Advice
How to care for a sofa bed
A sofa bed does two jobs, and the care is in keeping both working: a sofa that is used every day and a bed that is used now and then. Here is how to look after the mechanism, the mattress and the cover.
10th November 2026
Before you use a new sofa bed
- Read the instructions supplied with the sofa. Mechanisms vary between models and the way to open one is not the way to open another.
- Check the clear space you need in front of the sofa with the bed open.
- Use the mattress supplied with the sofa bed. A different mattress can strain the mechanism and may affect your guarantee.
How to open and close a sofa bed safely
- Remove loose cushions where the instructions say so. On roll-out mechanisms the seat cushions stay in place [confirm which poltronesofà mechanisms are used].
- Pull the mechanism out in one smooth movement, using the handle or strap provided, and lower the frame rather than dropping it.
- Check that children and pets are clear before you open or close the bed.
- Never sit or perch on the edge of the open bed frame: it is designed to be lain on, not sat on.
- Close the bed when it is not in use. A sofa bed left open puts weight on the mechanism and the mattress.
How to look after a sofa bed mattress
- Air it: open the bed for a few hours now and then, even when nobody is staying, so moisture does not build up while it is folded.
- Rotate the mattress occasionally so it wears evenly, and turn it if the instructions say it is double sided.
- Use a mattress protector and a fitted sheet when the bed is in use; both can be washed, the mattress cannot.
- Spot clean marks with a mild upholstery cleaner on a cloth, and let the mattress dry fully before folding it away.
- A sofa bed is for occasional use. Nightly use wears the mattress and the mechanism faster than they are designed for.
How to clean a sofa bed
- Vacuum the seats and the inside of the mechanism regularly, on a low setting, with the soft brush attachment.
- Blot spills immediately and clean the cover according to the fabric or leather guide.
- Check the care label before washing any cushion covers.
- Plump the cushions daily so the sofa keeps its shape between uses as a bed.
Keeping a sofa bed in good condition
- No jumping on the sofa or the open bed: the frame and the mattress take the strain.
- Do not sit on the arms.
- Keep pets off the open bed: claws snag the mattress cover.
- Keep the sofa away from radiators and out of direct sunlight.
When to contact us
If the mechanism becomes stiff or does not close, contact us. The sofa frame is guaranteed for 20 years.
FAQs
Sofa beds are designed for occasional use, such as guests. Nightly use wears the mattress and the mechanism faster than they are built for. If a bed is needed every night, a proper bed is the better choice.
It depends on the mechanism, so check the instructions for your model. In general, remove loose cushions if the instructions say so, pull the frame out smoothly using the handle or strap, and lower it rather than letting it drop. Keep children and pets clear.
Spot clean marks with a mild upholstery cleaner on a cloth, let it dry fully before folding the bed away, air the mattress regularly and use a protector and sheet when it is in use. A mattress protector can be washed; the mattress cannot.
Use the mattress supplied. A different thickness or weight can strain the mechanism and may affect your guarantee.
No. Close it when it is not in use. An open bed puts constant weight on the mechanism and the mattress.
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