How to Clean Microfiber Fabric

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Cleaning, Furniture

If you have microfiber upholstery, don't assume it's completely stain resistant. Find out from the experts how to clean and care for your fabric.

Many of us buy furniture upholstered in microfiber because we believe it's an indestructible armor for our sofas and chairs -- after all, it's used in many commercial settings, like restaurants, hotels and offices. With all of the promises of this fabric, it may seem like you'll never have to endure another stained, pulled or tired-looking couch again. But then, if you're like me, you douse a stained microfiber cushion with water and realize that water rings have taken the place of the stain. Isn't it supposed to be, um, perfect?

There are dozens of articles on the Internet about how to clean microfiber upholstery, but you'll be hard pressed to find an actual expert on the subject. So we turned to the professionals at Calico Corners, the home upholstery fabric retailer, and Toray, the inventors of Ultrasuede, the original microfiber fabric, for answers.

Here's what we learned about these fabrics: Not all of them are created equally. It turns out that microfiber is a generic term; not everyone who buys microfiber-upholstered furniture has the same luck. "We've heard all of the horror stories about microfiber fabrics gone bad," says Helen Brier, a sales and marketing manager at Toray's Ultrasuede division. Not surprisingly, Brier says that you want to make sure that your furniture is upholstered in Ultrasuede, or another high-performance microfiber, which is a non-woven rather than a woven fabric. "That is the key difference between microfiber fabrics," she says.

Non-woven and woven microfiber fabrics are manufactured using different processes. The non-woven fabrics, such as Ultrasuede, are more pricey than run-of-the-mill microfiber fabrics. If you already have your furniture in place, but you don't know if you have a woven or non-woven microfiber product, there is a way to tell, says Brier. First of all, if the piece is a moderately-priced piece of furniture, it is most likely woven. Non-woven microfiber is quite pricey. If you unzip a cushion, check to see if the fabric has a backing because wovens are backed for strength, says Brier. Woven, or knitted microfiber fabric, is manufactured by "sanding" the surface, which creates that sueded look, says Brier. "You've already purchased a fabric that is damaged," she says.

"Also, when examined closely by the eye, and perhaps some rubbing back and forth with the fingertips, you'll see an orthogonal grid beneath the sueded surface," says Chadney Spencer, an associate in the international marketing and sales division at Toray.

When you purchase a microfiber fabric or piece of furniture, ask if it's non-woven or woven because it does make a difference when it comes to spot cleaning and wear.


Can You Wash Microfiber?
Pricey non-woven microfiber is considered high performance for a reason. The research and technology that goes into making the fabric is proprietary. And you definitely pay for the convenience because Ultrasuede is washable, even in the washing machine on a gentle cycle; it can be tossed in the dryer on a low setting, too, says Brier. There is a microfiber cleaning primer on Ultrasuede's site that is handy to keep for wovens as well (minus the washing machine tip).

One of my microfiber sofas came with a tag that cautioned me to never remove the cushion covers for washing, and that steam or other cleaners may shrink the fabric. Translation: You have a lower-quality woven microfiber product because some cleaning services may "destroy the backing of the fabric."

Cleaning Stains From Microfiber Upholstery
"Non-woven microfiber is 100 percent polyester, and it has no threads for stains to attach to, so when liquid spills onto it, it will pool," says Brier of Ultrasuede. However, woven fabrics may easily absorb liquids, but they can be spot cleaned with tender, loving care.

I've had good luck so far with my less expensive woven microfiber furniture (and I have kids and pets). One tag informed me that "water-based cleaning agents or foam may be used for cleaning." I have no idea what that means, but I have dabbed fresh stains out with a spritz of water on a towel, then dried the spot with another towel. So far, so good.

If there is an old, dried stain, flake it off with a white paper towel. Then, use the tiniest dab of dish detergent and a drop of water to dab the residue. (I've read many reader comments on various blogs who are loyal to using Dawn detergent on microfiber upholstery, but I use what I have in the house at the time.) Next, dry with a regular terry towel, and the stain should be removed. I've tried this on chocolate, and it works.

I've even used Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser on a small pen mark -- rubbing it out ever so gently -- and it did not, amazingly, damage the surface of my woven fabric. Though I haven't tried this tip, I have heard that using a tiny dot of rubbing alcohol will remove an ink stain on any type of microfiber upholstery. One caveat: too much cleaning in one spot may make a woven microfiber product look "bald" over time.

There are microfiber furniture cleaning kits, such as the Guardsman solvent-free brand, which guarantee the fabric will look new again. But always test the product first on a hidden part of your fabric, just in case it doesn't work.

Handling Odors
Removing stains is one thing, but what about odors? Baking soda to the rescue. It works well on any type of microfiber, but it's especially effective on woven fabrics that can't be washed. Sprinkle it on the smelly spot, leave it on overnight, brush off the next day, and the odor should be gone.

For more cleaning tips, check out some of ShelterPop's best tips: Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Tub, Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Hardwood Floors, and How to Clean Up After Pets.

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