1. General Care Guidelines for All Fabric Types

• Vacuum Regularly: Dust and dirt can quickly accumulate in fabric fibers. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to prevent dirt buildup.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sun exposure can fade colors over time. Place furniture away from windows or use curtains to protect the fabric.
• Rotate Cushions: Flipping and rotating cushions regularly ensures even wear and extends the lifespan of the fabric.
• Blot Spills Immediately: For liquid spills, use a clean cloth to blot (never rub) the area gently. Quick action can prevent staining.

2. Caring for Furniture Fabrics

Spot Cleaning:

• Use a mild soap and water solution for spot cleaning. Test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner does not discolor the fabric.
• For oil-based stains, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda, let it sit, then vacuum after 15-20 minutes before cleaning the area with a damp cloth.

Deep Cleaning:

• Professionally clean furniture upholstery at least once a year, especially for heavily used items.

Fabric-Specific Tip:

• For Leather Upholstery: Use a leather conditioner every 6-12 months to keep the fabric supple and prevent cracking.

3. Automotive Upholstery Care

Vacuuming and Dusting:

• Use a vacuum or compressed air to remove dust from seams, crevices, and stitching.

Fabric Treatment:

• Fabric Seats: Use a dedicated automotive upholstery cleaner. Spray and scrub gently with a soft brush to remove stains.
• Vinyl or Leather Seats: Use specialized conditioners to prevent cracking and peeling on automotive vinyl or leather. Avoid using household cleaners, which can damage the material.

Protection:

• Apply a fabric protectant spray to prevent stains and make future cleaning easier.

4. Marine Upholstery Maintenance

Marine upholstery faces tough conditions, including exposure to saltwater, UV rays, and mildew. Proper care ensures that marine fabrics withstand harsh environments.

Cleaning:

• Rinse the upholstery with fresh water after every use to remove salt and debris.
• Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean marine fabric surfaces, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Preventing Mildew:

• Ensure that the fabric is dry before covering or storing it to prevent mildew growth.
• Use a mildew-resistant spray periodically to add extra protection.

UV Protection:

• Treat marine upholstery with UV protectants to minimize sun damage and fading.

5. Commercial Upholstery Care

Commercial fabric and upholstery often endures heavy use, requiring more frequent maintenance to retain its appearance and durability.

Cleaning Frequency:

• Increase the cleaning frequency to every 3-6 months for high-traffic areas. Use fabric-specific cleaners and a steam cleaner for deep cleaning.

Stain Protection:

• Apply a commercial-grade fabric protectant to resist spills and stains. Regular reapplication is recommended for optimal protection.

Inspection:

• Periodically check for wear and tear. Prompt repairs can prevent the need for more extensive replacements later.

Fabric-Specific Cleaning Tips

Vinyl Upholstery Care

Vinyl is a durable, water-resistant fabric commonly used for commercial, automotive, and marine applications. While it’s tough, improper cleaning methods can cause cracking or fading over time.

• Cleaning Process:
  • Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Regularly wipe vinyl with a damp, soft cloth to remove dust and dirt.
  • Mild Detergent Solution: For deeper cleaning, mix mild dish soap with warm water. Gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth and avoid using abrasive scrubbers.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh cleaners, like bleach, should be avoided as they can dry out the vinyl, causing it to crack.

Tip: To keep vinyl upholstery looking shiny and new, apply a vinyl conditioner periodically to maintain flexibility and prevent damage from UV rays.

Cotton Upholstery Care

Cotton is a breathable and comfortable upholstery fabric that can be found in many residential and commercial settings. However, it is prone to staining, so prompt care is necessary to maintain its fresh look.

• Spot Cleaning:
  • Blot any spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing the stain, which can cause it to spread or embed deeper into the fibers.
  • For tougher stains, use a solution of mild liquid detergent and water. Apply it sparingly with a soft cloth or sponge, blotting gently.
• Deep Cleaning:
  • Cotton upholstery benefits from occasional deep cleaning. Use a specialized fabric cleaner or a diluted detergent solution. Make sure to test any cleaner on a hidden area of the fabric first to avoid discoloration.
  • For machine-washable cotton covers, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions closely.

Tip: After cleaning, allow the cotton upholstery to air dry completely to avoid mildew formation.

Leather Upholstery Care

Leather is luxurious and durable but requires routine maintenance to keep it soft and crack-free.

• Routine Care:
  • Wipe leather surfaces with a dry or damp microfiber cloth to remove dust.
  • Use a pH-balanced leather cleaner applied with a soft cloth to clean more deeply.
• Conditioning:
  • Apply a leather conditioner every 6 to 12 months to maintain natural oils and prevent dryness.
• Avoid Heat and Sunlight: Keep leather furniture away from direct sunlight or heating vents to avoid fading and cracking.

Tip: Use a leather-specific cleaner for tough stains like ink or grease.

Microfiber Upholstery Care

Microfiber fabric is a popular choice for upholstery due to its softness and stain resistance. However, it can attract dust and oils over time.

• Routine Care:
  • Vacuum microfiber upholstery weekly using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.
  • For greasy or oily spots, sprinkle baking soda over the area, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Spot Cleaning:
  • Use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth to blot stains. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
  • For water-based stains, use a mild detergent and water solution. Blot gently and avoid soaking the fabric.

Tip: After cleaning, use a soft brush to gently restore the texture of the microfiber.

Velvet Upholstery Care

Velvet fabric is luxurious but delicate, requiring special care to maintain its texture and appearance.

• Routine Care:
  • Regularly brush the velvet with a soft-bristle upholstery brush to prevent dust and debris from settling into the fabric.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment for a gentle clean.
• Spot Cleaning:
  • For light spills, blot the area immediately with a dry cloth—never rub.
  • For deeper stains, use a mild detergent solution and gently dab the stain with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the fabric.

Tip: Velvet can be prone to crushing. If necessary, use a steamer to lift the fibers and restore its plush appearance.

Preserve Your Upholstery with Care

At Bailey’s, we believe your upholstery is more than just fabric—it’s an investment in comfort, style, and durability. Taking the time to care for your materials properly ensures that they’ll look great and last for years to come. Each fabric, whether it’s vinyl, cotton, leather, microfiber, or velvet, has its own unique care needs, and by following these steps, you’re preserving the quality and longevity of your upholstery.

Thank you for trusting Bailey’s Fabric & Supply as your upholstery partner. We look forward to being part of your next project and helping you keep your fabrics looking their best!

— Bri from Bailey’s Fabric & Supply