FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics: a smart choice for areas exposed to the elements
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics incorporate the original FibreGuard fabric stain free technology with a few added extras, including solution-dyed polyolefin yarn, especially for outdoor use.
Optimal fade protection
FibreGuard Outdoor's solution-dyed fabrics last years without losing their unique properties, like colourfastness, durability, water and stain repellency.
On top of standing up to UV rays, our FibreGuard Outdoor range is easy to clean, water-repellent and resistant to mildew and odours. FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics undergo rigorous laboratory testing to ensure the most robust colourfast to light-resistant results.
Durable fabrics, whatever the weather
Strong design and construction help our Outdoor fabrics take exposure to the sun’s harmful rays in their stride.
Ready even for the most humid environments
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.
Additionally, our fabrics will resist bad odours, commonly found in environments that are more humid.
FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are durable and soft to touch: the perfect solution for outdoor furniture and decorative accessories. Taking your indoor style outdoors has never been easier.
Are FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics still stain-resistant?
FibreGuard’s easy-clean properties are embedded in the manufacturing process, even with our Outdoor fabrics too.
No after-treatment is necessary.
This takes the extra work (and worry!) out of your hands so you can get on with living.
Stains on FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are removable, and dirt is easily cleanable resulting in your outdoor fabrics maintaining their fresh, new look.
Are FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics still eco-friendly?
All FibreGuard fabrics are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified. This guarantees that FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics won’t release any harmful finishes or chemicals into the environment and are safe to use by humans and pets.
Are FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics resistant to sunscreen and sun oils?
Both sunscreens and oils can be easily cleaned in exactly the same four steps as you would use to clean all FibreGuard fabrics.
Our fabrics remain easy to clean, wash after wash, stain after stain, with no topical spray treatment needed.
Outdoor furnishing fabrics: a special kind of upholstery
What makes outdoor upholstery different?
Outdoor fabrics have special features that make them different from other materials, and they are perfect for designers who want to create beautiful and practical outdoor spaces.
These fabrics are made to handle all kinds of weather, like sun, rain, and changing temperatures. Outdoor fabrics need to be strong and easy to take care of, all while resisting different weather conditions: no small feat!
Outdoor fabrics are typically made from polyester or polyolefin and have a durable, water-resistant coating. They’re also treated so they can withstand UV rays for long periods of time without fading or becoming brittle. Because of this, outdoor furniture is often made with these materials as well.
If you want your outdoor furniture and other items to remain safe in the rain, it is important that you understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof fabrics.
Outdoor fabrics are waterproof, which means they are designed to prevent water from passing through the material. Waterproof items completely block the penetration of water through their fabric or material. Water-resistant fabric or material has a medium protection level, meaning that it will not completely repel water but is woven to deter it. Read more: Water repellent, water resistant and waterproof textiles: the facts
Outdoor fabrics don't have to be 100% waterproof since they're not exposed to rain or snow all year round. However, they do need to be able to resist moisture in the air and stay strong despite repeated exposure to UV rays from sunlight.
Waterproof fabrics vs water resistant fabrics: what's the difference?
What does 'water repellant' mean?
Water repellent fabrics are basically "hydrophobic" - which literally means they're afraid of water!
Instead of soaking into the fabric or the foam underneath, liquids just get pushed away from the surface. When you spill something on these fabrics, the liquid forms little beads that you can easily wipe off.
Causes of fungal growth on outdoor furniture
There are two main causes of mould growing on fabric: dampness combined with sunlight. When materials become wet, they begin to rot from within, creating perfect conditions for mould to grow. Sunlight also makes it easier for mould to thrive as it provides the fuel (UV rays) that they need to survive. The first line of defence against mould is also sunlight. Sunlight can naturally bleach any mould spores present in the fabric, so all you need to do is leave them in direct sunlight for a few hours or days and they'll disappear.
The key thing to remember here is that this doesn’t just apply to outdoor fabrics; if your indoor furniture is also made from natural materials (wooden tables, leather chairs etc.), then these can also become susceptible to mould growth if not taken care of properly!
Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties combat the growth of mould and mildew, as well as resist unpleasant odours often associated with humid environments. Two relevant test certifications to look out for are:
ASTM E2149 (2013) – to prove significant reduction of bacteria growth, the result must be a reduction of at least 90%.
ISO 20743 8.2 (2013) – to prove significant reduction of bacteria growth, the result must be higher than 2, ideally 3
How do I know if an outdoor fabric is mildew-resistant or mould-resistant?
A handy guide to outdoor fabric maintenance
Furniture placement
The first thing you should do is ensure that the fabric or cushioning on your furniture is suitable for outdoor use. It's also important to be careful about where you position your furniture: avoid placing it directly next to trees or bushes where leaves can fall on it.
Spot cleaning
Ensure that your furniture gets spot cleaned regularly so that mould doesn't have time to form on its surface. When dirt and grime build up on your outdoor textiles, they become less effective at protecting you from UV rays or other elements of nature.
By removing these contaminants before they get embedded into your fabrics, you're extending their lifespan by keeping them in better condition for longer periods of time. How often should I clean my fabrics? For most fabrics that are designed for high-traffic areas such as porches or patios, including our FibreGuard Outdoor collection, you should spot clean them once or twice per year at the very least.
If you spot mould or mildew appearing on your fabric, try cleaning it off straightaway with warm water before it has time to set in.
Are you interested in taking style outdoors with FibreGuard Outdoor performance fabrics this season?
Get in touch with us for region-specific contract information tailored to your needs.
