Fabrics FAQ’s

1. Do you have any fabrics that are washable?

Upholstery fabrics are not constructed to be machine-washed. The agitation process is harmful to the fabric and the sewing of the seams. We always recommend using a professional cleaning service.

2. How can I clean the fabric on my sofa?

Most fabrics will have a cleaning code.

W - Means a water-based solution is used to clean this fabric

S - Means a solvent-based solution is used to clean this fabric

WS - Means you can use either method to clean this fabric.

X - Means vacuum only

Spot cleaning a W or WS fabric can be as easy as using some warm water on a clean, colorfast cotton towel. The key is to get to the spot/spill as soon after it happens as possible, before it sets.

Spot cleaning an S fabric is a little more difficult as the affected area should be cleaned with a solvent based cleaner. This means taking the cushions in to reputable drycleaner. They usually prefer to clean the covers with the foam inside so don’t take the covers off until instructed by the Drycleaner. If the spot/stain is on the frame, you will have to get someone to come in to clean it. There is usually a cost savings if the people cleaning your sofa are able to do other items in your home at the same time, such as carpets or draperies.

3. Which fabrics last the longest?

Typically the fabrics constructed of synthetic fibers such as Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Olefin are the best wearing fabrics. Look for fabrics that have very tight weaves with high thread counts, such as Microfibers for longevity.

4. Will this fabric fade with sunlight?

ALL fabrics will fade with direct and indirect sunlight!!If anyone tells you different, they are not correct. Sunlight will destroy all furniture, drapes and carpets. Keep sun away from your home furnishings. Our experience is that synthetic fibers hold their color better than natural fibers and lighter colors show the fading less than darker colors. The Olefin fiber is the most colorfast (will still fade but at a much slower rate) fiber because the color is added to it while the fibers are still liquid, before they are spun into actual fiber strands. This makes it more resilient than vat dyed fabrics.

5. Are all fabrics in our store available on all styles of seating?

We carry models from different manufacturers. Each manufacturer has their own selection of materials. However, if you prefer to have a fabric from another source, we can arrange that for you. So yes, any fabric can go on any style (with one or two exceptions).

This effectively means that you can choose from more then 5000 swatches for your “personalized” Sofa! If that seems like a daunting task, we will definitely help you with the process and make it fun.

6. This fabric looks good, here in your store, but what will it look like in my home?

We have overnight loaner samples that you can take home and see how they look with your walls, floors and other home furnishings. That way you know for sure the colour you have chosen will be correct.

7. Fabric or Leather? Which is better?

In our opinion, fabric is more interesting in that there is such an array of colors, textures, weaves and patterns. It is softer to the touch and much warmer and cozy in the cooler months of our climate. With the advent of Microfibers, we now have upholstery fabrics that rival the endurance of comparably priced starting quality Leathers. On the other hand, Leather is cold to the touch, slippery and the quality that is worth buying is often imported from Europe, takes many months to get and can be expensive. The inexpensive/disposable models made in China are usually available in 2 colors and quite frankly, most retailers cannot give you the details on how they are made (what’s inside).

8. I keep hearing about these “Microfibers”. What exactly are they?

A “Microfiber” fabric is a fabric that is constructed of a tiny, monofilament fiber that is woven very tightly together so that virtually nothing can penetrate it. It usually has no pile and is made out of Polyester and looks a lot like suede. Most food, beverages, pet hair will just wipe off.At Sofa So Good, we have 2^nd/3^rd/4^th generation Microfibers, fabrics that look and feel great, without the “Hand prints” typically associated with the sueded microfibers. These fabrics are perfect for heavy, everyday use with kids and pets.

9. Do you have any “Green” or ecofriendly fabrics?

Yes. Sofa So Good is committed to developing our offering of“Environmentally Friendly” fabrics. These are made mostly from recycled post consumer and industrial polyesters using environmentally responsible dyes and are available on all of our Canadian made upholstered items.

10. I have kids and pets. They are on our Sofas everyday. Have you got a fabric that will stand up?

Absolutely. We have lots of fabrics that will last under the toughest of conditions. Chenilles, textures and of course, Microfibers are ideal. With proper maintenance, these synthetic fabrics will last a long time.

11. I have two cats that destroy everything I bring home. Do you have a fabric for them?

We don’t have a fabric for them but we have fabrics/ideas for you!.

1. Consider purchasing a sofa with a Microfiber fabric. These fabrics are nearly cat proof. The fibers are woven so tightly so most cats cannot get their claws into them. Also, because the Microfibers have almost no pile, the cat’s hairs do not grab on to the fabric and are easily removed.

2. When you get your new sofa home, try putting double-sided carpet tape on the areas that they love to scratch. Cats don’t like the feel of the sticky tape. After a while, they will give up.

3. Cats really don’t like the smell of Eucalyptus as it is too aromatic for their sensitive noses. Try putting Mentholatum or Eucalyptus oil on some towels and draping the new sofa with them.(not too much, just enough to help spread the strong smell). This will keep them (and maybe you too) away.