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No matter how you protect your sofa upholstery fabric from all dirt and stains, time will come that your sofa will be messed up by dirt and stains. Of course you don’t want to see a sofa that was covered with unwanted stains from ice cream or any liquid that your son or daughter accidentally spilled out. In order to remove all the dirt and stains, you have two options; first is to wash it and second is to replace the upholstery fabric by purchasing a new one. Unless your fabric was all worn-out and washing won’t do any good, the second option would be applicable. The first option is probably the best solution; you need to wash sofa upholstery fabric to remove all the stains.

But before you remove the upholstery fabric covering the cushion of your sofa, try to determine if the fabric is washable or not. But how would you know it? Here are some explanations to this question.

There are two methods on how to clean sofa upholstery fabric. The first one is through dry cleaning, and the second one is through washing machine. There is lots of upholstery fabric in which cleaning should be handled by professional. But many fabric manufacturers realized the ease of removing the foam cover then putting it inside the washing machine on your own. Hence washable upholstery fabric was created.

Now how would you know that your sofa upholstery fabric is washable or not? On the producer side, upholstery fabric must qualify on 2 tests before the fabric is allowed to be washed. First, the fabric must pre-shrunk then the second one must colorfast. If your fabric not pre-shrunk and placed inside the washing machines, the fabric will shrink and if that happens, it would be almost impossible to return its original size and form. Also if your fabric is not colorfast, the color will be washed out and fade.

You can determine if you’re sofa upholstery fabric is washable simply by looking at the manufacturers label or tag. There’s a distinction code placed there like W for water-based. To find if your fabric is colorfast, get a white rag and wet a portion on it. Rub the wet portion onto the fabric, if the color sticks with the cloth, then the upholstery fabric is not colorfast. You practically need a laundry shop to clean your fabric.

Always perform these actions before you attempt to wash your sofa upholstery fabric to ensure that it is washable. Failing to do so may cause damage to your upholstery fabric and waste your money.

When deciding on an upholstery fabric for your furniture, it is important to set aside personal interests like fabric brands, texture or the price. Though it’s good to have your fabric to be the one you like the most, however what you need still takes the priority among others. Well aside from the color which is said to be the most important attribute in selecting upholstery fabric for your chair or sofa, below are some of the criteria you must consider before selecting the right fabric for your upholstery project.

• Durability

Select upholstery fabrics that will last long regardless who are sitting your chair or your sofa. Fabric that lasts long allows you to save money from buying new fabric over again and the cost of covering your sofa.

If your sofa was placed into areas where many people sit at once like the living room where family members of 6 or more sit all together to watch movie or television every night, or in an office where customers waiting for service, a durable upholstery fabrics is a must. Sometimes, durable fabrics are costly. Canvass first to find cheaper but durable fabrics.

• Style

Next thing to consider is the fabric’s style. In choosing upholstery fabric, choose the one that fits the environment and the furniture to cover. For example, if your chair’s design is a bit traditional, choose also fabric that’s traditional in order for your chair and its cover to blend well.

If you’ve got colorful office space or any place to put your sofa, choose also colorful fabric. A flower pattered or colorful striped patter will do. If your place is spacious, choose a fabric that has large bold patterns. If it’s small then select small patterns.

More importantly, select upholstery fabric that suits your taste and style.

• Color

As mentioned, color is the most important attribute in selecting upholstery fabric. In choosing fabric’s color, the color that attracts you the most could probably on the advantage, but it is not always the case. You still have to consider the space where you will be putting your furniture.

Avoid choosing color that can provide warm effects especially if the place don’t have air-conditioning. This could add up to the temperature. Also don’t choose color simply for the reason that it’s in demand and not because you liked it. You may end up not liking the outcome and request for changes.

Evaluate these criteria first before choosing the right upholstery fabric for your project. Though being bias is good but relying too much on your ego could cost you a lot and gain nothing. With these criteria, you are sure that you will have the right upholstery fabric for your upholstery project.

In choosing the right fabric for upholstery, it is important to consider the criteria in selecting the right upholstery fabric. Choose the fabric that is durable and has the style and color that perfectly fits your taste and the environment where you will be putting your furniture; in your office space or in your living room. But taking into consideration these criteria alone is not enough to select the right fabric for upholstery. There are special issues that also need to be considered when selecting the right fabric. These issues must goes hand in hand with the criteria to select the best upholstery fabric for your furniture.

