Fabric Upholstery Care Guide
Caring for Your Upholstered Furniture
Beautiful fabrics and quality materials can provide comfort and enjoyment for many years when cared for correctly.
Our guide provides general advice to help maintain the appearance and longevity of your furniture.
As upholstery fabrics, fillings, and finishes vary between manufacturers, always refer to the care instructions supplied with your product, as these will take precedence for warranty purposes.
Understanding Upholstery Fabrics
One of the pleasures of choosing upholstered furniture is the wide variety of fabrics available. Each material offers its own unique appearance, texture, performance, and maintenance requirements.
Whether you choose a natural fabric, a blended textile, or a performance fabric, it is important to understand that every material will age and wear differently.
Different Types of Fabric
Many upholstery fabrics incorporate natural fibres such as:
- Cotton – Soft, versatile, and widely used. Expect a gentle softening with use and some fading if exposed to prolonged sunlight.
- Linen – Relaxed, elegant appearance and natural texture. Expect natural creasing and slight variations in weave and texture. These are normal characteristics and contribute to linen's appeal.
- Wool – Hard-wearing, naturally insulating, and resistant to everyday wear. Expect natural texture variation and occasional pilling in some wool blends.
- Velvet – Luxurious and elegant look with smooth feel and light-reflective finish. Expect pressure marks, shading effects, and variations in pile direction. These are natural features of velvet and not defects.
- Chenille – Soft, luxurious feel and comfortable for everyday use. Expect pile flattening in areas of regular use and natural shading.
Recommendations
✓ Do
Everyday Care
- ✓ Vacuum upholstery weekly using a soft upholstery attachment
- ✓ Remove dust and debris from seams and crevices
- ✓ Plump cushions regularly
- ✓ Rotate reversible cushions where possible
- ✓ Smooth out creases and dress cushions after use
- ✓ Maintain a clean environment to reduce dust build-up
If a Spill Occurs
- ✓ Follow the cleaning guidance provided for your specific fabric
- ✓ Blot immediately using a clean, dry cloth
- ✓ Absorb as much liquid as possible
- ✓ Work from the outside of the spill inward
- ✓ Consider professional upholstery cleaning for significant staining
- ✓ Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first
✕ Don't
Everyday Care
- ✕ Don't position furniture directly beside heat sources
- ✕ Don't allow prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- ✕ Don't place furniture in areas subject to excessive heat or moisture
- ✕ Be careful of sharp objects like belt buckles, jewellery, toys, keys, and pet claws
- ✕ Don't pull or snag loose threads. Carefully trim them with scissors instead
- ✕ Don't sit on arms, backs, or the very edges of cushions, as this can cause premature frame wear or shape loss
If a Spill Occurs
- ✕ Don't rub or scrub the area
- ✕ Avoid using household detergents, bleach, solvents, abrasive cleaners, and excessive moisture
- ✕ Don't apply direct heat (like a hairdryer or iron) to dry a wet spot quickly
Understanding Cushion Fillings
The comfort and character of a sofa or chair is largely determined by its cushion filling. Different fillings will settle and respond to use in different ways.
- Foam cushions: Supportive and maintain shape well. May slightly soften during the settling period.
- Fibre cushions: Soft, durable, and offer a more relaxed appearance. Require regular plumping to maintain shape.
- Feather & Feather Blend Cushions: Ultra-soft and comfortable. Require regular plumping and dressing.
- Foam & Fibre Combination Cushions: Supportive, soft, and offer good shape retention. Benefit from occasional plumping and repositioning.
Everyday Cushion Care
✓ Do
- ✓ Plump cushions regularly
- ✓ Rotate loose cushions where possible
- ✓ Smooth and dress cushions after use
- ✓ Vary seating positions to distribute wear evenly
- ✓ Maintain cushions as part of your normal furniture care routine
- ✓ View our care videos for additional visual guidance where available
✕ Don't
- ✕ Sit on sofa arms or cushion edges
- ✕ Stand or kneel on cushions
- ✕ Apply concentrated weight to one area repeatedly
- ✕ Continuously use the same seating position where alternatives are available