A question of deep cleaning FibreGuard upholstery fabrics 

We're here to make your life as easy as possible, to limit your daily interactions with cleaning products as much as we can! From ketchup and red wine stains to coffee and ballpoint pen stains, FibreGuard fabrics are simply easy to clean.

All accidental stains can be removed using only water, but should you have a tougher stain, a small amount of standard, white, household soap, can be used.

Sometimes we get asked questions about cleaning our fabrics that need more specific answers than what you might find on our How to Clean page. Today we’re answering them!

“Can stains seep through FibreGuard fabrics and into the cushion or couch foam?”

FibreGuard is a stain-resistant fabric, not a moisture-resistant fabric. This means that the weave structure may allow moisture through to the inside when cleaning the fabric, or when large spills occur. If you’re worried about damp further soaking through the fabric when you’re spot cleaning an accidental stain, a good idea is to remove the cover, if possible, then clean as directed. When washing cushion covers in a machine, always check the cleaning labels for temperature guides.  

If moisture seepage is a frequent concern, why not check out our FibreGuard Pro range?

This soft-to-the-touch range has a uniquely breathable and flexible moisture barrier, making it ideal for very demanding environments. Bonded during the production process, this breathable barrier stops the penetration of liquid into upholstery foam. This means that mildew and bad odours, caused by accidental spills, have less chance of attaching to the yarns or foam.

“Will cleaning my upholstery with water leave a watermark behind on the fabric even though it’s air-dried as instructed?”

If you use too much soap when cleaning up a spill, the residue from it that’s left behind can give the appearance of a watermark. Soap and water should generally be applied at a 20:80 ratio.

To minimise this risk, ensure the fabric is not left with excess soap residue on its surface. You can do this by applying more water and dabbing off the excess.

“How do you clean FibreGuard upholstery fabric when it’s stained with mildew?”

Mildew comes in a range of different fungus forms, developing in damp or moist environments. If you find mildew on your FibreGuard upholstered furniture, we advise you to follow our cleaning instructions as standard.

It might be a good time for you to check the ventilation of the room your furniture is in and the walls for any damp spots.

If the furniture is being used outside, why not check out FibreGuard Outdoor, our range of outdoor fabrics that incorporate the original FibreGuard fabric stain-free technology with a few added extras, including solution-dyed polyolefin yarn, especially for outdoor use.

FibreGuard Outdoor’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial attributes combat the growth of mould and mildew, as well as the spread of bacteria and germs.

“What if a stain has been left to sit on my upholstery for a while? Is it still easy to clean off later?”

FibreGuard’s built-in easy-clean qualities are targeted at accidental spills and marks that occur in our everyday life. We would always recommend that the stain is cleaned up as soon as possible just because it’s easier. 

However, applying water and following the standard cleaning process hours, days, or weeks later, is still the same recommended cleaning method regardless of the duration of the stain.

If stains are stubborn, repeat the soap and water cleaning method, taking your time to work on the affected area until the stain has disappeared.  

“Can I use extra topical cleaning treatments on FibreGuard upholstery?” 

No, you do not need to use after-market treatments on FibreGuard fabrics. Anything applied to a piece of fabric after production will not be permanent or even environmentally safe.

Aftermarket finishes wear away and can emit fumes commonly known as  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be odourless, tasteless, and extremely harmful.

All FibreGuard fabrics are manufactured and certified under the STANDARD 100 by OEKO TEX®, guaranteeing that they won’t release any harmful finishes or chemicals into the environment and are completely safe for contact with you, your children and your pets.

Our unique STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® number is 0611045.

Keep asking

There is no such thing as a silly question, and we have the answers to all your FibreGuard ones. Check out other frequently asked FibreGuard questions on our FAQ page!