But before you jump into cleaning and maintenance tips, getting familiar with this art piece’s origin and design is crucial. Knowing the materials used for making Camaleonda sofas also gives you a great insight into how to care for them to prolong their life.

Read our guide on another iconic furniture piece: How to Care for Your Designer Togo Sofa

Camaleonda in light grey chenille. Picture by B&B Italia.

Camaleonda sofa – History, Design & Materials

Conceived by architect Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B Italia, the Camaleonda sofa symbolises 1970s design innovation. Its enduring popularity is rooted in a distinctive modular design featuring plush cushions connected by rings and carabiners, offering structural stability and easy rearrangement. The sofa’s adaptability is evident in its ability to seamlessly fit into diverse interior styles, from minimalist to eclectic, thanks to its low, deep-seated profile. Discontinued in the late ’70s, the Camaleonda reemerged in 2020, reintroduced to captivate a new generation of design lovers with its remarkable silhouette and functional versatility. This legendary piece remains a timeless and personalised addition to any living space, echoing its historical roots and contemporary appeal.

You might also like: Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Your Luxury Swiss Watch

Archive image of the original design. Courtesy of B&B Italia.

Satisfying continuity in form and function

Apart from a few minimal adjustments to respond to 21st-century safety and environmental codes, the contemporary version’s design is the same. Sofas made after 2020 contain either recycled or recyclable materials assembled in layers and can be easily separated once the seating reaches the end of its life — from recycled PET to stainless steel, brass and solid beech wood. With the company’s vast array of textiles and leather, you can customise the outer fabrications to suit any interior.

Check also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

Both the seventies design and today’s version comprise rounded modules of fabric-covered polyurethane, cleverly connected with a simple system of carabiners, rings and cables to be unhooked and recombined at will. That is why Camaleonda is an endlessly customisable piece of furniture. Even now, over 40 years after its conception, this iconic Bellini sofa still looks more modern and futuristic than most present-day furniture.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Photography by Kelly Marshall for Architectural Digest.

Camaleonda upholstery fabrics and materials

The original Camaleonda was finished with high-quality Italian fabrics and materials. Still, you need to remember that if you have a vintage piece from the 70s, it is very likely that the modules have been reupholstered at least once. Fortunately, in most cases, the materials used to restore the iconic sofa are equal in quality and beauty to the original upholstery. However, if you’re looking for a vintage Camaleonda, it’s a good idea to ask what type of fabric it’s finished with – this information will help you take better care of this luxury piece of furniture.

You might also like: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

As for the contemporary versions of this classic sofa they come in a great variety of upholstery fabrics and materials:

• Bouclè – you can choose from a few varieties of this sophisticated and timeless fabric in an incredible array of colours and structures. Boucles are fabric blends, meaning they are composed of a few different natural, synthetic and man-made fibres such as cotton, wool, linen, viscose, acrylic and polyester.
• Canvas – you can get your Camaleonda finished in a few types of beautiful, prime-quality canvas fabrics in a wide variety of colours. Most canvas upholstery fabrics offered by B&B Italia are blends with high natural thread content. They are combined with synthetic and man-made fibres to highlight and fortify the natural materials. However, if you want all-natural upholstery for your Camaleonda, check out the beautiful Bellano made from 100% cotton.
• Chenille – this beautiful, textured fabric easily highlights the voluptuous silhouette of the Camaleonda modules. B&B Italia offers three types of chenille fabrics: 2 blends and one made of 100% polyester with a high recycled material content.
• Cloth – you can dress your Camaleonda in one of the few types of cloth B&B Italia offers. All of them are high-quality wool and wool-blended fabrics that instantly elevate the gracious design of the sofa. 
• Jacquard – you can choose between a few types of these distinctive fabrics in a great range of colours. All jacquards offered by B&B Italia are well-balanced natural and synthetic blended fibres with excellent colour fastness ratings. This is why they are often chosen for open spaces with a lot of light due to this quality.
• Rattier – this is a beautiful tight-woven fabric that comes in various colours and materials. All types of B&B Italia’s rattier are blended textiles, except for Aramis, which is 100% polyester. The combinations vary from all-natural to well-balanced combinations of natural and synthetic fibres. Rattier is an exquisite fabric with an excellent colour fastness rating that fits the luxurious Camaleonda sofas like a glove.
• Satin – if you want satin upholstery for your Camaleonda, you will be delighted to choose from several beautiful colours. Adria, the B&B Italia’s satin fabric is a wonderful blend of viscose, linen, cotton, acrylic and other fibres.
• Velvet – velvet’s timeless elegance and lusciousness make it a desirable upholstery material. If you want this sophisticated look for your Camaleonda, you can choose between a few types of velvet – from all-natural and all-synthetic fabrics to a well-balanced blend that compliments every module of your gorgeous piece. 
• Leather: you can dress the modules of your sofa in a few types of prime-quality leather. The company offers bull, young steer and cowhide leathers in an astounding variety of colours that will make your Camaleonda stand out in every space you place it.

