Fabric Care Guide

Fabric Upholstery Care Guide

Caring for Your Upholstered Furniture

Quality fabrics and fine materials bring lasting comfort when cared for properly. Our guide offers general advice to help preserve the beauty and lifespan of your pieces.

Note: As fabrics, fillings, and finishes vary by manufacturer, always follow the specific care instructions supplied with your product for warranty coverage.

A Note On Your Home Environment

Every home is different and the environment within your home will inevitably influence the care requirements of your furniture. Modern, energy-efficient and airtight homes can create conditions that differ significantly from older properties, particularly in relation to temperature, humidity and ventilation.

It is important to consider the environment in which your furniture now resides and adjust your care routine accordingly. Providing each piece with the appropriate care based on the conditions within your home will help maintain its appearance, performance and longevity.

Different Types of Fabric

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. These characteristics are part of the authenticity and charm of natural materials and should not be regarded as faults.

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.

What to Expect From Your Upholstery

All upholstered furniture experiences natural changes over time. You may notice softening of cushions, relaxation of fabric, creasing on seats and arms, settlement of fillings, or shading of pile movement on certain fabrics. These are normal characteristics of quality upholstered furniture and do not indicate a manufacturing fault.

Fabric Care Recommendations

✓ Do

Everyday Care

• ✓ Vacuum upholstery weekly using a soft upholstery attachment
• ✓ Remove dust and debris from seams and crevices
• ✓ Maintain a clean environment to reduce dust build-up

Spillages & Cleaning

• ✓ 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

Spillages & Cleaning

• ✕ 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 and reversible cushions where possible
• ✓ Smooth and dress cushions after use
• ✓ Vary seating positions to distribute wear evenly

✕ Don't

• ✕ Sit on sofa arms, backs, or the very edges of cushions
• ✕ Stand or kneel on cushions
• ✕ Apply concentrated weight to one area repeatedly
• ✕ Continuously use the same seating position where alternatives are available

Understanding Cushion Settlement

Settlement is a natural part of upholstered furniture ownership. Luxury upholstery is often designed to provide comfort rather than rigid firmness, and some visible settling is entirely normal. You may notice:

• Cushion softening
• Fabric relaxation
• Gentle creasing
• Slight dips in frequently used areas

These characteristics do not indicate a manufacturing fault and are often more noticeable in softer, higher-comfort cushion constructions.

A Final Word

Quality upholstered furniture and cushions are designed to be lived in and enjoyed. Natural fabrics, woven textiles, cushion fillings and comfort layers will gradually settle, soften and develop character over time, creating a seating experience that is unique to your home. Variations in texture, colour, weave and appearance are often a reflection of the quality and authenticity of the materials used. With regular plumping, rotation where appropriate and sensible day-to-day care, your furniture and cushions can retain their comfort, appearance and performance for many years.

For specific cleaning instructions, fabric suitability, cushion care requirements, maintenance recommendations and warranty conditions, always refer to the manufacturer's care guide and warranty documentation supplied with your chosen piece.

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