Your Ultimate Fabric Chair Care Guide
When choosing chairs, the fabric plays a crucial role in defining the ambience of your space. From the luxurious feel of velvet to the timeless charm of patchwork and the natural elegance of linen and cotton, each fabric enhances the aesthetic and comfort of your chairs. To maintain their beauty and prolong their lifespan, it's important to know the correct care and maintenance techniques for each fabric type.
This guide covers all essential aspects of chair fabric care. You'll learn about the unique characteristics of each fabric and how to clean, remove stains, and preserve them. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to keep your chairs looking immaculate and durable, ensuring they stand the test of time and use.
Let's delve into the secrets of chair fabric care, ensuring your investment in these exquisite fabrics remains a testament to your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Velvet
It is made by weaving or knitting polyester fibres into a dense pile, creating a plush, velvety texture. It’s perfect on many kinds of seats, including our velvet accent chairs. But how do we keep them looking their best?
How to maintain velvet chairs:
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Vacuum regularly: Use a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Avoid beater bars or harsh attachments that might damage the velvet pile.
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Restore pile: Use a soft-bristled brush or a steam iron on a low setting to gently brush or steam the pile, restoring its fluffy appearance. Avoid direct wetting.
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Avoid direct sunlight: To prevent fading, protect velvet from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep sharp objects away to avoid damaging the pile.
How to remove stains from velvet chairs:
- Blot spills immediately: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot rather than rub the stain.
- Use specialised velvet cleaner: Test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Condition the velvet: After cleaning, condition the material to keep it soft.
How to remove dirt marks from velvet chairs:
- Use soapy lather: Mix dishwashing soap with lukewarm water until foamy. Apply the lather with a white cloth or sponge to gently wipe away the mark.
How to steam iron velvet chairs:
- Steam gently: Use a steam iron or hand steamer, starting a bit away from the mark. Brush the pile while steaming to relax it or wait and brush after steaming.
Patchwork
High-quality crushed velvet fabric, printed with a patchwork design, is used to create our stunning patchwork chairs. Especially beautiful on our collection of patchwork tub chairs, and wonderfully unique on any other design, this stand-out colour block needs a little extra care to maintain its lustre.
How to maintain patchwork chairs:
- Vacuum regularly: Use a soft brush attachment to remove surface dust and debris.
- Spot clean: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently blot stains and spills without rubbing.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Protect from direct sunlight and heat to prevent fading. Keep sharp objects away to avoid damage.
How to remove stains from patchwork chairs:
- Blot spills immediately: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot rather than rub the stain.
- Use specialised cleaner: Test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Faux Leather
Faux leather is made from micro-perforated polyurethane, designed to mimic genuine leather, and is specifically designed to resist peeling and cracking over time. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking the look and feel of genuine leather with added durability and resistance to stains, as seen with our faux leather recliner chairs, adding that comfort and lasting factor together for a good, relaxing sit down. Still, while it’s not as needy as real leather, faux leather needs a bit of attention to keep it looking its best.
How to maintain faux leather chairs:
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Clean regularly: Use a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals.
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Condition regularly: If exposed to sunlight or heat, use a specialised leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.
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Protect from heat: Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to prevent damage.
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Avoid sharp objects: Prevent scratches or tears by keeping sharp objectsaway.
How to remove stains from faux leather chairs:
- Blot spills immediately: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot rather than rub the stain.
- Use a soft-bristled brush: For dried spills, gently brush off the dried material.
- Use specialised cleaner: Test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first. Condition the material after cleaning.
Cotton and Linen
Cotton and linen fabrics are renowned for their natural elegance and durability, making them excellent choices for upholstered chairs. These fabrics are breathable and comfortable and possess a timeless charm that enhances any interior decor. Cotton, with its soft texture and resilience, offers a welcoming feel, while linen adds a touch of sophistication with its slightly textured, cool-to-the-touch surface. With the right maintenance, cotton and linen accent chairs can remain stylish and comfortable for years to come.
How to maintain cotton and linen chairs:
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Regular dusting: Use a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment.
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Spot cleaning: Blot spills gently with a damp cloth. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain.
How to make cotton and linen chairs last longer:
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Use mild detergents suitable for the fabric.
- Protect from excessive heat: Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Act quickly: Blot stains immediately with a clean cloth.
- Use mild detergent: Create a gentle cleaning solution and dab the stained area, working from the edges inward. Rinse and air dry.
- Test stronger products: Test any stronger cleaning agents on an inconspicuous area first.
Teddy/Boucle
Teddy, or boucle fabric, is known for its soft and textured appearance. It is typically
made from a combination of different types of fibres, which are woven or knitted
together to create a looped or curly effect. The resulting fabric has a plush and cosy texture, resembling the fur of a teddy bear, hence its name, and is perfect in a boucle chair. It does need some extra maintenance, however, to keep soft and plush.
How to maintain Teddy/Boucle chairs:
- Dust or vacuum regularly: Use a soft brush attachment or low-suction vacuum.
- Brush or fluff: Use a soft-bristled brush or hand to maintain texture.
- Rotate cushions: Rotate removable cushions to distribute wear evenly.
How to remove stains from Teddy/Boucle chairs:
- Blot spills immediately: Use a clean, absorbent cloth without rubbing.
- Spot cleaning: For water-based stains, use a mild detergent solution and test on an inconspicuous area. Blot gently, working from the outside inward.
- Professional cleaning: For stubborn stains, seek professional upholstery cleaning.
How to make Teddy/Boucle fabric look brand new:
- Vacuum with a brush attachment: Gently brush to remove dirt and refresh fibres.
- Steam cleaning: Test on an inconspicuous area first. Allow to dry completely.
- Professional upholstery cleaning: Periodically deep clean with professional services.
By following these simple yet effective maintenance tips, you can ensure your upholstered chairs remain in excellent condition, providing comfort and style for years. Embrace the joy of owning these exquisite pieces and give them the care they deserve, allowing their allure to grace your living space effortlessly.