3 hot tips for white upholstery
We all love the look of a bright and fresh white sofa, but how do we keep it looking that way? Here are 3 tips to consider when choosing and caring for white upholstery.
1. Know what you’re up against! If you have pets, you’ll want to pay attention to the weave and rub count. Fabrics with a tight weave, such as microfiber, canvas, or denim, are good options as they are more resistant to scratching and tearing. Fabrics with high rub counts (such as 15,000 or more) are more durable and can withstand frequent use. Avoid fabrics with loose weaves or delicate textures that may be easily damaged. With kids and pets, spills and stains are inevitable, so choosing a stain resistant performance fabric is essential as well which brings me to my next tip…
2. Look for performance fabrics that address your specific needs. Crypton offers stain-resistant fabrics that are perfect for use around pets and kids. Their fabrics are treated with a patented technology that repels liquids and stains, making them easy to clean and maintain. Crypton fabrics are also resistant to odors and bacteria. Sunbrella is another brand that offers high-performance fabrics that are ideal for households with kids and pets. Their fabrics are fade-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand repeated exposure to the sun. Other performance fabric brands that offer these properties include Inside Out, Revolution, and LiveSmart.
3. Make sure the care instructions align with your expectations about maintenance. Being realistic about the wear and tear and the amount of effort and time you’re willing to invest in maintenance is important for all material selections. Performance fabrics can hold up beautifully, but with white upholstery there is a bit of awareness that will go into keeping it fresh. Most spills disappear with immediate blotting, but you may want to consider professional cleaning once every 6 months. Look for cushions that are upholstered on both sides and can be flipped if necessary. This will also help ensure the cushion fill wears evenly. Follow all manufacturer care instructions so that if you need to make a warranty claim, it is not voided.
Looking to furnish your home with white upholstery? I’d love to help! Contact today to get started on your project.
