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How to Take Care of Fabrics
By Kirkdale Studios
Caring for Contract Fabrics
Contract fabrics are the tactile heart of any interior, providing the essential balance of comfort, style and high-performance durability required for demanding environments. Whether in a bustling hotel lobby or a high-traffic restaurant, upholstery plays a pivotal role in defining the atmosphere and user experience.
At Kirkdale Studios, we offer an extensive collection of contract-grade textiles. Here is our care guide to properly maintain your contract fabrics, lengthen their lifespan and protect your investment.
How to take care of fabrics
This guide is designed to help you care for your contract fabrics properly. It covers everyday maintenance, practical steps to prevent damage and simple ways to extend the lifespan of your fabrics, ensuring it continues to perform well and look its best in demanding environments.
The below key graphically demonstrates the advised cleaning methods, along with the type of fabrics used in contact furniture.
Natural
Synthetic
Leather
Soft Cloth
Soapy Water
Vacuum
Natural Fabrics Care
What are Natural Fabrics in Furniture?
Natural fibres such as wool, cotton and jute are used in upholstery as a more eco friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics.
Wool is strong, hard-wearing and naturally flame retardant so makes a great choice for any commercial furniture.
While cotton is flexible, lightweight and has a soft texture making it popular in office furniture.
Natural fibres can be degraded and dyed in any colour.
How to Take Care of Natural Fabrics:
Any spills should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent stains.
Use lukewarm water and a detergent to remove tough stains.
Use a vacuum to remove dust.
Check out our complete fabric library.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
You can remove wax and other substances from natural fabrics by freezing it with ice and then breaking it away piece by piece.
Synthetic Fabrics
What are Synthetic Fabrics?
Synthetic fibres are man-made fabrics which include polyester, nylon and faux leather.
They tend to be stain and water resistant and more durable than natural fibres.
Synthetic fibres can also be produced to fit most property specifications including colours and textures.
Regular maintenance and cleaning is needed to retain quality but they are very easy to care for.
How to Take Care of Synthetic Fabrics in Furniture:
Any spills should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent stains.
Use warm soapy water to clean faux leather.
You can remove wax and other substances from synthetic fabrics by freezing it with ice and then breaking it away piece by piece.
Use a vacuum to remove dust.
If you would love to add upholstered furniture to your hospitality space, contact our team.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
You can remove wine spills from synthetic fabrics using salt.
You can remove oil from synthetic fabrics using talcum powder.
Leather Care
What are the features of leather?
Leather is durable and tough, making it a great choice for furniture upholstery.
It can be stained in many colours and applied with finishes to give different sheens and protective effects.
Although leather has a high tensile strength it can stretch and loosen over time without proper care.
How to Take Care of Leather Furniture:
Any spills should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent stains.
Regularly use a soft damp cloth to wipe down surfaces and remove dust.
Dry surfaces after cleaning or spills to avoid permanent damage.
Use a leather cleaner to remove tough stains.
Applying a leather wax will keep your leather soft and supple, protecting it from drying out.
Kirkdale Pro Tip:
Applying a leather conditioner will help protect your leather from cracks and make it more durable.
For Great Furniture That Lasts.
As suppliers of contract furniture, from concept to supply (and everything in between) we will be here to assist at every stage of your project. We recommend downloading and following this guide for information on the best ways to care for your contract furniture.
Our guide covers the most common materials used in contract furniture. It gives instruction and tips on cleaning and maintenance that will keep your furniture looking better for longer.
If you have any further questions on the care and maintenance of your furniture please contact a member of our team or at