Olefin Fabric: Pros, Cons & Best Uses Explained
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.
So what is polypropylene? Today we're exploring just that, and calling it by its more universal name: olefin.
Olefin is a man-made fabric that is extremely durable. The fibres are created using heat, pressure, and a catalyst. From durability to disadvantages, get the full picture on olefin fabric.
Ready to learn why it’s popular in upholstery and outdoor furniture?
Let's get started.
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What Is Olefin Fabric?
Olefin fabric is a lightweight, durable, and stain-resistant synthetic material commonly used in upholstery and outdoor furniture. What makes olefin unique is that it's one of the lightest synthetic fibers (it floats on water), is highly resistant to chemicals and moisture, and has excellent colourfastness since the pigments are added during the molten stage rather than dyed later. Production of it was in full swing in the USA by 1960, only two years after it was first created.
But is it right for you? Let's run through how it's made, the pros & cons, and possible uses of this versatile kind of upholstery.
Behind the scenes: how olefin fabric is made
Olefin fibers were developed during a period of intense research into synthetic materials in the mid-20th century. The key breakthrough came in 1954 when Italian chemist Giulio Natta, building on the work of German chemist Karl Ziegler, discovered a way to create crystalline polypropylene using special catalysts. This discovery, now known as Ziegler-Natta catalysis, earned both scientists the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963.
So, as you see, the initial drive for developing olefin wasn't actually for fabric - it was meant as an improved plastic material. However, researchers discovered that when extruded into fibers, it had excellent properties for textiles. The material gained worldwide popularity during the 1960s and 1970s.
The key steps in olefin production are:
- Polymerisation - Propylene molecules are linked together under controlled temperature and pressure conditions using special catalysts, forming polypropylene polymer.
- Extrusion - The polymer is melted and forced through tiny holes in a spinneret (like a shower head), creating long continuous filaments that cool and solidify into fibers.
- Drawing - The fibers are stretched to several times their original length, which aligns the molecular chains and gives the fiber strength and durability.
- Texturing - The fibers may be crimped, twisted, or otherwise modified to give them specific properties like bulk or stretch.
- Final Processing - The fibers are cut to specific lengths for staple fiber production or left continuous for filament yarn. They can then be spun into yarn or directly formed into nonwoven fabrics.
Is Olefin Fabric Good? Pros & Cons Explained
Like any material choice, olefin fabric comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages when it comes to applications. Understanding these factors can help you determine if olefin is the right choice for your specific upholstery needs. To be honest though, olefin primarily offers advantages with no significant disadvantages for its use as upholstery.
Here's a handy graphic on the properties of olefin fabrics.
Common Uses of Olefin Fabric
Olefin Fabric for Upholstery
Olefin is most commonly used in casual and commercial furniture settings due to its practical characteristics. In homes, you'll often find it in family room sofas, ottomans, and seating that gets heavy daily use. Many furniture manufacturers choose olefin for these pieces because it stands up well to spills, stains, and regular cleaning - a crucial feature for families with children or pets.
Related read: Crayon-proof to Cabernet-ready: 2 spaces, 1 versatile upholstery >
Is Olefin Fabric Good for Outdoor Furniture?
Olefin fabric is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture due to its impressive weather resistance and durability.
It repels moisture effectively, making it less likely to absorb water and allowing it to dry quickly after rain. Additionally, olefin resists fading even when exposed to direct sunlight, ensuring that the fabric retains its vibrant colour over time. Its strength and ability to withstand wear and tear make it ideal for outdoor environments, where furniture is often subjected to harsh conditions.
Despite its durability, olefin remains comfortable and soft to the touch, providing a pleasant seating experience. Overall, olefin’s combination of water resistance, fade resistance, and durability makes it a practical and reliable option for outdoor furniture. The fabric's resistance to chemical damage also makes it ideal for pool areas where it might be exposed to chlorine or other cleaning agents.
Related read: Innovations in Outdoor Fabrics >
How Durable Is Olefin Fabric for Sofas?
Olefin fabric is highly durable and a popular choice for sofas. Here are some key points about its durability:
✅ Wear and Tear Resistance: Olefin stands up well to daily use and heavy traffic, making it ideal for frequently used furniture
✅ Stain Resistance: It is naturally stain-resistant, which helps maintain its appearance over time
✅ Colourfastness: Olefin resists fading, even when exposed to sunlight, so it retains its colour longer
✅ Easy Maintenance: Cleaning olefin fabric is straightforward, usually requiring just soap and water
✅ Quick Drying: It dries quickly, which is beneficial for both indoor and outdoor use
✅ Durability: Even when wet, olefin maintains its shape and durability. It doesn’t degrade or weaken easily, making it suitable for outdoor use.
How Does Olefin Compare to Other Fabrics?
Olefin fabric has several advantages and disadvantages compared to other common upholstery fabrics. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
How to Clean & Maintain Olefin Fabric
Wondering how to clean olefin fabric quickly and easily? Follow our simple steps to keep your olefin furniture and fabrics looking fresh.
