Care advice for upholstery fabrics & textiles
Just like your clothing, your upholstery fabric requires care to maintain its appearance over time.
Regular, gentle vacuuming with a textile nozzle is recommended for all fabric upholstery materials. This prevents dust and other particles from settling into the fabric. Many textiles also benefit from being wiped with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning and maintenance help prevent pilling, which is a common issue in Northern Europe due to dry air. If pilling occurs, a fabric shaver can be used. Pilling caused by foreign fibers is also common and may result from contact with clothing, cushions, or throws.
Velvet
For velvet upholstery, it is important to vacuum or wipe in the direction of the pile to maintain its texture. One characteristic of velvet is pressure marks, which occur when the pile is flattened. In many cases, these can be brushed away. Natural fiber velvet can also regain its shape with a light misting of water.
Stains
If an accident happens and a stain appears, act quickly and correctly. A stain that is removed immediately will often yield the best results.
Be aware of the fabric’s composition and washing properties. If the fabric contains synthetic fibers, lukewarm water is usually sufficient, while natural fibers may require a specific cleaning agent.
Avoid rubbing a stain, as this can cause color loss. Instead, it is recommended to blot the stain, as this is gentler on both the color and the fibers.
General care advice
- If you are unsure about how to wash or clean a textile, we recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first. In some cases, it may also be a good idea to consult a professional dry cleaner.
- Certain textiles can be cleaned with disinfectants or chlorine. It is important to carefully follow the provided instructions.
- For patterned textiles with multiple colors, we recommend dry cleaning. Washing machines do not always maintain the exact temperatures stated, which can cause colors to "bleed" and transfer onto other areas.
- As a general rule, fabrics made from synthetic fibers can usually be washed at home, whereas natural fiber textiles may require professional cleaning.
- If you have washed upholstered furniture covers, we recommend putting the fabric back on while it is still slightly damp. All textiles shrink or contract during drying, and the moisture helps maintain the fabric’s flexibility.
- All textiles will fade over time when exposed to light. Avoid direct sunlight on your upholstery, as it not only causes fading but can also weaken the fibers. If your furniture has reversible cushions, it is a good idea to flip them periodically.
- Modern homes often feature large windows, making it difficult to completely avoid light exposure on upholstery, curtains, or decorative textiles. In such cases, choosing a fabric with high lightfastness, designed for indoor and outdoor use, can be beneficial.
