CHOOSING A SOFA FABRIC AND CARING FOR IT PROPERLY

Choosing the fabric is certainly one of the most difficult decisions when buying upholstered furniture. When choosing a sofa fabric, you should definitely consider durability and functionality.

 

Durability and abrasion resistance

A sofa fabric should be strong enough to withstand everyday use. Look for a fabric that is labelled with high abrasion resistance according to the Martindale test. The fabric being tested is cut into pieces, which are placed in a Martindale machine. In the machine, the fabric is pulled under tension. Small wire mesh discs or worsted wool are rubbed against the fabric in circular movements until two threads of the fabric break or until the fabric has noticeably changed. The test device runs in 5,000-cycle intervals, which determine the Martindale abrasion rating. The quality of the fabric is checked every 1,000 cycles. The result shows the level to which the material has been worn. The higher the Martindale value, the more resistant the fabric is to abrasion.

For families with children and pets, for example, we recommend choosing a fabric that is resistant to scratches and easy to clean. Our selection includes many different easy-to-clean fabrics that are ideal for such cases. The most popular of these is the velvety Megan fabric.

Megan is a soft 100% polyester velvet fabric with high abrasion resistance – 170,000 Martindale. The fabric is water-repellent and easy to care for. To remove stains, we recommend using only special cleaning products. We also recommend regular weekly cleaning with a vacuum cleaner using a soft nozzle and low power. The fabric has a dense weave and is well suited to homes with pets.

 

Care and cleaning

Caring for your sofa fabric is important to keep the sofa clean and in good condition. Choose a fabric that can withstand different cleaning methods, whether it’s regular vacuuming, a textile cleaner or dry cleaning.

Some tips for caring for your sofa:

  • When vacuuming, use a nozzle with soft bristles and low power. This helps remove dust, crumbs and other dirt that can build up in the fabric.
  • Act quickly when a stain appears. Most stains are easier to remove when they are fresh.
  • Use a soft, damp cloth and gently dab the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
  • Use special fabric cleaners according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Before treating the whole sofa, test the product on a small hidden area first.
  • Use a fabric protector that is absorbed between the fibres of the fabric, forming a protective layer that prevents dirt and liquids from soaking into the fabric.
  • Turn and clean the cushions regularly to ensure even wear.
  • If your sofa has removable covers, follow the washing instructions carefully. Some covers are machine washable, while others need dry cleaning.
  • For deep cleaning, we recommend using an upholstery cleaner. Our customers can also borrow this device from us free of charge. To do so, contact us by e-mail at info@oot-oot.com or call +372 5373 0049

 

 

Furniture designed and made in Estonia

OOT-OOT Studio is a furniture design studio founded by designers Marko Ala and Joonas Torim, focusing on upholstered furniture and beds.

Our entire product range is designed and made in Estonia. The studio’s collection includes sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, ottomans, stools, beds and terrace furniture. Quality materials, thoughtful design and ergonomics are the cornerstones of OOT-OOT Studio design.

Explore our products at the OOT-OOT Studio showroom in Tallinn at Staapli 10, or visit our online store at www.oot-oot.com.
You’ll find plenty of inspiration on OOT-OOT Studio’s Instagram too.