How to care for your reclining sofa

What to do before using your new reclining sofa

Before using your new reclining sofa, please take the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully, as the mechanisms used can be very different from one sofa to another.

Please note: As reclining furniture has many moving parts, it’s normal for minor squeaks and creaks to emit from the reclining mechanisms whilst in use and is nothing to be concerned about.

All ScS recliners are preset during the manufacturing process and adjustments may be required once the furniture has been delivered to your home. If this is the case, please contact our customer services team on 0191 731 3300 to arrange for an upholsterer to make amendments. ScS will not charge for this service.

Caring for your recliner sofa

All of our recliners have been made to withstand general use, but please take the following precautions when using your furniture:

1. Make sure that children and animals are at a safe distance when opening and closing your recliner
2. Never leave a recliner in the reclined position when not in use
3. When operating the reclining action on a chair or sofa, please ensure that you sit right back
4. Don’t sit on or lean over the arms as this can twist the frame and prevent it from working in the future. There is also a risk of it tipping over
5. The arms, in particular, withstand a good deal of wear over time – try not to rub your hands over them continually
6. Head cushions can also suffer from soiling from hair, such as natural oils and hair products. A sofa back cover can help protect the cushions from discolouration
7. Your reclining sofa/chair should be well clear of obstructions before use 
8. Don’t allow young children to operate reclining furniture unless they are supervised by a responsible adult
9. Your reclining furniture needs mechanical tolerance in order to work, therefore a certain amount of side movement can be expected, especially when no one is seated on the chair
10. It’s important to limit the amount of direct or prolonged sunlight your recliner is exposed to as this can dull the colour. Closing blinds and curtains can help to minimise the risk of sun fading
11. Place your reclining sofa or chair away from radiators and other heat sources to avoid heat damage
12. If there are any spillages that come into contact with the metal mechanism, ensure that they are fully dried to prevent any rusting

How to clean a recliner sofa

How you clean your reclining sofa will depend on the material of the upholstery. Please refer to our guides, Caring for your fabric sofa or Caring for your leather sofa for the correct information.

These simple steps apply to general recliner maintenance to keep it looking its best:

• Frequently vacuum the seats, paying attention to the crevices and the underside of your recliner as dust and debris can easily get trapped in these areas
• Endeavour to deal with spillages immediately to prevent any risk of staining, taking care not to rub the stain into the fabric
• Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning products as these may damage the fabric
• Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions for recommended cleaning products and processes