How Do Microfiber Sofas Hold Up?

Defining Microfiber Fabric

• Microfiber fabric is made with a number of durable, man-made fibers, densely placed together. The fabric is extra durable, more so than other fabrics of similar weight, according to a fact sheet published by the Ohio State University Extension office. Most sofas covered with microfiber fabric have a brushed, suede-like texture to the touch.

Myths About Microfiber

• Microfiber is durable and easy to clean, but it is not perfect. If you use the wrong type of cleaning agent on the fabric, you could stain it forever. The number one myth about microfiber is that you can clean it with water. If you do that, you run the risk of creating permanent water stains on your fabric. Another myth is that microfiber won't show holes. Pet claws will go through microfiber, but because the fabric is dense, the holes will not be as noticeable as in other types of woven upholstery.

Know the Cleaning Codes

• Save and refer often to the tag that came with your sofa. There are critical codes on the tag that tell you how to clean your sofa. Codes include W and WS for water-based cleaning agents; S for mild water-free dry-cleaning solvents; X for brushing only to remove soil; and V for warm water and mild soap.

Troubleshooting

• If you don't have your tags and don't know the code for your sofa's fabric, you can still successfully clean your sofa. Always have on hand a microfiber cleaning product that you can buy at any housewares store. If you do not have a special microfiber cleaning product, first try to brush or dab the stain. Then dab a bit of rubbing alcohol on the spot. Rubbing alcohol dries quickly, and will not leave a stain. But try this on a hidden part of the sofa first, before you need to use this tactic. After you clean your sofa, if the fabric is stiff or hardened, simply fluff the fibers by gently brushing them with a soft brush or toothbrush when dry. Many people also like to use spray odor eliminators specially formulated for fabrics to freshen them. Use a quick, fine mist, or the product will leave water marks on the microfiber. Or try sprinkling baking soda on the odor, leave it overnight, then dust it off in the morning.

More Warnings

• A microfiber sofa will hold up if you know how to correctly clean and maintain it. But there are certain things you need to avoid, in addition to water, when owning a microfiber couch. Never use any other type of spray cleaning product or eraser cleaning block on your microfiber, because you will harm the fabric. Microfiber fabric is also flammable. Take care to keep matches, lighters, and cigarettes away from the couch. To keep the sofa from fading, do not place it in direct sunlight--the color can deteriorate. Don't be surprised if parts of the seat cushions look slick or worn down after a few months of heavy use. Simply brush the fabric to rejuvenate the fibers.