Keep Your Furniture Looking Fresh with Expert Care Tips
Upholstery fabrics are a key element in any interior space, adding both style and comfort to your furniture. However, they do require proper care to stay looking their best for years to come. Whether your upholstery is in a busy living room or a stylish lounge, knowing how to clean and maintain your upholstery fabric is essential.
At Saint and Poet Upholstery Fabrics, we offer a wide range of bold, printed upholstery fabrics perfect for both traditional and contemporary spaces. To ensure they remain in top condition, here are our expert tips on cleaning and maintaining your upholstery fabrics.
Understanding Upholstery Fabric Care Labels
The first step in maintaining your fabrics is to understand the care label on your fabric. All of the fabrics at Saint and Poet are dry clean only, which is vital to ensure their longevity and prevent damage. Always follow the care instructions specific to the fabric you’ve chosen.
Many fabrics come with the following cleaning codes:
• W – Can be cleaned with water-based solutions.
• S – Dry clean only, suitable for solvents.
• WS – Can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent cleaners.
• X – Vacuum or brush only, no liquid cleaning allowed.
For dry clean only fabrics like ours, it’s essential to avoid water-based cleaning products, which can leave stains or cause shrinking. Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming and professional cleaning, will keep your fabrics looking as good as new.
Routine Maintenance
Vacuum Regularly
Dust and dirt are upholstery’s worst enemies, causing fabric to wear over time. We recommend vacuuming your upholstery at least once a week to remove dust and debris. Make sure to use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to avoid damaging the fabric. For fabrics with intricate patterns, such as our bold printed upholstery designs, vacuuming will help maintain their vibrancy.
Rotate Cushions
If your furniture has removable cushions, rotating them regularly will ensure even wear. This simple habit can prevent one area from wearing out faster than others and will help keep the fabric looking even and fresh.
Protect from Sunlight
Sunlight can cause fabrics to fade over time. While we use high-quality inks in our digital prints, we recommend keeping furniture away from direct sunlight or using curtains and blinds to protect your upholstery. Through fabric testing, we know that all of our fabrics achieve a Grade B colour fastness to light according to industry standards, ensuring durability while maintaining their vibrant designs.
How to Remove Stains
Even with the best care, accidents can happen. For dry clean only fabrics, it’s crucial to act quickly while avoiding water-based cleaning solutions. Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Blot the Stain (Don’t Rub!)
If you spill something on your upholstery, immediately blot the area with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread or embed further into the fabric fibres.
Step 2: Avoid DIY Cleaning Products
Many over-the-counter cleaning products contain chemicals that can damage or discolour your upholstery. For Saint and Poet fabrics, always opt for professional dry cleaning when in doubt.
Step 3: Call a Professional
For tough stains, professional dry cleaning is always your best bet. At Saint and Poet, all our upholstery fabrics are designed for dry cleaning only, ensuring that you preserve the fabric’s original quality and vibrancy.
Deep Cleaning: Leave It to the Experts
For deeper cleaning, we highly recommend scheduling regular professional upholstery cleaning. This will keep your furniture in top shape, ensuring the longevity of the fabric. It’s an especially good idea if you have children, pets, or frequent guests. Deep cleaning also removes allergens, which helps improve indoor air quality. Make sure to choose a professional who specialises in dry clean only fabrics, to suit the upholstery fabric we offer.
Fabric Protection: Should You Invest?
Many customers wonder if fabric protection treatments are worth it. Fabric protectors create a barrier against stains and spills, making it easier to clean up accidents. However, not all fabric protection treatments are safe for dry clean only fabrics, so make sure to consult with a professional before applying anything to your upholstery.
At Saint and Poet, our fabrics are not pre-treated with stain guards, allowing you to choose whether or not to apply these treatments based on your specific needs.
Prolonging the Life of Your Upholstery Fabric
Use Throw Blankets and Pillows
Adding throw blankets and decorative pillows can not only elevate the style of your furniture but also protect the fabric from daily wear. These accessories are easy to wash and replace, keeping your furniture looking fresh while also protecting the upholstery.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
As previously mentioned, using the wrong cleaning products can lead to irreversible damage. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals. Stick to professional dry cleaning services for the best results. [Insert internal link to your blog on fabric cleaning mistakes]
Choosing the Right Upholstery Fabric for Easy Maintenance
If you’re still in the process of selecting fabrics for your next upholstery project, consider the durability and maintenance needs of different materials. At Saint and Poet, we specialise in printed upholstery fabrics that are both stylish and durable. Whether you’re furnishing a family home, a hotel, or a trendy bar, we offer fabrics designed for real life.
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