Naturally Timber offers a wide range of beautiful upholstery fabrics that will last for many years with regular care and attention.

Quality furnishing fabrics are quite durable but they aren’t immune to damage, so here are some simple tips to help you keep your fabric-upholstered furniture in as-new condition long into the future . . .

PLACEMENT

Like timber and leather-upholstered furniture, fabric-covered pieces should be placed in a dry area that isn’t prone to wide variations in temperature.
Never place fabric upholstery in areas that are damp or prone to water leaks. Moisture can find its way into the fibres, and cause spots, weak points and mould.
Keep fabric away direct sunlight, because prolonged exposure can fading and discolouration.
Oxidation caused by fumes from stoves, fires, car exhausts and other sources can deteriorate fabric too.
At the first sign of fading or discoloration, relocate the furniture and have the fabric professionally cleaned.

PLACING ITEMS ON FABRIC

It’s important to keep shoes off fabric-covered furniture (off all furniture, in fact!).
Hard or sharp soles and metal components can snag on fabric, and dirt and debris from outside can cause abrasion damage
The same goes for handbags, baskets and similar items that are left on sofas or armchairs.

REGULAR CARE

Fabric is relatively maintenance-free. It only requires vacuuming to remove debris from the surface and down in folds, crevices and cracks. Heavy dirt build-up should be removed by having the fabric cleaned professionally, which is a good idea periodically to help keep it looking vibrant.
Be careful when spraying or applying cleaning solutions onto fabric. Some of these products are suitable, but others can cause discoloration. Never use a general-purpose cleaner, or one that isn’t suitable for cleaning fabric fibres.
Always test a cleaning product first on a small spot that isn’t normally visible, and use the product as directed. Check the spot for signs of damage or discoloration before cleaning the remaining area.

STORAGE

Fabrics are similar to leather when it comes to long-term storage. A dry location with minimal temperature variation – and preferably climate-controlled – is best.
Ensure that pests, including rodents and insects, can’t chew holes in the fabric.
Avoid stacking containers and other items on top of furniture fabric. Excess weight can cause warping, stretching and tears.
Store furniture on a flat surface for even weight distribution.

SPILLS

Chances are that eventually you’ll have to contend with a spill. The quicker you act, the less likelihood of a permanent stain or damage. With a liquid spill, first blot up as much of the liquid as possible. a chance to seep into fibres. Wiping will only spread the spill around and make things worse, so always apply an up and down dabbing motion.

If you are using a fabric cleaner, make sure you use it sparingly. Never oversaturate the area. This ensures that it will dry properly and not cause discoloration. Use these guidelines to deal with spills:

Alcohol – cool water and a fabric-safe detergent.
Blood – ammonia.
Coffee – warm water, followed by glycerin.
Confectioneries – warm water, followed by glycerin.
Cosmetics – warm water, followed by glycerin.
Grease – dry-cleaning fluid.
Ink – apply warm glycerin for 10 + minutes then rub on liquid detergent and clean with water.
Fruit and fruit juices – cool water and a fabric-safe detergent.
Ice cream – cool water and a fabric-safe detergent.
Iodine – half a lemon, followed by warm water and detergent dabbed by a cloth wrung out in a solution of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water.
Milk – water, followed by detergent and a small quantity of ammonia.
Oil-based substances – cool water and a fabric-safe detergent.
Shoe polish – liquid paraffin first, then dry-cleaning fluid.
Soft drinks – warm water, followed by glycerin.
Tea – warm water, followed by glycerin.
Vomit – water, followed by detergent and a small quantity of ammonia.
Urine – water with white vinegar, followed by cold water and liquid detergent.

KINDNESS COUNTS

By following these tips, your beautiful Naturally Timber fabric-upholstered furniture will look like new for a long time. Be kind to your furniture, and it will love you back many times over!