Ashley offers a variety of different fabrics to upholster our Sofas and Loveseats. Here is a breakdown of the most common fabrics along with their cleaning codes.
W – Water based cleaners S – Solvents; professional dry cleaning solvents
Microfiber has remained as our most popular upholstered fabric. It is made from tightly woven, nearly microscopic, polyester fibers. Microfiber has excellent wicking properties, meaning it will absorb moisture and oils rather than allow them to set on the surface of the material. Most food and liquids can be easily wiped off before the furniture is stained. Soap and water can be used for most common household stains. Microfiber comes in many varieties, such as DuraPella, DuraPlush, textured microfiber, faux leather, performance velvet, corduroy, suede and “teddy” to name a few.
Chenille, pronounced as shuh-neel, is named after the process used to make it. Chenille yarn is created by twisting shorter threads of yarn called pile threads between two core threads of yarn, creating a raised, tufted pile. When chenille yarn is later woven together to create a fabric, it is the tufted yarn that gives the chenille fabric its soft, textured surface. Chenille fabric will often look different from different angles. Chenille can be made from both natural or synthetic fibers, sometimes both, which makes it hard to give chenille a single cleaning code. To maintain the look of chenille fabric it is recommended that one vacuums it regularly using the brush attachment. This will reduce the build up of dust which can quickly dull the color of the chenille.
Polyurethane is a synthetic fabric that delivers the most realistic faux leather hand, feel and looks. It can be found in many finishes and effects, like pebbling. Not only does polyurethane they provide excellent abrasion resistance, but it is also very easy to clean and maintain. It should be noted however that polyurethane is no match for Leather, which is by far the most durable and longest lasting materials one can use to upholster a sofa or sectional.
Jacquard, pronounced ja-kard, is often found on many of Ashley’s accent pillows and accent chairs. The term jacquard describes all fabrics which are intricately woven on a jacquard loom. This includes damasks, tapestries, brocades, and matelassé. The detail and texture of jacquard is very different than the repetitive woven structure of chenille.
