Microfiber. Microfiber is not technically a performance fabric, but it has such a reputation for being stain-resistant and durable that we wanted to include it here. Microfiber refers to the thickness of a fiber, not to a type, like acrylic or cotton.
Acrylic fabrics are often used for indoor/outdoor furniture. These fabrics are developed to resist wear, soiling, and fading. Acrylic fabrics protect against stains and are available in a wide range of designs and styles.
Another synthetic fibre that is stain-proof is nylon. Like polyester, which we went over above, the fibres in nylon repel liquids, so the liquid does not set in and stain the furniture. It can also be a good choice for upholstery projects or if you are purchasing new furniture because it is an inexpensive textile.
Zepel fabrics offer a large range of upholstery fabrics treated with FibreGuard technology which makes them both stain resistant and durable. Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are synonymous to high durability and performance both for indoor and outdoor uses. Welcome to Crypton.
Many people are often shocked to discover that wool is one of the more powerfully stain resistant materials out there. Wool has a number of properties that are very desirable in regards to stain resistance, most of which stem from the unique spiral structure of the fibers.
Going synthetic is a great choice if you really need stain resistance! Polyester and other synthetics fabrics are essentially made up of small fibers of plastic.
This uniquely created fabric has oil and water repellent characteristics which after the treatment does not damage the original breathability characteristics. Additionally, provides dual function of being repellent and easy stain release that makes it highly in demand in the market.
Is Polyester Good Furniture Fabric? Polyester is a synthetic material made from a petroleum-based product called ethylene terephthalate or PET. PET is essentially a plastic and therefore it has both pros and cons. Although polyester is essentially water-proof and stain-resistant, it has very poor breathability.
Polyester is more wrinkle and stain resistant than cotton and fades less. Polyester can cling to the skin, unlike cotton which feels great against the skin. Polyester dries quicker than cotton. Cotton fabrics shrink after their first wash unless they have been previously treated against this.
Anti-stain fabric is a type of fabric that has been treated or manufactured to resist the absorption of stains. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as using special coatings or treatments, or by using fibers that are naturally resistant to staining.
Materials like suede, silk, and lace take a little extra effort to clean without causing damage. We may earn a commission from links on this page. A pair of suede shoes or linen pants might be the star of your closet, but you may also be tempted to keep those items stored away rather than risk getting them dirty.
Due to its synthetic nature, polyester is extremely easy to clean and resists absorbing most stains. In fact, sweat and armpit stains, blood stains, deodorant stains and most water-based stains (juices, wine) are easily repelled by the synthetic fibers. In addition, it's resistant to most chemicals and even mildew.
Polyester fabrics are also known for their resistance to wrinkling, shrinking and fading when properly taken care of. That said, it's recommended to machine wash polyester garments in warm water with all-purpose detergent, then follow up with tumble-dry at a low-temperature setting.
Light Colors are Best
While darker colors may look nicer in some cases, they will also show any dirt or stains more easily than light colors. Lighter colors such as beige, tan, and white are better choices because they will hide dirt and stains more effectively.
If you are planning on placing items in a sunny location, consider natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and wool blends. Fabrics blended with acrylic, polyester, and nylon are also less likely to fade.
Polyester is more durable than cotton, making it a better choice if you're often on the go. It's also waterproof, stain-resistant, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and flame retardant; however, since polyester isn't organic, it should not be worn in direct sunlight.
Of all the natural fibers, says Brookstein, the most stain resistant is wool because it contains lanolin, a natural oil that repels liquids.
Top Choice: Wool Carpet Fibers
Wool carpet fibers are so naturally stain-resistant that they don't even need to be coated with chemicals to prevent staining.
"Polyester is essentially hydrophobic, so it neither absorbs water nor repels oil-based grime.
The cons of polyester are mostly environmental, such as high energy and water consumption, pollution, and inability to biodegrade. But there are material cons as well, such as a higher likelihood of pilling, running, and pulling.
While synthetic fabrics like polyester are more resistant to water-based stains, they are also oilophilic. "This means they absorb oil and grease stains," explains Young. "If you spill salad dressing on your [synthetic] carpet, the oily stain will be more complicated to remove."
If stains and spills are frequent in your home, more moisture-resistant fabrics are best because it takes longer for stains to absorb deep into the fibers. That makes cleaning messes quickly a lot easier! Polyester, leather, nylon, and acrylic are a few fabrics that are both durable and easy to clean.
Oxidation, nicotine, grease, bleach, sun exposure, improper rinsing, not using enough detergent, and aluminum-based deodorant can all cause yellow stains on clothing and linens. If you do not wash your clothing correctly, any chemicals or particles in the fabric will start to decompose and break down the fibers.
Spandex, also known as elastane, holds its own as another amazing synthetic fiber with similar wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant properties as polyester and an even greater capacity for sleek, wrinkle-free presentations because of its superior elasticity.