Check also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Camaleonda in olive green chenille. Picture by B&B Italia.

How to Clean & Maintain Your Camaleonda Sofa?

Enjoying the beauty and comfort of your Chamaleonda means being constant in your sofa care routine. Following our tips, you can keep this Italian design art piece in perfect condition and prolong its life.

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Vacuum the sofa regularly to remove dust and dirt. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fabric. Weekly vacuuming should also include the areas around and under the furniture.
• If you have a leather Camaleonda, you can remove dirt and dust with a soft microfibre towel. It’s also a good idea to condition the leather at least once every three months to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
• Check the sofa regularly for loose seams or tears. Repair any damage promptly.
• If you have to clean stains and spills from your Camaleonda sofa, remove as much dirt as possible using a clean white towel. Make sure to blot the area gently, and whatever you do, don’t scrub the stain to avoid spreading it. After finishing this step, we strongly recommend calling a certified upholstery care specialist. Most textile materials used to dress this luxurious furniture are elaborate blends, and DIY stain removal can do more harm than good.  
• Certified sofa cleaners are also your best bet against heavily soiled luxurious furnishings; this iconic modular furniture is no exception. If you need to restore the condition of your Camaleonda sofa, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have years of experience caring for luxurious Italian sofas, returning their as-new look.

Read also: Things you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it

Stella McCartney has also chosen Camaleonda as part of the interior of her flagship store on London’s Bond Street.

Protection

• Most upholstery fabrics used for the contemporary version of Camaleonda have excellent colour fastness ratings. Still, it is wiser to avoid placing it in direct sunlight to minimise the risk of fading. 
• If you have pets, keep them away from your Camaleonda to prevent scratches and stains.
• If you live in a humid area, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to help prevent mould and mildew growth.
• Some sources claim that the polyurethane body of Camaleonda sofas can be damaged by heat. This can’t be further from the truth, as this polymer is a thermosetting material that does not melt. 
• However, it’s still wise to keep the design piece further from heaters and fireplaces because while the polyurethane foam inside the sofa might not melt, some types of upholstery can be damaged by high temperatures.
• Acetone can damage the materials forming the sofa’s body – polyurethane and polyethene. When concentrated, the chemical can melt these polymers almost immediately. But even in its diluted form, acetone can cause irreversible damage to your sofa cushions. Acetone is commonly found in nail polish, paint thinner, furniture polish, and shoe polish, so avoid using these products near the sofa.

Check also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Original Camaleonda in bold orange colour. Photo courtesy of Via Antica

Additional tips for taking care of a vintage Camaleonda sofa:

• Be careful not to overload the sofa. The modular design of the Camaleonda sofa makes it easy to create a variety of different seating configurations. Still, it is wise to avoid putting too much weight on a single module.
• Avoid harsh chemicals on the sofa, which could damage the fabric or leather.
• If you need to move the sofa, lift it carefully. Do not drag it across the floor, as this could damage its legs or frame.

Read also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

The Camaleonda sofa transcends the boundaries of mere furniture; it is a symbol of design innovation, versatility, and enduring elegance. The use of durable materials and meticulous craftsmanship also make this iconic sofa an investment in quality. With proper care, you can keep your Camaleonda looking and performing its best for many years.

Check also: How to Pick a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

These sleek, snug, head-turning design pieces are also relatively easy to maintain. With proper care, your Togo sofa will look – and feel – as comfortable and luxurious as it did the day you first brought it home. Moreover, if you keep your Togo sofa in good condition, it maintains its value, and you can re-sale it at a price close to the one you’ve paid.

Today, our sofa cleaning pros will share with you the best ways to care for your Togo furniture.

