids' bed.- Jacob Vanmunster
This or That: Mattress in a Box vs. Traditional Mattress
Buying a new mattress? If so, you may not yet be familiar with how many options there are. One of the main choices to make is whether to get a mattress in a box or a traditional mattress. Because they differ slightly, it can be a tough decision.
We’re here to help make the choice easier! Keep reading to learn the differences between these two mattress types and which one will best suit your needs.
Traditional Mattress
A tried-and-true classic, the traditional mattress is a go-to for many people. Let’s break it down:
Traditional Mattress Material
Because traditional mattresses don’t need to be put into a box, they are designed in a wide range of materials, such as foam, pocket coil and more. A wider material range = more choice! Specific preferences can almost always be met since you have more options to choose from.
Purchasing & Delivery
Most traditional mattresses can be viewed in store, which is a big selling feature for many. This makes it easy to physically see and test out a variety of models.
Once purchased, they are delivered (often with a plastic covering for cleanliness) via a delivery truck and carried into your home. Delivery is popular because the heavy lifting is done for you, allowing for quicker enjoyment of your new mattress.
Keep in mind that if you reside in an apartment or condo, the delivery may take longer due to navigating elevators, stairwells and hallways. If picking up the mattress yourself, you will need a roomy vehicle for transportation and possible assistance getting it into your home.
Both are good options, however, personally picking up your new purchase may prove more challenging for those with limited mobility or lack of assistance.
Using a Traditional Mattress
Arguably the biggest positive of a traditional mattress is how it can be used immediately once placed in your home. Just take off the plastic covering, lay it onto your bedframe, and you’re ready for relaxation!
The Mattress in a Box
This style of mattress is a relative newcomer to the mattress market but has quickly gained popularity due to its convenience and, depending on the brand and model, cost-effectiveness. Let’s break it down:
Mattress in a Box Materials
These mattresses need to be rolled up, condensed, and fit into a box, so most manufacturers opt to make them out of foam or hybrid materials. If you prefer a traditional pocket coil or innerspring, you may have a more difficult time finding that in a mattress in a box.
Purchasing & Delivery
The ability to test a mattress in a box before buying it depends on the brand and retailer. Some offer display models in-store, while others do not.
Most are displayed online-only and are supplemented with tons of information to help you make an informed decision. With online shopping becoming the norm, this option is appealing for a variety of buyers such as those who don’t have the time or desire to shop in-store.
The best part of a mattress in a box is how convenient it is to bring home. Once delivered, the compact size of the box makes it a breeze to move through doorways and hallways – a huge plus, especially for those who live in apartments, condos or dorm rooms. This removes the hassle of awkwardly navigating your mattress through narrow areas.
Plus, picking up a mattress in a box from your retailer is incredibly easy. They will fit in most vehicles for simple and quick transport to your home – you may not even need another person there to help you with it!
Using a Mattress in a Box
After your mattress in a box is removed from its packaging, it will need to be rolled onto your boxspring or bedframe and given time to expand. Each manufacturer will have different recommendations as to how long your new mattress should sit before use – be sure to follow any guidelines for optimal results.
Because of the recommended wait time before laying on your new mattress, this may be a downside to those who would prefer to get right to relaxing.
If you don’t need your mattress right away, its compact size will allow you to keep the box sealed and stored in your home until it’s needed.
Which to Choose & Where to Buy
Each mattress type has its own unique set of pros and cons, and when it comes down to it, purchasing a mattress is a personal decision. We hope this breakdown helps guide you to a choice that provides a wonderful snooze night after night.
The great news for both mattress types is that they are readily available and, in most cases, can be returned or exchanged without hassle. If you find your mattress isn’t the right fit for you, most retailers and brands have exceptional return policies that make it easy to return or exchange.
The Brick proudly offers both traditional mattresses and mattresses in a box from an array of quality brands. With many locations across Canada and a website available to shop online 24/7, you can find your perfect mattress with ease. To streamline your decision, take advantage of our handy Mattress Selector tool!
Our mattress experts are here to help – contact us today to start your mattress shopping journey.
- Kailey Friedrich
- Tags: bed bedroom mattress-in-a-box
2-Step Guide to Unpacking Your New Mattress in a Box
So – you ordered a mattress in a box and now it’s here! What do you do? First, congratulations on your new purchase! Second, it’s time to unpack that mattress, and we’re here to help.
Follow along with our easy step-by-step guide to unpacking and setting up your mattress in a box. You’ll be sleeping better than ever in no time!
Remember to always read the instructions that come with your mattress to ensure you don’t miss any essential steps.
Step 1: Open Your Mattress in a Box
Take care not to damage your new mattress! When opening the box, cut away from yourself. Lift the seam of the box as you cut to ensure you don’t accidentally damage the mattress or the packaging that keeps it sealed in. We don’t want to open that up before we’re ready.