Easy Daily Cleaning Tips for Olefin Fabric
You can clean most accidental spots and spills easily off of olefin fabric using just water and soap. Make cleaning even more effortless with these simple daily maintenance steps:
- Quick vacuum with your furniture attachment
- Spot clean fresh spills immediately with a dry cloth
- Protect from direct sun to prevent cleaning issues later
Washing Machine Instructions for Olefin Fabric
Washing olefin upholstery isn't too complicated, but there are some key things to keep in mind to keep it looking great.
First things first - take a quick peek at the care label, just to make sure there aren't any special instructions. In general though, cold water is your friend here - it'll help keep the colours bright and prevent any unwanted shrinking. Pop it in on a gentle cycle (no need to give it a workout!), and stick to mild detergent. Just stay away from bleach or anything too harsh - olefin fibers aren't fans of strong chemicals.
When it comes to drying, you've got options. If the care label gives you the green light, you can put it in the dryer on low heat. But if you want to play it really safe, just hang it up to air dry somewhere with good airflow, but out of direct sunlight.
Easy Clean Olefin: FAQ
Q: What's the easiest way to clean olefin fabric daily?
A: A quick vacuum and immediate spot cleaning of spills keeps maintenance simple. Remember: Easy cleaning starts with quick action on spills and regular light maintenance. Follow these simple steps, and you'll keep your olefin fabric looking fresh with minimal effort.
Q: Can I easily clean olefin fabric at home?
A: Yes! Most cleaning can be done with simple soap and water.
Q: What's the fastest way to dry olefin fabric?
A: Air drying with a fan provides quick, safe results.
Q: How do you clean FibreGuard olefin upholstery?
The same way you'd clean any other FibreGuard fabric. FibreGuard’s easy-clean properties are embedded in the manufacturing process, even with our Outdoor fabrics too. This takes the extra work (and worry!) out of your hands so you can get on with living. Both sunscreens and oils can be easily cleaned in exactly the same four steps as you would use to clean all FibreGuard fabrics.
FibreGuard Upholstery: a note on sustainability
Olefin fabrics are popular because they're inexpensive to produce and have low environmental impact when compared with traditional materials like wool or cotton. However, environmental sustainability in the textiles industry is a huge, layered topic, and there are no easy solutions to the climate change issues that are forecast to increase.
So yes, while olefin fabrics are technically more ecologically sustainable than silk or cotton, for example, this does not mean that they can be hyped as a 100% ‘eco-friendly green’ fabric.
There is no silver bullet when it comes to choosing the “right” fabric - there's no fabric yet that has zero impact on the environment. That's why, to assess the impact of our products, we use the Higg Index. From our research, this is the most comprehensive tool available, providing a wide range of environmental metrics, based on a large variety of textile compositions and manufacturing processes used.
When compared to fashion, interior and exterior household furnishing fabrics are more durable, require fewer washing cycles and have greater longevity. However, we are committed to our responsibility to ensure we find solutions for better products and product life cycles.
Olefin fabrics: your questions answered
Which is better, olefin or polypropylene?
Olefin and polypropylene are actually the same thing - olefin is simply another name for polypropylene fiber. The term "olefin" is more commonly used in the textile and furniture industry, while "polypropylene" is the technical chemical name for the polymer.
Does Olefin Fabric Fade in Sunlight?
Olefin fabric is actually quite resistant to fading from sunlight compared to many other textiles. This is one of its key advantages - it has excellent colourfastness and UV resistance due to the way the colour is added during the fiber manufacturing process (solution dyeing) rather than being dyed after the fabric is made.
Is Olefin Fabric Safe for Pets?
Yes, olefin fabric is generally safe for pets and is actually a good choice for households with animals. Here's why:
- Non-toxic: The fabric is chemically inert and doesn't contain harmful substances that could hurt pets if chewed or licked
- Easy to clean: It's highly stain-resistant and can be cleaned with common household cleaners, making it easy to deal with pet accidents or messes
- Durable: The fabric stands up well to scratching and clawing, though no fabric is completely immune to determined pets
- Moisture resistant: It doesn't absorb liquids easily, which helps prevent odors and bacterial growth from pet accidents
- Mold/mildew resistant: This is particularly important if pets come in wet from outside or have accidents
Is olefin comfortable?
As upholstery, olefin can be quite comfortable but it depends heavily on the specific construction and design. In living room furniture like sofas and armchairs, olefin tends to be reasonably comfortable when properly padded, especially in textured or plush weaves. It creates a serviceable seating surface that most people find perfectly acceptable for daily use. Many people find that while olefin isn't as naturally soft as cotton or velvet, it provides a satisfactory sitting experience in well-made furniture. The fabric tends to stay cool and doesn't get clammy or sticky in warm weather, which is a comfort plus.
For optimal comfort in upholstery, look for:
- Higher-end olefin fabrics with softer weaves
- Furniture with good quality padding beneath the fabric
- Textured or plush variations rather than flat weaves
Expand Your Textiles Knowledge
Want to learn more about upholstery fabrics? Check out our online Fabrics Academy and Textiles Glossary! You'll find everything you need to know about different fabric types, how to care for them, and what's trending in the industry. It's a great way to build your knowledge about fabrics and textiles. Check out our main FibreGuard blog too for inspirational content on trends, colours and the vibrant world of FibreGuard's stain resistant fabrics.