Read also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Togo sofas maintain their value and you can see 30 year old Togos looking as new on eBay and similar websites.

What is a Togo sofa? 

Togo is a furniture collection created by designer Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for the French company Ligne Roset. Togo sofas are timeless pieces featuring an elegant design that instantly captures the eye. Besides its beauty, the furniture is also comfortable and durable. So it’s no surprise that over the years, Togo has obtained an iconic status all over the world. The series is very recognisable and loved by people of all ages, and the company still makes it to this day.

Check also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

Togo upholstery fabrics and materials

Togo sofas come in a few different upholstery fabrics and materials – Alcantara, Cordoue, Harald, and Leather. 

• Alcantara is the most popular upholstery for Togo furniture, with more than 70 colour options. This fabric is durable, easy-to-clean (using the correct products) microfibre with a suede-like texture.
• Cordoue is a soft cotton corduroy velvet upholstery with a lush vintage look inspired by the seventies design.
• Harald is a tight-woven, very short-pile velour fabric made from 100% cotton that gives a luxurious finish to Togo furniture pieces.
• Leather – Togos can come in a wide variety of sumptuous natural leathers – from full-grain bull hides and nubuck to Elmosoft semi-aniline leather. 

Read also: Decode Upholstery Labels and Choose the Best Sofa for Your Needs

A set of lovely multicoloured Togo sofas we have cleaned for our client.

How do I clean my Togo sofa?

Maintaining your Ligne Roset Togo sofa is not difficult if you follow a few simple rules. Cleaning should be done regularly to keep its luxurious look and feel over time. The main “issue” with Togo sofas is that they are just too comfortable! This quality tempts many people to do everything snuggled on their beloved furniture: reading, watching TV, sleeping, playing games and even dining. However, unlike other types of sofas, food crumbs and dirt get trapped in the folds and crevices, so no matter what you do, try to avoid eating on your Togo. Now, let’s jump to the cleaning steps necessary to maintain your Togo sofa in perfect condition.

Read also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

Cleaning around and under 

Unlike most other furnishings, Togo sofas lay directly on the ground, meaning the furniture is in contact with all the dirt and dust on the floor. So, cleaning and mopping the floor under and around the sofa is a must to keep the upholstery clean. Luckily, Togo sofas are relatively light and easy to move around, making cleaning the floor around and under possible even if you are alone.

Check also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Weekly vacuuming 

Whatever the upholstery material, regular vacuuming is the most crucial step to keep the gorgeous look of your Togo furniture. All the crevices and folds, typical for its signature design, trap a lot of dirt, hair and dust very quickly. That is why vacuuming your sofa should become part of your weekly cleaning routine. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to remove dust and debris from each fold and seam of the upholstery. Finish the vacuuming by running the light brush attachment all over your Togo sofa.

We’re especially proud of the job we did on this cute yellow Togo. You can see the before/after pic a little further down the article.

Freshen up the upholstery

If you want to keep the upholstery looking nice and fresh, you only need a clean towel and water! Wipe your Togo sofa with a slightly damp towel after vacuuming. You don’t need any cleaning product, only pure water. This is a swift cleanup, but it delivers impressive results and instantly freshens the Togo sofa. 

You might also like: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

Spot cleaning

If you must remove stains from your Togo sofa, we advise you to act carefully. The most popular upholstery, Alcantara, is a gorgeous microfibre suede. This material can be very forgiving when it comes to different stains. However, if you spill something on your sofa, it is crucial to act quickly. Treat the spot with a damp clean towel, and try not to over-soak and over-scrub your sofa. 

You can also use specialised fabric stain removal products when needed. After wiping down the upholstery, rinse any soapy residue with a clean, dry towel. Allow the sofa to dry completely before sitting on it.

When it comes to spot cleaning, it is very important to avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, rubbing alcohol or bleach, as they will cause damage to the sofa fabric. Remember that over-soaking your Togo sofa can cause permanent staining to the upholstery.

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Upholstery Fabrics

Maintaining a leather Togo sofa 

You can safely use a specialised leather cleaner and conditioner if your Togo has leather upholstery. Use a high-quality, pH-balanced leather cleaner to treat the leather, then finish with a leather conditioner. When cleaning leather, it’s crucial to not saturate it and to buff lightly after applying the products. 

