What is microfiber upholstery fabric made of?
Most microfiber furniture fabric is polyester; however, it also may be nylon or a combination of both. Microfibers may also be created out of acrylic and rayon.
What is microfiber used in upholstery?
- A microfiber is a filament having a diameter of 1 denier (diameter of about ten micrometers) or less.
- Microfibers are very fine fibers compared to more conventional fibers; microfibers are half the diameter of a fine silk fiber, one-third the diameter of cotton, one-quarter the diameter of fine wool and one hundred times finer than human hair.
What is the difference between microfiber and microsuede?
Microsuede is simply a type of microfiber. Most microfiber weaves feel particularly smooth and soft, but microsuede is made to have the raised texture of suede. Even though the look and quality of microsuede isn’t exactly the same as suede, it can be strikingly similar. However, the easy-care advantage of microsuede may more than make up for any visual differences.
What are the advantages and benefits of microfiber upholstery?
- Resists deterioration when exposed to mildew, sunlight, water and insects.
- Stain resistant – liquids tend to bead-up on microfibers instead of soaking in, giving you time to blot-up spills before a stain sets in.
- Easy to clean - If a stain dries in, it is easy to clean off by blotting with warm water or mild detergent and a damp towel.
- Washable – slip-covers and throw pillows can usually be laundered in your home washing machine.
- Soft and breathable – depending on the manufacturing process it can feel velvety or suede-like. It is comfortable to sit or lay on and has a breathable quality that feels warm and cozy in the winter and dry and cool in the summer.
- Colorfast – it maintains its color without fading and stays new looking for years, allowing endless color possibilities, including deep or bright saturated shades.
- Durable – the tight weave prevents pulls and snags. The fabric is dense and threads are strong so holds up well to heavy use without fraying.
- Pet-friendly - most cats and dogs can’t dig their claws into it.
- Kid-friendly – microfiber’s durability and stain resistant qualities make it an especially great choice for busy homes with kids and pets.
- Keeps allergens out – the tight weave forms a barrier that keeps allergens such as dust mites and dander out and won’t harbor these allergens.
- Affordability – microfiber is much less expensive than suede and leather.
What are the disadvantages of microfiber upholstery?
- Microfibers will flatten out and become permanently distorted in heavy usage areas.
- BlueJeans or dark color clothes can easily transfer their color on it.
- Microfiber holds onto water-based materials spilled onto the furniture and can be difficult to remove!
- Microfibers is a hair magnet.
- Static can also be problematic.
- The material is also prone to water marking. Water marks or water “rings” happen when moisture penetrates the surface of the fiber and causes discoloration.
- Like olefin, polyester is very oil-loving! Hair and body oils from people and pets stick to microfiber - requiring more agitation and cleaning than most upholstery.
- Dog and cat hair is the biggest problem with microfiber upholstery. It does not brush off easily.
- The easiest way to remove cat and dog hair from microfiber furniture is to use a lint roller or the Handi-Brush™.
- For allergy sufferers, a leather sofa is a better choice than a microfiber sofa because leather won’t absorb dust and other small particles into the cushions.
- Microfiber is prone to water marking, which happens when moisture penetrates the surface of the fiber and causes discoloration.
- Oily residue and lotions can leave soil the surface and be difficult to clean off.
Use the following suggested care methods for cleaning microfiber upholstery:
- Always pre-inspect for any damage, wear, stains, hidden stains or dyes.
- Always follow manufacturer’s care instructions. Upholstery cleaning codes should be on the furniture.
- Begin by vacuuming to remove any dust, loose grime and pet hair.
- Typically, most solutions that can be used to clean polyester also may be used to clean microfiber.
- Even rubbing alcohol can be used to clean or remove spots and stains from microfiber upholstery!
- Food Spills: Lift any excess food with a dull knife-edge. Blot off excess food with a white cloth dampened with warm water. If the spill has dried, you may be able to remove the food completely by lightly brushing off the dried food with a clean, dry soft-bristled brush.
- Daily Cleaning: Loose dirt should be vacuumed and brushed away before it becomes embedded and harder to remove. Weekly vacuuming or light brushing helps to remove soil and prevent the embedding of dirt or grime between fibers which can increase abrasion and wear.
- Overall Cleaning: Use a professional cleaning service when an overall soiled condition has been reached. Please refer to the fabric’s cleaning code for proper care.
- Note to professional cleaners: Place the furniture on a Furniture Pad (Furniture Blanket) before beginning your cleaning - to prevent overspray getting onto the floor! Dry off with a Turkish Towel to groom the pile and to remove any marks from your upholstery tool. Aggressive cleaning won’t usually permanently harm a microfiber piece, but the nap has special grooming concerns. If you allow the upholstery tool marks to set, reclean the piece to set the nap correctly.
“Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) Method - Use Alcohol to Clean Microfiber Furniture
- NOTE: Many web sites advise using Windex® or other window cleaner to clean microfiber. DON’T do it - Windex contains a dye!
- Vacuum the couch, sofa or chair with an upholstery attachment to remove loose dirt.
- Test a small patch on the back of the couch if concerned about colorfastness.
- Don’t use plain water on microfiber furniture because it will leave behind water marks. Instead use rubbing alcohol because it is better because alcohol is quick drying and less likely to leave a residue.
- Avoid open flames when using alcohol and use with good ventilation.
- Pour the alcohol into a clean spray bottle and spray the furniture being careful to spray one small area at a time.
- Alcohol dries so quickly that it is best to spray no larger than a 2' by 2' area.
- Use the soft side of a scrubbing sponge or white cloth to wipe away the dirt.
- Once the dirt has been wiped clean from the surface, turn the sponge over to the scrubbing side and gently rub in a circular motion to help re-fluff the fibers.
- Pay particular attention to armrests as they get especially grubby.
- Finally, give the furniture some time to dry completely.
- After the furniture has completely dried it may feel stiff. Simply take the clean soft scrub or shoe brush and rub in a circular motion as before with the sponge to re-fluff and bring back softness.
- Alcohol not only will remove soil, but many stains.
- To keep microfiber upholstery looking its best, vacuum weekly and use rubbing alcohol to treat spots as needed.
- NOTE: If there are any water stains on the upholstery that have not been removed, clean with WHITE vinegar mixed with distilled or deionized water followed by alcohol.
- NOTE: If the fiber used is polyester, hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove many stubborn stains such as blood, urine and wine.
How to Protect Microfiber Furniture against Soil, Oils and Stains:
- Solvent-based protectors such as Sta-Clene® Formula 940 Soil & Stain Repellent are preferable to water-based protectors water-based protectors tend to stiffen the soft “feel”.
Below are before and after photos of a filthy microfiber sofa cleaned and restored to like-new by Clean Again, Inc. which has been cleaning in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre PA the Bane-Clene way for over 30 years.
