A weekly vacuum can help keep sofas clean, one expert has claimed.

Upholstery cleaning chores will have many reaching for the Yellow Pages in search of a local London cleaning company.

However, according to Ron Canney of Pro Cleaners, there are steps domestic cleaners can take that will help keep furniture fresh in between chores.

He claims that a weekly vacuum of the sofa surface is a must-do, while a handbrush or a damp cloth is good for tougher stains.

Mr Canner told the Daily Gleaner: "If the stain has been there for days or weeks you can pick up products at various stores or you can try things you have at home such as bristle brush and handsoap to remove tiny stains."

For many however, the pressing demands of other household chores or a stain that proves just too stubborn will require recourse to professional domestic cleaning services.