Avoid using saddle soap and other solvents and harsh scrubbing, as this can damage the leather upholstery of your Togo sofa. Regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather will help keep its luxurious look.

Read also: Things you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it

Before and after Togo sofa cleaning done by Cleaner Cleaner team.

Deep cleaning of Togo furniture

As with any other type of furniture, you must set up an annual deep cleaning of your Togo sofa. Although you can try and clean it yourself, the pointy tips of your Togo furniture require some specific cleaning tools due to its unique design. Also, DIY cleaning often leads to oversoaking, and as we mentioned, this can cause permanent staining on the upholstery. That is why even the manufacturer, Ligne Roset, recommends turning to professional upholstery cleaners for the deep cleaning of your Togo furniture.

However, regular furniture cleaning tools most cleaners use can get your sofa too wet and soggy and ruin it. So, before hiring any cleaning company, make sure they are familiar with the peculiarities of Alcantara and other Togo upholsteries and have the right tools for the job.

You might also like: Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Your Luxury Swiss Watch

5 Factors to Consider Before Cleaning Your Watch

In general, cleaning a watch is not complicated. However, there are a few important things to take in mind before you get started to help you do an excellent job and protect your precious watch from damage. Here are the factors you need to consider when cleaning your watch at home:

Water Resistance

Water resistance is the most crucial factor when it comes to cleaning your watch. If your timepiece is not water-resistant (most vintage watches fall in this category), it requires different cleaning and care than most contemporary watches. Even if the tiniest amount of water or soap of water gets into the case of a timepiece with no water resistance, it can damage it.

Crown and Pushers

Even water-resistant watches can be damaged by water and cleaning products if the crown is not screwed or pushed completely; otherwise, the case might not be sealed. Always check if the crown is in a closed position and avoid working the pusher buttons when cleaning your timepiece to ensure no water will get into the case.

Read also: How to Care for Your Designer Togo Sofa

Age and Last Servicing Date

Knowing your watch’s age and last servicing date are as important as knowing its water resistance. Timepieces that are older models or have been used a long time without, and those that haven’t been serviced for several years usually have diminished water resistance. Gaskets age, dry and become brittle over time, and the risk of water ingress gets higher. If you have any concerns over the effective water resistance of your luxurious watch, we recommend you bring it to a reputable watchmaker for inspection and servicing.

Materials of the Watch

Different materials require different cleaning approaches, tools and products to do the job without scratching or damaging your timepiece. For example, you can clean stainless steel and titanium safely with a soft brush. However, if your timepiece has a gold or satin finish, brushing it can damage the metal, so it’s better to use a microfibre cloth. You should also check the material of your watch crystal. Sapphire is quite firm and durable, while acrylic and hesalite crystals can easily scratch when cleaning the watch. So before cleaning your watch, it is wise to know its materials. If you don’t keep the original user manual of your timepiece, check the manufacturer’s website or contact the seller to get detailed info about your watch. 

Set a Safe Cleaning Space 

Whenever you’re cleaning your luxury watch, you should make sure to do it over a protected surface. Watches can become quite slippery during the cleaning and fall out of your hands. To avoid damage, place a layered towel over a flat surface – it will catch any potential slips and also help soak any water splashes. 

You might also like: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Water-resistant watches like this Omega Seamaster are very easy to clean as long as you service them regularly.

How to Clean a Water Resistant Watch?  

If your watch has a water resistance of 50 meters and above, it can withstand being wet-cleaned. Also, if your watch’s strap or bracelet is made from a water-resistant material – like metal or rubber, you can keep it and clean the watch along with it. However, if the bracelet is made of leather or any other non-water-resistant material, you should detach it and clean it separately.

You will need:

• Dry towel to lay over your workspace
• Gentle liquid soap 
• Warm water
• Bowl
• A soft brush (a soft toothbrush will do) for stainless steel watches or microfibre cloth for gold watches
• Microfiber cloth for drying

Cleaning instructions:

1. Fill your bowl with warm water, add a few drops of soap and mix until you have a soapy solution.
2. Dip the brush into the solution, and gently brush the watch to remove the dirt. If your watch has a satin finish or a precious metal finish (such as gold), you will want to use a microfiber cloth or even just with your hands to avoid scratching its surface.
3. Gently rinse the watch with clean water. If your watch has a moderate water resistance (50 meters to 100 meters), you can quickly dip it in a bowl filled with clean water. Watches with excellent water resistance (100 meters and above) can be placed directly under a running water faucet. 
4. Dry your watch completely with a soft microfiber cloth.

