Maintain furniture textiles
Dirt and dust left in the fabric help to break down the textile fibers and greatly contribute to shortening the fabric's lifespan.
Regular (weekly) vacuuming with a soft brush inhibits degradation and is absolutely necessary for the fabric to achieve a long service life. Important maintenance factors are:
- Main cleaning
- Stain removal
- Control of color fastness
- Precautions for furniture textiles
Main cleaning
Start cleaning the upholstery fabric as soon as you see that vacuuming and regular dusting are no longer enough. A foam cleaner is recommended for main cleaning. Contact the furniture dealer 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 the accident is over, it is important to get the spill/stain removed as quickly as possible. A new stain is easier to remove than an old one. If you get a stain that you are unsure how to remove, you should contact the furniture's dealer. For stain removal, avoid common household detergents as many of them are too strong for the fabric, and ANY other products containing solvents or oil as they can damage the fabrics.
Control of color fastness
For main cleaning and stain removal, you should always check that the fabric's dyes are compatible with the detergent you are going to use. Do a test on a place on the furniture that is not visible. Let it dry and check the result.
Natural fibres: 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 - attract and absorb water and anything that contains water. The textiles are also oleophilic – absorb oil and grease, e.g. the 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 bags. Stains from liquid spills and water-based products are not absorbed by the fibers, and these stains are therefore easier to remove. However, the fibers are oleophilic – attract oil and grease.
Blended fibres: Textiles made from blended fibers – various combinations of natural, artificial and synthetic fibres, are highly resistant to stains and have excellent comfort.
Precautions for furniture textiles
Light fastness: Many pieces of furniture are unnecessarily damaged by the effects of sunlight. Remember that any exposure to light will weaken both the fibers and the dyes in the textile. Although the furniture textile has been tested and approved for light fastness, the furniture should be placed so that direct sunlight and sharp reflections are avoided. Blinds or awnings are recommended, but at the same time be aware that not all textiles in awnings or curtains stop harmful UV rays. It is important to consider that the sun shines into the room even when we ourselves are not present! Especially the "low" sun at our latitudes reaches far into space - 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 does not deteriorate unnecessarily from sunlight.
How to avoid damage to furniture textiles: Clothes 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 clothes - especially new ones, and clothes with unwashed dyes, can cause discolouration. Objects or tools in back pockets can damage the upholstery fabric.
The lifespan of furniture textiles: Lack of care and maintenance reduces the lifespan of the fabric. If the piece of furniture is used extremely often every day, covers and arm protectors are recommended (this can be ordered for most pieces of furniture).
Pets: Pets and upholstered furniture do not belong together. Hair, claws and drool wear hard on the fabric. Four-legged family members should be in their basket, not in the furniture.