Step 2: Remove the Packaging and Mattress
Once the box is open, it’s time to remove the mattress from the rest of its packaging. Carefully take your mattress out of the box completely before opening the bag it comes in. You don’t want it to pop out at you! The safest way to do this is to direct the bed where you want it to go as it unrolls and expands. It’s a good idea to keep kids, pets and breakable items away from the mattress’s as it unrolls for a smooth unboxing.
Make sure you have the mattress placed where you want it, such as on your bedframe or boxspring, for the easiest unboxing experience. Once the bag is open it will start expanding immediately. Discard any remaining packaging from the mattress once it’s fully unrolled, and voila! You have unpacked your mattress in a box.
Extra Tips + Info
The best practice for your new mattress is to let it unroll and settle for as long as the manufacturer recommends so it can expand to its true shape. There is no set timeline; different brands will recommend different timeframes, often between 12-48 hours, so it can also be helpful to go by your best judgement. If your mattress in a box looks well expanded, it’s probably good to go! You won’t damage it by sleeping on it too early, so do what works best for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is your mattress rotation schedule. For best practices and to get the most out of your mattress in a box, rotating it every 3-6 months is ideal. You can quickly set up a reminder on your phone or write it down on your schedule, so you never forget when it’s time to rotate. Consistently rotating a mattress allows for a more even weight distribution over time, which ultimately helps to increase its lifespan. Learn more about the importance of rotating your mattress with our guide.
We hope these tips help you successfully unpack your new mattress in a box. If you’re looking to complete your bedroom setup, we recommend checking out our pillows, bedding and sheets to find the perfect complementary accents that will bring your whole bedroom together.
- Kailey Friedrich
- Tags: mattress-in-a-box
Your Guide to Buying a Mattress in a Box
What is a Mattress in a Box?
Just as the title suggests, this is a mattress that comes conveniently packed in a box. How is this possible, you may ask? A mattress in a box is most often made of foam, making it easier to roll up, compress and package than traditional innerspring or pocket coil mattresses.
Some mattresses in a box are hybrid style, which is an intuitively designed combination of foam and coils. Available in most standard bed sizes just like a traditional mattress, the mattress in a box is quickly rising in popularity.
Why Choose a Mattress in a Box?
With innovative materials such as memory foam and gel foam becoming more common, mattresses in a box continue to be a popular choice among retailers and consumers alike. People are flocking to these modern mattresses for a variety of reasons, including:
Compact Packaging
- Due to arriving in a box, these mattresses are easy to transport in a vehicle, maneuver through doorways/elevators, store in your home or receive via delivery.
Compact Level
- The specialty foam materials used in these mattresses make them ultra-comfortable for all types of sleepers.
Savings
- Mattresses in a box are usually an affordable, quality option, ideal for many people in the market for a new mattress.
How to Set Up a Mattress in a Box
Because they come packaged in a box, setup is a breeze. You can quickly open the box, remove the mattress from its covering, and carefully roll it onto your bed frame or boxspring. This turns the hassle of trying to get a traditional mattress through doorways and rotating it around your room into a quick and easy process. Just bring to the desired spot and unpack.
Remember to always read the instructions that come with your specific mattress to ensure you don’t miss any tips for setting it up. Most brands require (or recommend) waiting a certain amount of time before using the mattress so it can properly expand and settle.
Buying a Mattress in a Box
If you’re loving the idea of a mattress in a box, you may be wondering about the buying process. With these mattresses becoming more and more prominent, you can often find them both in store and online, depending on the mattress and brand you’re interested in.
The Brick proudly offers a selection of mattresses in a box from quality brands for you to choose from. With different firmness levels, features and price points, there is sure to be a mattress in a box that will suit your needs.
Shopping for a mattress in a box is easy as can be! Just head over to The Brick’s mattress in a box collection to browse the available options at any time. To narrow your search, simply use the menus on the left-hand side of the page to filter for sizes, firmness and more.
If you prefer to shop in-store for a mattress in a box, some retailers have floor models to look at. Visit any Brick location within Canada and one of our dedicated associates will guide you through our mattress selection. Shop your nearest Brick location for mattresses in a box.
Buying the right mattress is essential for a restful, restorative sleep. If a conveniently packaged, comfortable mattress at an appealing price point sounds like the best fit for your lifestyle, a mattress in a box is an excellent choice to explore.
Happy mattress shopping!
- Kailey Friedrich
- Tags: mattress-in-a-box
The Positive Impact Getting a New Fridge Will Have on Your Family
Here are some of the many ways how a new refrigerator can positively impact your life and the lives of your family members.
- Natasha Benscoter
- Tags: appliances featured kitchen kitchen technology