You might also like: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

Vintage watches, dress watches, and timepieces like this pocket watch usually are non-water-resistant.

How to Clean a Watch with Little or No Water Resistance?

If your watch has little to no water resistance (30 meters or less), you’ll need similar tools and materials to clean it; however, the cleaning steps are quite different. You should avoid getting your timepiece wet and submerge it in water at all cost; otherwise, you risk significant damage. 

You will need:

• Dry towel to lay over your workspace
• Gentle liquid soap 
• Warm water
• Bowl
• Soft brush
• 2 microfibre cloths
• Dry, fluffy cloth

Cleaning instructions:

1. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any dirt or debris that have accumulated on the watch face or band.
2. Use a mixture of mild soap and water to clean the watch. Dip a microfibre cloth into the mixture and wring out the excess water. The cloth should be slightly damp. Use it to gently scrub the watch, and be careful not to get water into the watch’s case and mechanisms.
3. Dry the watch thoroughly with a clean, soft microfibre cloth.
4. Use the dry, fluffy cloth to remove any moisture from the watch’s band, case and crystal.  

Suppose you are cleaning a vintage piece without any water resistance. In that case, we recommend brushing it only with a soft dry brush to remove any debris physically and then cleaning it with polishing cloths for fine metal. They will remove any dirt and polish the face and bracelet without scratching the surface. You can use such cloth on gold, silver and other precious materials; however, they are not suitable for cleaning watches with a satin finish.

You might also like: How to Care About Velvet Furniture the Right Way

Don’t forget to clean the strap or bracelet of the watch as this helps the timepiece maintain its overall look.

How to Clean the Watch Strap?

If either your watch or watch strap is water resistant, but not both, you should detach them and clean them separately. When cleaning the strap of your timepiece, you should consider its water resistance, age, material, construction, etc. All these factors matter if you want to clean the bracelet or strap of your watch safely and efficiently. 

Cleaning Water Resistant Straps and Bracelets

A lot of contemporary watches have steel, titanium or rubber straps or bracelets. These are very durable materials, and they are quite easy to clean. Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to remove dirt and debris built on the strap and clasp. Put the watch strap or bracelet under running water to rinse it. After that, dry the strap with a clean microfibre cloth. 

When it comes to bracelets made from precious metals, such as platinum or gold, as well as watches with a satin finish, it’s best to avoid using brushes as they might scratch the metal surface. Instead, you can use an extra soft microfibre cloth dipped in soap and water. Scrub the bracelet gently, then rinse it clean and dry it with a soft microfibre towel.

Cleaning Leather Straps  

The first thing you need to know when dealing with leather watch straps is never to use wet wipes, alcohol or soap, as these products will dry the leather and can even ruin it. Before cleaning the strap, it’s worth checking what type of leather it is made from. If you are still determining what type of leather you’re dealing with and how to care about it, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s website.

If the watch strap is made from leather or another water-sensitive material, you must apply a gentler cleaning process. Use a very slightly damp cloth on the strap to remove dust and dirt without scrubbing hard. This method is suitable for leather like grain calf, shark or alligator. 

However, super matte leathers and also straps made from nubuck or suede are more susceptible to absorbing oils and water. The safest cleaning approach for straps made from these materials is using a soft dry brush or dry microfibre cloth to brush the surface gently.

In the long run, it’s worth getting a leather care kit to keep the leather’s excellent appearance over the years. These kits usually contain all the products and materials needed to maintain the material’s beauty and durability.

Read also: What you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it!

Cleaning Fabric Watch Bands 

Many smartwatches, including the new Apple Watch Ultra, come with fabric straps. Most of them are made from synthetic materials because they are durable and versatile. To clean your fabric watch band, detach it from the timepiece and wash it using mild detergent and lukewarm water. You can also throw it in the washing machine; however, make sure to set the lowest temperature setting as high temperatures can shrink the synthetic material.  

By following these steps, you can keep your luxurious watch looking its best and ensure that it continues to function properly for years to come. It’s also a good idea to have your watch professionally serviced on a regular basis to ensure that it is running smoothly and to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.