These issues must be seriously taken before you choose the right fabric for upholstery.

Fabric’s Fading Resistance No one would ever want to see a sofa in which the fabric has been fading. So in choosing upholstery fabric, consider the fading resistance of the fabric. Does the fabric fade easily? Try to ask the fabric retailer about this especially if you put your sofa in a place that gets ample amount of sunlight (e.g. near the window).

If you place your sofa in a fully air-conditioned room or office, there’s a tendency that your sofa might get moisture. This condition might cause your sofa to gain molds or mildew. In choosing the right fabric for upholstery, choose the fabric that doesn’t moist despite of the sudden drop of temperature.

Fabric’s Allergen Resistance If you have pets inside your house like cats or dogs that shares on the sofa with your family members, or your place is prone to dirt and dust, these components might cause allergies not only to your family members or other visitors. So in choosing upholstery fabric, select those with microfiber to protect those will use your sofa suffer allergic reactions.

These issues together must be taken with special consideration for it might affect the not only the lifespan of the furniture but also might harm those who will use it. In choosing the right fabric for upholstery, these issues together with the criteria must be applied to get the best upholstery fabric.

You have lots of reasons why you upholstered furniture, but the most definite ones would probably be to make you sofa or your personal chair look beautiful and lasts longer than being in its normal furniture state. However with all the abuses you and your family have thrown into your couch like rugged way of sitting, kids jumping, dropping all types of stains and more, it would be impossible for your upholstered furniture to look beautiful and last longer than you expected.

The only way that will save your upholstered furniture from being messed up is by knowing how to maintain them through cleaning and taking care of them. By applying the appropriate cleaning and maintenance methods, it would be a lot easier for you to preserve the real beauty of your furniture. On top of that it is very easy to maintain upholstered furniture.

To help you get started, here are some of the basic tips to help you maintain upholstered furniture.

Select the Appropriate Upholstery Fabric

Choosing the right upholstery fabric for the upholstery project will make maintenance a lot easier like knowing the right cleaning method. Also choose the right upholstery fabric based on where you will go to use the upholstered furniture. For example, use linen upholstery fabric if you will put your furniture near the window where the amount of sunlight is tolerable but the place does not allow humidity. Apart from that, select the upholstery fabric that suits your lifestyle and the environment where to put the upholstered furniture.

Apply Necessary Upholstery Fabric Protection

Upholstery fabric manufacturers usually incorporate upholstery fabric protection from different attacks like insects, molds and other dirt and stains. However, having all these protection does not guarantee an all out protection from these threats.

Though having these repellants from stains, insects and mildew help out big when it comes to maintenance by preventing these stains from being absorbed by the fibers of the fabric, it is important to remember that paying timely attention to stains and dirt that might ruin your fabric. Clean your upholstery fabric promptly and more importantly, follow right cleaning methods coming from upholstery fabric manufacturers.

Upholstery fabric cleaning is not an easy task especially if you don’t know the best cleaning method. Also there’s no such thing as trial and error when it comes to cleaning upholstery fabric; applying the wrong method on the right fabric may damage the most precious fabric of yours. Knowing the right cleaning method for your upholstery fabric through fabric cleaning code is the best way to clean your fabric the right way.

However, knowing the best method of cleaning alone is not enough to maintain the cleanliness of your upholstery fabric. There are other small things you should apply to your fabric to make it clean. Following these guidelines together with the right upholstery fabric cleaning method, you could a fabric that’s as good as new.

• Frequently Clean your Fabric

Applying cleaning method based on fabric cleaning code can be applied at long intervals; every 3 months or every 6 months. Apply simple cleaning like vacuuming or frequently brushing your upholstery fabric. Cleaning small dirt regularly is much better than cleaning them all at once.

• Check Fabric Cleaning Code

Knowing fabric cleaning code will give you the idea how to clean your fabric. You should do this before buying upholstery fabric.

