Caring for your Suprima Fabric

Have you ever seen those old cars with their upholstery and tires still in amazing condition? If only our materials still lasted that long, right? Well, the little-known secret for this issue is that those older materials didn’t break down in landfills, taking up space, and materials are now mandated to be able to break down eventually. Now, this doesn’t mean that materials don’t last for a long time now. It just means that they don’t last forever. And if you want your materials to last you as long as possible, you need to know how to take care of them. When it comes to our Suprima Fabric, there are a few facts and tips to keep in mind.

Material

Even though all materials eventually break down, the Suprima fabric has better durability than most fabrics. The poly-leather is made of polyurethane, which means it’s made of a layer of polymer resins joined by urethane bonds and a layer of backing, such as fake leather. This mixture makes the resulting fabric water-resistant, lightweight, and flexible, though there are variations depending on the polymer resins. Meant to move like real leather, it’s soft and can be stitched. This added layer doesn’t need a plasticizer, which is a material meant to help the fabric be more flexible and less brittle. Because it doesn’t have this chemical, the upholstery fabric doesn’t have cracking or peeling and remains soft. Adding other chemicals can improve abrasion resistance, water resistance, cleanability, and UV light protection.

The material has a 200,000 Double-Rub Wyzenbeek abrasion rating, which means that it has been tested to see how long it takes for the fabric to break or wear down after an abrasion test. Simply put, they tested to see how long it would take for the fabric to break down after being rubbed with another material. According to the results of the test, the Suprima fabric was rated into the Extra-Heavy Duty category, which is recommended for constant use and in busy areas. It also has a 5-year Hydrolysis rating. Hydrolysis is basically how long it takes for a material to break down due to water. From being tested on this, the Suprima fabric showed a 5-year resistance to water damage.

Maintenance

Even with these things in mind, it’s important to take steps to ensure that your furniture piece will last as long as it can. To do this, there are a few tips.

First, make sure you add a furniture protectant to your fabric, as this will go a long way in extending its life. Our 303 Protectant is built to protect your furniture against fading, cracking, color loss, luster loss, and static. With a matte finish and no residue, you won’t even know it’s on there. Having a protectant like this is very important, as there is not much to do tot fix faux-leather if something does happen.

Second, the products you use to clean your furniture and how often you do can make a big difference. Make sure you never use corrosive cleaners, as they will damage the material over time. Instead, occasionally dust it with a dry or slightly damp cloth that has no lint on it and clean and protect it every 3-6 months. Our 303 cleaner is built to clean your furniture without leaving behind a greasy residue or streaks. It isn’t corrosive and can be used on the Suprima fabrics. Just make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, where the air is flowing, and to store it at room temperature. Oils and waxes should never be used, as the fabric is sensitive to them and they can damage it. Classic leather care should never be used on the faux-leather. Areas in constant contact with hair and skin should regularly be cleaned and protected. For extra protection, simply use pillows and blankets to cause less stress on the fabric. Cleans and stains should be cleaned up as soon as possible.

Third, make sure not to store the furniture in direct sunlight. Even though the fabric is durable, direct sunlight can still be harmful to it. Instead, keep it inside and out of the direct path of the sun.

Finally, if scratches do appear, they can sometimes be removed with a hairdryer. Just be aware that if the fabric is over-heated it can be damaged even more. So, make sure to test a scratch in an area in a hidden part of the couch (underneath it) before using it on the visible scratch. The scratches should not be too deep.

Even though Suprima Fabric is more durable than most fabrics on the market, it is still important to care for and protect it. Doing so will extend its life, giving you more use and more comfort out of your furniture.