Stain resistance is one of the biggest factors that determines a fabric's longevity and durability. With the right selection, you'll be able to keep your furniture looking new and clean for years to come.
The type of fiber or yarn that is used to make a piece of upholstery can play a big role in stain protection. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are a popular choice as they're often more resistant to stains than naturals. But for a truly stain-proof fabric, look for ones that have been treated with stain-resistant coatings.
A fabric's ability to resist stains depends on whether it has an inherent stain resistance feature or is protected by a special chemical that's applied at the mill. Inherent stain protection means that the molecular structure of the fiber or yarn used to produce it was engineered to have this characteristic.
Besides offering a great way to make your furniture more durable, inherently stain-resistant fabric also makes cleaning easier. Because liquids bead up on the surface of the fabric, they're more easily wiped away. In addition, many of these fabrics can be re-treated with a stain protector that will further enhance their ability to repel water and other stains.
Some of these treatments are done at the mill, while others are woven into the fabric at the yarn level. This allows the fabric to retain its original color and texture, while offering an additional layer of stain resistance that can't be washed out.
If your fabric contains polypropylene, it can be treated with a polymer to offer even more stain resistance, but it's not as easy to clean as fabrics that are made from natural fibers. If your fabric has a stain-resistant treatment, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care to ensure that you're doing everything you can to maintain your sofa's newfound ability to stand up to spills and stains.
The best ways to clean a boucle-yarn fabric are to regularly vacuum it and use a gentle stain remover or water-based soap to get rid of messes. It's especially important to avoid rubbing the stain since this will actually cause more damage to the fabric.
Another option is to use a professional cleaner to get the stains out of your furniture. This will help ensure that your fabric stays in good condition for years to come, and it's especially useful if you have kids or pets!
Inherently stain-resistant fabrics can be manufactured using a combination of synthetic fibers and special finishes that protect the fabric from stains. These fabrics are called LiveSmart, Flak Jacket and B Strong and come in a range of aesthetics to meet any design vision you have.
They are typically more affordable than traditional woven or tufted fabrics, but still have a high quality appearance and performance that you'll be proud to own. They are a good choice for families who want a high-end looking sofa that can withstand spills and stains from the kids or pet.