• Test cleaning product first before using it to your fabric

Before using any cleaning agents on your upholstery fabric, test the cleaning product first to an unobtrusive area. This is to protect your fabric from getting damaged due to wrong cleaning agents.

• Follow cleaning instructions carefully

There should be cleaning instructions that’s included when you purchase upholstery fabric. Follow these instructions to avoid any problems when cleaning.

• Hire professional for overall cleaning of upholstery

If cleaning does not only involve cushioning cover but the whole upholstery, seek help from a professional upholsterer to clean your entire upholstered furniture.

Cleaning upholstery fabric on your own saves you lots of money from hiring someone to do this very simple task for you. Also you have the flexibility on how will you apply upholstery fabric cleaning.

Polymers or synthetic fibers are man-made fibers which are widely used in modern upholstery fabric. Synthetic fibers are very popular and greatly used because of lots of variations in texture, color, styles and patterns – lots of options to choose from. Aside from its appearance, synthetic fibers are known to be very strong and can stand up abuses thrown by the ones using the upholstered furniture.

There are several fiber types that belong polymers and they are as follows:

Acetate Fiber

This type of synthetic fiber was created from cellulose acetate.

Characteristics of Acetate Fiber

• Has a very comfortable feel and look when using upholstery fabric made from acetate.
• Has a shimmering look and highly customizable and easy to apply dyes or coloring.
• Does not easily get shrinks and crumpled. It also has a very good resistance from mildews but easily absorbs solvents and scratches.
• Usually used in blend with other fiber to evenly distribute luster and glossiness. Acetate fibers also often found in innovative fabrics, lining and other stiff upholstery fabrics.
• Cleaning methods can be dry cleaning or water based using soap.

Acrylic Fiber

Acrylic fiber is another type of synthetic fiber that includes popular bands like Orlon, Acrilan etc.

Characteristics of Acrylic Fiber

• Very soft and has a natural feeling when used. Acrylics are commonly used in creating luxurious velvet upholstery fabrics.
• Quick drying and does not easily gets faded when exposed to sunlight, strong resistance against molds, insects and bugs.
• Not fireproof
• Perfectly used for outdoor upholstery fabrics.
• Cleaning methods either dry clean or washed with soap and water.

• Keep your upholstery fabric away from sunlight and pollutants

Though there are some upholstery fabrics that have strong resistance to sunlight, too much exposition from the sun may damage your upholstery fabric and fade its color. Try to place your upholstered furniture in a place away from an open window or any place where sunlight may pass especially if you are using ultra sensitive fabric like silk.

Not only from excessive amount of sunlight, defend also your upholstery fabric from any forms of pollutants like smoke and odor from cooking that may harm your fabric and leaving bad odor. If you’re cooking food that odor stinks through the air like frying fish, always have proper ventilation to get rid of smoke and odor caused by cooking. If you have a large blanket or cloth to cover upholstered furniture, better cover it to avoid odor from sticking to the upholstery fabric.

• Hire a Professional Upholstered furniture cleaner

After a couple of years you need to clean upholstered furniture to restore it to its original color and shape. If you don’t have the knowledge on how to clean your upholstered furniture, better hire a professional to clean it for you instead of pretending to know everything and end up damaging your upholstery fabric and the entire furniture. A cleaning fee is way reasonable than the risk of cleaning it on your own without having the right knowledge and skills.

It is very difficult to restore upholstered furniture once it was covered up with tough dirt and stains so many experts gave advices to furniture owners to frequently clean your upholstered furniture to avoid accumulation of dirt and stains that are very difficult to remove once it stick to the upholstery fabric.

• Sheets

If you want your upholstery project output simple and comfortable, sheets are a cool cheap upholstery fabric alternative. However, when choosing sheets choose the ones that are durable by selecting those with firm weaves. Coordinating sheets or pillowcases could be an ideal as upholstery fabric.

• Drapes or Long Curtains

Same with blankets and tablecloths, drapes can also be made as a cheap upholstery fabric alternative. There are lots of second hand curtains and drapes for sale at low prices at garage sales of saving shop; you just need to be patient and persistent. Cleaning and removing any damaged portion will make drapes as good as new. After that, you’ll have a nice and cheap upholstery fabric for your furniture for a little cost.

