Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Basic care for microfibre fabric
• Part 2 of 3: Washing microfibre fabric
• Part 3 of 3: Removing stains
• Tips
• Necessities

Microfiber is a fabric made from tightly woven synthetic fibers that create a durable, water-repellent surface. Because microfibers have the appearance of suede or leather, this is a common fabric for furniture in homes, restaurants and commercial spaces. Microfiber upholstered sofas and chairs are more durable and stain resistant than other fabrics. However, this does not mean that microfibre fabric is free from stains and wear at all times. Follow the tips below for cleaning and removing stains from furniture upholstered with microfibre fabric.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Basic care for microfibre fabric

1. Remove crumbs and dust using a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum the furniture once a week, or more often if pets are on the couches or chairs occasionally, to keep the look of the fabric clean and new.
   • If you have a very powerful or clumsy vacuum cleaner, use a soft brush.
2. Clean microfibre fabric dry with a cleaning powder. Sprinkle detergent over the fabric, gently spread the powder over the fabric with a brush or cloth, then vacuum it up. This is particularly useful for combating persistent, unpleasant pet odors.
3. Check the microfibre code. Furniture with microfibre upholstery must have a label with a code on it. The code gives an indication of which cleaning solutions can be used on the relevant piece of furniture. The codes can be "W," "S" or "S-W".
   • "W" indicates that a water-based cleaning agent may be used.
   • "S" indicates that a solvent based cleaner (or an agent that breaks down chemical bonds) can be used.
   • "S-W" indicates that both types of cleaning agents can be used safely.
4. Wash your microfiber fabric every few months. Even if there are no visible stains on the fabric, washing will provide a fresh scent and clean appearance.

Part 2 of 3: Washing microfibre fabric

1. Buy the right cleaning solution for your upholstery. Fill a spray bottle with a solution recommended by the microfiber fabric manufacturer.
2. Spray the solution on the area to be cleaned. To clean the entire microfiber upholstered surface, divide the surface into three areas to avoid applying too much solution at once. The microfibre fabric should not be soaked.
3. Remove the solution from the upholstery. Absorb the moisture with a clean, colourfast cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the upholstery in circular motions.
   • Run a second sponge over the upholstery to remove excess moisture.
4. Let the furniture dry. Microfibre fabric dries very quickly. Let the upholstery dry for 15 to 20 minutes before using the furniture again.
5. Wash removable upholstery such as microfiber cushions and pillowcases. Some removable microfibre covers can be washed in a washing machine. Before washing the microfiber fabric in a washing machine, check the manufacturer's instructions or washing instructions.

Part 3 of 3: Removing stains

1. Remove spilled substances immediately. By taking immediate action, you may be able to prevent the substance from penetrating into the fabric. So you may be able to prevent a stain. Soaking up the substance and removing it with a cloth or paper towel is usually an effective method if there is a small amount of spillage.
   • Do not rub the spilled substance into the fabric. Pat gently to prevent the fabric from getting soaked.
   • Sprinkle baking soda over large stains. Once the substance has been absorbed into the baking soda, you can vacuum it up with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Test the solution before applying it to stains. Test the solution on a small piece of microfiber fabric that is normally out of sight. So choose a spot at the back or bottom of the furniture. The purpose of the test is to determine whether the solution is causing damage or discoloration.
3. Use alcohol for stubborn stains. Soak a cloth or piece of cotton in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the stain until it disappears.
   • Wet wipes with alcohol are ideal for this.
   • You can also use vodka if you don't have cleaning alcohol in the house. Make sure not to use a liquid that is not clear.
4. Try vinegar on oil stains. Dampen a cloth with vinegar and rub the stain with it until it is removed. To prevent the vinegar smell from lingering, wash the microfibre fabric with water or a solvent-based solution. After applying the vinegar, see which works best for your microfiber fabric.
5. If nothing seems to work, you can try scrubbing. Use a concentrated amount of cleaning solution approved by the microfiber fabric manufacturer. Spray generously on the area and brush until the stain is gone.

Tips

• Hard spots may be visible on the microfibre fabric after drying. These are the places where the stains used to be. To soften the fabric, gently brush back and forth over the area with a stiff brush or clean toothbrush.
• Apply dry baking soda to the area, leave it on for 24 hours, then remove with a dry cloth. Wipe off any residue with a stiff brush.

Necessities

• Hard brush
• Spray bottle
• Water
• Solvent
• Clean, colourfast cloth
• Vacuum cleaner
• Alcohol or vinegar, if necessary