The skinny on Microfiber Get acquainted with microfiber It's found in accent chair upholstery, clothing, car interiors, cleaning cloths, shoes, and footballs. It's microfiber. Introduced in 1986, microfiber is a variety of polyester that has extremely thin filaments. A synthetic, microfiber can mimic the look and feel of natural-fiber fabrics but with enhanced washability, breathability, and water repellency. Why we like it Accent chairs and other furniture items upholstered with microfiber, or microsuede, are attractive and family-friendly. Known for its softness, durability, and easy maintenance, microfiber can resemble leather or have a soft sueded look. Clean-up's a cinch Spill a drink on your accent chair? Don't panic. Microfiber is good at repelling water, which will bead up right after a spill. When this happens, try to get as much of the spill up without it soaking into the fabric. You'll want to dab, not rub, with a paper towel or cloth. Don't wait too long to clean up spills. Liquid will soak in if left on long enough. | ![]() |
If you get oil or fat-based spills on your accent chair, get as much of the spill up before it seeps into the fabric. Use something that dissolves oils and evaporates quickly. There are products available in stores to clean oil-based stains, including Guardsman AFTA Spot Cleaner.
After cleaning your accent chair, the microfiber might feel a little rough. A quick fix is to gently rub the hardened area with a soft scrub brush or old toothbrush. To get rid of smells, apply baking soda over the affected area to soak up any remaining liquid or odor.
Here today, here to stay
Can this stuff be any more popular? Microfiber's popularity and prevalence is on the rise, according to the February 2008 issue of Housekeeping Solutions magazine. As more and more manufacturers create microfiber-based products, innovations in microfiber technology are being announced regularly. Available in a variety of prints and colors, it remains popular as an upholstery fabric. Soft, lightweight, and easy to care for, it's no wonder microfiber makes a great choice for accent chairs.