The Most Stain Resistant Upholstery Fabrics

If you have kids or pets, you expect stains to appear on carpeting and upholstery. However, choosing the right type of fabric may save you from having to deal with stain removal.

Consider buying furniture made with one of the following stain-resistant fabrics to limit the need for professional couch cleaning services.

Microfiber Fabrics

Microfiber is a synthetic fibre that typically consists of polyamide and polyester. The polyester fibres are split into fine strands and the polyamide is added to increase the absorption of the fabric.

The resulting material is durable and soft. It is also more stain-resistant compared to most fabrics. Many liquids will bead on the surface of the fabric and roll off instead of soaking directly into the fibres.

Unfortunately, microfiber is also difficult to maintain, as it requires special laundering.

Crypton Fabrics

Crypton is the brand name for a type of fabric made with a special weaving process to make the material more stain-resistant and durable. The fabric is made using a combination of cotton, rayon, and polyester.

Along with protecting against stains, Crypton fabrics protect against bacteria and mildew. However, the fabric has a texture that is comparable to vinyl, which some people may dislike.

Acrylic Fabrics

Acrylic fabrics are often used for indoor/outdoor furniture. These fabrics are developed to resist wear, soiling, and fading.
Acrylic fabrics protect against stains and are available in a wide range of designs and styles.
However, some of the lower-quality options may start to develop “pills,” which are small balls of fibres that form in areas that receive more wear. High-quality acrylic fabric is less likely to pill, but some people find the material a little stiff and scratchy.

Vinyl Fabrics

Vinyl fabrics are among the most stain-resistant fabrics, which is why they are often used for upholstery in public settings. For example, bar stools are often made with vinyl tops.

Vinyl is a type of plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. It is not the most environmentally friendly choice and can become extremely hot when exposed to sunlight. However, vinyl is also one of the most affordable options and least likely to show stains.

Olefin Fabrics

Olefin is another durable fabric that is resistant to stains, abrasions, and fading. As with acrylic fabrics, olefin can be used indoors or outdoors.

Depending on the type of olefin material, the furniture may also be water-resistant. Liquids often pool or run off the fabric instead of the fabric absorbing the liquid, allowing you to wipe the fabric clean after a spill.

Polyester Fabrics

High-end polyester upholstery is durable and stain-resistant. However, it is rarely used by itself. Polyester upholstery typically contains a blend of polyester with other fibres, such as cotton or rayon.

Other materials are added to make the fabric softer, as polyester is a type of plastic. Some polyester fabrics are soft yet durable while others are stiff and relatively uncomfortable.

Polyester is naturally resistant to stains, but some of the materials added to it may absorb stains. For example, a polyester blend with a high percentage of cotton may be more likely to show stains compared to a polyester blend made with rayon and olefin.

What Are the Worst Fabrics for Stains?

Any fabric with a loose weave offers less stain resistance compared to the fabrics listed above. Standard cotton, burlap, and muslin are very loosely woven, which allows materials to seep deeper into the fabric.

Leather, suede, and silk are also risky choices for those with pets or kids. These materials are not stain-resistant and scratch very easily.

Even with a stain-resistant fabric, your furniture may still attract stains from pets or kids.
Professional upholstery cleaning services can help restore the condition of your furniture and provide enhanced protection against future stains.

We are available at multiple locations for Upholstery Cleaning: Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. Hire Upholstery Cleaners now!

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Mark Wisken

Mark is a managing director at Optima Cleaners, but copywriting has been one of his passions for many years. When he's not hunched over his keyboard, you'll find Mark exploring quaint bookstores for inspiration or sipping espresso at his favorite local café, always on the hunt for the next big idea to ignite a brand's success. With a pen in one hand and a coffee cup in the other, Mark continues to captivate audiences and breathe life into every brand he touches.

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