Microfiber Furniture FAQs

Microfiber is an ultra soft polyester fabric made to be stain-resistant. This fabric is perfect for furniture upholstery for a few reasons. First, its velvety texture means you're always sitting in comfort. Second, microfiber is durable and water-resistant, which makes it ideal for well-used furniture and homes with kids and pets. Last, the fabric holds its color well, so it will look fresh and new longer than many other fabrics. Check out these frequently asked questions below to see if microfiber furniture is right for you.

What is microfiber made of?

Microfiber is made with synthetic fibers like polyester or polyamides. The fibers are finer than silk, and they can be knit or woven into a piece of fabric. Since the fibers are so small, the weaves can be much tighter, which has two advantages. First, less dust or other allergens can sink into and through the fabric, making your microfiber furniture more hypoallergenic. Second, the tight weave means liquid spills will bead up on the surface of the fabric instead of immediately soaking into the fibers, which gives you a short window of time to dry up the liquid before it stains.

What is the difference between microfiber and microsuede?

Microsuede is simply a type of microfiber. Most microfiber weaves feel particularly smooth and soft, but microsuede is made to have the raised texture of suede. Even though the look and quality of microsuede isn’t exactly the same as suede, it can be strikingly similar. However, the easy-care advantage of microsuede furniture may more than make up for any visual differences.

Is microfiber stain-proof?

Microfiber is highly water resistant, but it’s not completely immune to stains. The especially tight weave of microfiber causes any liquids to bead up and sit on the surface of the fiber for a short time instead of soaking right into the fabric. If you can clean up the liquid before it soaks into the microfiber, it will be as if nothing ever spilled on your furniture.

How do you clean microfiber furniture?

Keeping microfiber furniture clean is easy. To keep it free of dust and crumbs, use a vacuum with a soft-brush attachment to get any loose debris off the cushions and out of seams. If you do happen to get a liquid stain or smudged dirt or food on your microsuede furniture, start by reading the manufacturer’s care instructions. If the care instructions say your couch, chair, or ottoman is water-safe, use the suds of some dishwashing liquid on a clean cloth to gently rub the stain in a circular motion. Avoid getting the fabric too wet during this process, and restore texture with a nylon-bristled scrub brush when finished. Some microsuede cushion covers can be removed and put straight into the washer. If that is the kind of easy care your lifestyle needs, check the product description before you buy.