As we ring in the New Year many times we set goals for ourselves to accomplish as the year progresses. Weight loss, organization, career, home, family, and personal growth are all popular areas for these goals to be made in. Maybe one of your goals is to redecorate or remodel one of the rooms in your home. When you begin your journey you may find yourself needing to purchase a new couch. Finding a couch that fits the needs of your family can be harder than it sounds. At Carpet Care 2000 we run into all sorts of different couches. We have put together a list of common materials for couches for you to consider as you are purchasing your new couch. There are three different categories of material available for couches: natural fibers, synthetics, and leather. What type of material you choose really just depends on your personal taste, requirements, and lifestyle.
Cleaning Natural Fiber Upholstery
Natural fibers are just what you think they are – materials that are made from natural sources, like plants and animals.
• Chenille: Chenille has a soft surface with weft threading. The threading gives it a unique nap. Chenille is frequently used in pieces that you would like to be extremely comfortable like recliners, sofas, and children’s furniture. Chenille can be made with natural fibers or from synthetics. If natural is important to you do not assume that all chenille is made of natural fibers.
• Cotton: Cotton material is so versatile. Cotton can add texture to your couch. It is also strong, resistant to soiling, and resistant to wrinkling. The best-quality cotton blends are typically 45% to 60% cotton.
• Jute: Jute is a natural fiber that is produced mainly in India and Bangladesh. Jute is traditionally used for rope and matting. Over the years it has also been used in furniture. It is extremely prone to wrinkling so many times it is used for accent pieces.
• Linen: Linen is an extremely strong natural textile fiber that is made from flax. Since it is smooth, soft, and naturally lustrous linen can be an excellent choice for furniture. It is durable and naturally resistant to moths, pilling, and abrasion. Linen looks amazing on traditional dining chairs and tufted arm chairs.
• Wool: Wool is a made naturally from animal hair. It is extremely durable. Most wool fabrics today are a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers help the wool stand up better to wear and tear and also make it easier to clean.
How Easy are Synthetic Couches to Clean?
Synthetic fabrics are engineered fabrics that are man-made. They tend to be more durable than natural fibers. Overall they are also more resistant to fading and staining than their natural counterparts.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is a knit blend polyester fabric. It is softer than suede but gives you the look of suede. Microfiber is a dense material made of tightly coven synthetic fibers. It is extremely durable and moisture resistant. If you do spill something on it dabbing it with water typically gets rid of the stain.
• Nylon: Nylon is usually blended with other materials to help create a strong and durable material. It is easy to maintain and does not wrinkle.
• Olefin: Olefin is a manmade material that is actually produced from melting down plastic pellets. Then they add color and the threads are then woven together. It is resistant to abrasions, stains, sunlight, and chemicals. If your couch will receive heavy use this is a great fabric to choose.
Carpet Cleaning & More in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California
We hope that this information helps you make the decision that is best for you and your family as you select a new couch this year. Just remember that if you want your new couch to keep looking nice you will want to have it professionally cleaned once a year. Give Carpet Care 2000 a call to schedule your next cleaning!
