Advice
How to care for a recliner sofa
A recliner has moving parts, so it needs a little more thought than a fixed sofa: how it is used, what is around it, and what happens to spills near the mechanism. Most of what goes wrong with recliners is avoidable, and most of what sounds wrong is normal.
10th November 2026
Before you use a new recliner sofa
- Read the instructions supplied with the sofa. Mechanisms differ between models, and manual and electric recliners are operated differently.
- Expect minor squeaks and creaks when the mechanism moves. Reclining furniture has many moving parts, and a little noise is normal.
- Leave a clear space behind and in front of the sofa: most recliners need room to open, and some need the sofa to sit away from the wall.
- Electric recliners need a socket within reach of the lead. Route the cable where it cannot be trapped by the mechanism or tripped over.
How to use a recliner safely
- Sit fully back in the seat before operating the recline. Reclining from the front edge strains the mechanism.
- Check that children, pets and objects are clear of the mechanism before it moves, and do not let children operate it unsupervised.
- Never leave a recliner in the open position when nobody is sitting in it, and close it before you leave the room.
- Do not sit or lean on the arms: on a recliner this twists the frame and can tip the unit.
- A small amount of side-to-side movement in the reclined position is normal mechanical tolerance, not a fault.
How to clean a recliner sofa
- Vacuum the seats regularly, including the crevices where the seat meets the back and the footrest, and underneath the sofa, where dust gathers around the mechanism.
- Treat spills immediately and blot, never rub. Follow the fabric or leather guide for the cover material.
- Dry any liquid that reaches the metal parts straight away to prevent rust.
- Protect head cushions with a back cover if you use hair products: oils and sprays soil the headrest faster than any other part of the sofa.
- Keep the sofa out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, as with any sofa.
What to do if a recliner stops working
- Electric recliner not moving: check the plug and the socket, then the connection under the sofa, where cables can work loose when the sofa is moved. Check nothing is blocking the footrest.
- Mechanism stiff or uneven: make sure nothing has fallen under or behind the sofa and that the floor is level. Do not force it.
- New noises, grinding, or the footrest not locking: stop using the recline and contact our service team.
- Do not oil, adjust or dismantle the mechanism yourself: it can affect your guarantee.
When to contact us
Mechanisms and motors on poltronesofà recliners are covered by a 12 month guarantee supplied with your sofa. The frame is guaranteed for 20 years.
If a recliner does not work as it should, contact us via our online form.
FAQs
Minor squeaks and creaks when the mechanism moves are normal on reclining furniture. A new grinding noise, a footrest that will not lock or a mechanism that moves unevenly is not, and should be checked by the service team.
Enough for the back to tilt without touching the wall. Check the dimensions for your model in the instructions supplied with the sofa.
No. Sitting or leaning on the arms twists the frame of a recliner and can tip the unit, as well as wearing the arm fabric.
The plug and the socket, then the cable connection under the sofa, which can loosen when the sofa is moved, and anything blocking the footrest. If it still does not move, contact the service team rather than opening the mechanism.
Unplug it first. Vacuum the seats and crevices, blot spills immediately, and dry any liquid near the metal parts to prevent rust. Clean the cover according to the care and maintenance guide provided at the point of purchase.
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