Textile maintenance
Dirt and dust that remains in the fabric helps break down the textile fibers and greatly contributes to shortening the fabric's lifespan.
Regular (weekly) vacuuming with a soft brush inhibits degradation and is essential for the fabric to achieve a long life. Important maintenance factors are:
- Main cleaning
- Stain removal
- Checking color fastness
- Precautions for upholstery fabrics
Main cleaning
Start cleaning the upholstery as soon as you notice that vacuuming and regular dusting are no longer enough. For a thorough cleaning, foam cleaning is recommended. Contact the furniture retailer for guidance. How often this should be done depends on how the furniture is used, but the parts of the furniture that come into contact with the body should be cleaned at least once every three months.
Stain removal
When an accident occurs, it is important to remove the spill/stain as quickly as possible. A new stain is easier to remove than an old one. If you get a stain that you are unsure of how to remove, you should contact the furniture retailer. For stain removal, you should avoid regular household detergents as many of them are too strong for the fabric, and ALL other products that contain solvents or oil as they can damage the fabrics.
Checking color fastness
When cleaning and removing stains, always check that the fabric's dyes are compatible with the detergent you are going to use. Do a test on an inconspicuous spot on the furniture. Let it dry and check the result.
Natural fibers: Textiles made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen and wool, or from the synthetic fiber viscose, are very comfortable because they breathe and absorb sweat. These textiles are hydrophilic – they attract and absorb water and anything that contains water. The textiles are also oleophilic – they absorb oil and fat, e.g. fatty acids from sweat.
Synthetic fibers: Textiles made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, polyamide, and acrylic have exceptional mechanical resistance. These textiles are hydrophobic – repel water and other liquids. Stains from liquid spills and water-based products are not absorbed by the fibers, making these stains easier to remove. However, the fibers are oleophilic – attract oil and grease.
Blended fibers: Textiles made from blended fibers – various combinations of natural, artificial and synthetic fibers, are highly resistant to stains and have excellent comfort.
Precautions for upholstery fabrics
Lightfastness: Many pieces of furniture are unnecessarily damaged by sunlight. Remember that all exposure to light will weaken both the fibers and the dyes in the fabric. Even if the furniture fabric has been tested and approved for lightfastness, the furniture should be placed so that direct sunlight and sharp reflections are avoided. Blinds or awnings are recommended, but be aware that not all fabrics in awnings or curtains block harmful UV rays. It is important to consider that the sun shines into the room even when we are not present! The "low" sun in our latitudes in particular reaches far into the room - all day long. If you are going to be away for a long time, the furniture should be specially covered. Ask your furniture dealer how you can best protect your furniture so that it is not unnecessarily damaged by sunlight.
How to avoid damage to upholstery fabrics: Clothing with extremely rough seams or sharp details such as rivets, or belts with metal fittings, increase wear and tear and can pull out threads. Denim clothing – especially new ones, and clothing with unwashed dye, can cause discoloration. Objects or tools in back pockets can damage upholstery fabrics.
Lifespan of furniture textiles: Lack of care and maintenance reduces the lifespan of the fabric. If the furniture is used extremely heavily every day, fabric covers and arm protectors are recommended (this can be ordered for most furniture).
Pets: Pets and upholstered furniture don't mix. Hair, claws, and drool wear down the fabric. Four-legged family members should be in their basket, not on the furniture.