• Leather Coats

If you want to upholster your dining room chair, office chair or simply an ottoman, used leather coat could also be a cheap upholstery fabric alternative. You can these stuffs on garage sales or savings shop selling used or second hard clothes or garments. Since leather coats are limited when it comes to color, select the ones that haven’t faded yet.

Bed sheets or bedspreads

When you’re on a savings shop or a garage sale looking for cheap upholstery fabric alternatives, if you find bedspreads on sale don’t hesitate to buy them. Bedspreads are also a good fabric to cover chairs and sofas. These fabrics are washable to messing it with dirt could not be that much of a problem. Most of all, it is inexpensive.

Actually, there are lots of alternatives when it comes to fabric for your upholstery project. All you have to do is be resourceful, creative and be patient and persistent in searching the best alternative cheap upholstery fabric available.

Nylon Fiber

Introduced in 1939 by DuPont, nylon is the common name for chemically similar fiber group.

Characteristics of Nylon Fiber

• Good shimmering look, very easy to apply dyes and other colorings. Also good for hanging fabrics like curtains.
• Very strong and long-lasting, very strong resistance from all forms of scratching, molds and insects and bugs. Nylon fiber also does not easily crumple.
• Widely used in creating velvet upholstery fabric like acrylic and other types of woven upholstery fabrics.
• Cleaning methods either dry cleaning or washed with soap and water.

Olefin Fiber

Olefin was obtained from petroleum and has similar look with wool fiber.

Characteristics of Olefin Fiber

• Has a very strong resistance to moisture, thus does not easily gets molds. Olefin fiber also resists scratches and many forms of chemicals.
• Very heat sensitive and may get damaged when exposed to too much sunlight. Upholstery fabric made from Olefin fiber must only be used indoor and in a place with minimal amount of sunlight.
• Velvet upholstery fabrics and other flat woven upholstery fabrics are usually made from olefin fiber.
• Cleaning methods either dry cleaning and water-based washing.

Microfiber

Polyester, same with nylon was also introduced by DuPont in 1950’s. Microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide and one of the most popular fibers.

Characteristics of Microfiber

• In terms of appearance, polyester can have bright or tedious polish; in terms of texture polyester can be brittle or smooth.
• Very solid and long lasting and can absorb scratches very well. Does not easily fade when exposed to sunlight.
• Very strong resistance from molds and insects and bugs.
• Does not easily get dirt and stains as compared to polyester alone that easily get stains.
• Polyester mix well with other fibers like cotton and can have silk like appearance. It is also perfect for outdoor upholstery fabrics.
• Microfiber can be cleaned using mild solvents or detergents.

It is very difficult to find an all-in-one cleaner that clean your carpet, upholstery fabric and all your laundry. Since each of these stuffs possess different characteristics and cleaning methods, it is near impossible to have an all-in-one cleaner that clean your carpet, upholstery fabric and all your laundry all at once using the same formula. If you’re desperately looking for a reliable, satisfying all-in-one cleaner that clean everything; from carpet to shirt, you are fortunate enough as there is a product that clean all of these stuff and this product is none other than the Aroma Clean Cleaner.

Aroma clean cleaner contains the formula that clean your carpet, furniture upholstery fabric and even your dirtiest laundry. It also produces a rose scent aroma that freshen fabrics. It’s very easy to apply and deal with tough odor, dirt and stains. Aroma clean cleaner is the best choice for those who desperately need an all-in one cleaner to clean your carpet and upholstery fabric.

Aroma Clean Cleaner Advantages

• Developed to clean your carpet and upholstery fabric.
• Its rose scent gives a refreshing feeling.
• Straightforward to use with step by step instructions.

Aroma Clean Cleaner Disadvantages

• There are some who don’t like the womanly scent of Aroma Clean Cleaner

How to use aroma clean cleaner?

• Try the product into a hidden point to know that it doesn’t harm your upholstery fabric.
• Look for the stains and dirt on your upholstery fabric or carpet.
• Spray only small amount and do not wet it through
• Use a clean cloth (white) to remove dirt and stains.
• Allow some time to dry the surface.
• If used on fabric or laundry: spray the product on the dirty spots.
• Wipe the product using white cloth.
• Wash the fabric or laundry immediately.