Looking after your piece
Care
guide.
Family dinners, slow Sunday mornings, the dog when you're not looking. With a little care, your Nara sofa will hold its shape and feel beautiful for years.
Last updated · 12 May 2026
The basics.
Every day or two. A quick brush with a soft hand or soft dry cloth keeps the pile fresh and dust-free.
Once a week. Vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment on low suction. Pay attention to seams and under cushions.
Once a month. Rotate and flip your seat cushions if they are reversible (The Clifton and The Chapman) so they wear evenly.
When something spills.
Act quickly. The faster you respond, the better the outcome.
- Blot, never rub. Use a clean white cloth and press gently. Rubbing pushes liquid deeper into the weave.
- Work from the outside in. Blot from the edge towards the centre to prevent the stain spreading.
- Use plain cool water first. Most fresh spills lift with water alone. Avoid hot water — it sets stains.
- For stubborn marks, dab with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild soap. Never soak the fabric.
- Let it air dry naturally. Avoid hair dryers, direct sun, or high heat.
If a spill has already dried, contact us before attempting heavier cleaning.
Boucle care.
The Kloof. Boucle's beauty lies in its looped, textured surface. Treat it gently.
- Do not pull loose threads. Snip level with the surrounding pile using small scissors.
- Be mindful with pets. Claws catch easily in the loops. Consider a throw or cover.
- Vacuum on low suction only. High suction can pull loops out of the weave.
- Never use stiff bristles. Soft brush attachments only.
Velvet care.
The Clifton and The Chapman. Velvet looks best when its pile is brushed in one direction. Some natural shading and "watermarks" are part of the fabric and not a defect.
- Brush the pile back into direction after vacuuming, using a soft brush or flat hand in one direction.
- Avoid leaning damp hair or wet clothing against the velvet. Moisture flattens the pile temporarily.
- Crush marks are normal. They settle into the fabric's natural patina over time.
- Shading variations are part of velvet. Light catches the pile differently — this is what gives velvet its richness.
Sunlight and environment.
- Keep your sofa out of direct sunlight. Sustained sun exposure fades fabric dyes — particularly the cobalt and forest teal. Sun damage is not covered.
- Avoid placing against damp exterior walls. Allow at least 5cm of space behind for air circulation.
- Keep away from direct heat sources (radiators, fireplaces, heaters).
What's normal.
Some things you may notice as your sofa settles into your home are not defects — they are how natural materials behave.
- Initial scent. Fades within a week or two of airing.
- Cushion softening. Foam compresses slightly in the first month. This is settling, not sagging.
- Slight colour variation. Fabric batches can vary subtly in tone.
- Creasing. Velvet and boucle crease slightly with use. Brushing restores it.
- Wood frame sounds. Solid timber can creak as it adjusts to humidity. Stops within weeks.
What's not covered.
To keep your right to a refund or replacement, please avoid the following. Damage from any of the below is considered misuse and falls outside our return policy.
- Direct or sustained sunlight exposure
- Spills left unattended for more than 24 hours
- Use of bleach, ammonia, harsh detergents, alcohol, or solvent-based cleaners
- Steam cleaning or wet vacuuming
- Standing, jumping, or applying weight to the arms or backrest
- Damage from pets (scratching, chewing, soiling)
- Damage from sharp objects (jewellery, belt buckles, keys)
- Cleaning attempts that go against the guidance on this page
- Modifications to the frame, legs, or upholstery
- Use in commercial or rental settings — our sofas are made for residential use
Professional cleaning.
For deeper cleans, an annual or biannual professional upholstery clean keeps everything looking its best. Email us and we will recommend trusted cleaners in Cape Town.
Always tell the cleaner the fabric type (boucle or velvet). Never agree to steam cleaning or high-moisture treatments.
Need a hand
Get in touch before trying anything risky.
We would rather hear from you early than find out something has been made worse.
hello@naraliving.co.za · 084 891 1029This guide forms part of the terms and conditions of your purchase. By accepting delivery of your Nara Living piece, you confirm you have read and will follow these care instructions.