Yes I went to a furniture showroom, no the salesperson didn't offer help. Twice.

October 31, 2006 3:22 PM

Is a microfiber sofa with a 'W' actually washable? Will I need to wash it?

I'm considering buying a microfiber sofa...I like the 'stone' (sort of a light grey-beige) and the chocolate brown. I don't want to get a really pretty couch just to have to slipcover it...so how well would the 'stone' stand up to normal wear? Will it get grimey? What about when the dog sits in the same spot everyday? The cushion covers appear to zip off, and the tag says W, which apparently means I can use water-based cleaners. Does that mean I can actually wash it?

posted by sLevi to home & garden (5 comments total)

I dont know but my experience with those zip off covers is the couch never quite looks the same after I wash and replace (could have been due to cheapo furniture).

Now I have a chololate brown set with dogs, muddy backyard, toddlers, etc.

It probably should be washed but you can't tell.

Your best bet may be to get the manufacturer's name and look them up.
posted by beccaj at 5:25 PM on October 31, 2006

I have no input except I thought you meant it was some cheap knockoff called 'Micwofiber'.

Ok, I do have some input.

Washing is ok on delicate. It's the dryer that will screw it up. Run it through a delicate warm water wash then air or hang dry.
posted by pieoverdone at 7:39 PM on October 31, 2006

I work for an upholstery textiles manufacturer. Here's what the "W" stands for:

Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.
Do not over wet.
Do not use dry cleaning solvents.
Pile fabric may require brushing to restore its appearance.
Remove cushion covers to launder.

Water-based cleaning agents are often sold as upholstery shampoo. They are usually sold as foams,
concentrated liquids and dry compounds. Examples include Glamorene, Glory, Blue Lustre and
Woolite.

Let me know if you'd like the full CONTRACT UPHOLSTERY cleaning manual
posted by lannanh at 9:25 PM on October 31, 2006 [1 favorite]

Microfiber fabrics can have many wonderful properties, depending on the resin base from which the fiber is spun. The two most widely available microfiber resins are polyester and nylon, but some performance microfiber is made from aramid and other engineered resins. Of course, blends of various types of microfiber and microfiber/natural fiber blends are also used in upholstered products.

In some processes, the resin is colored before the fibers are spun, and this kind of product is quite colorfast, but available in a wide range of patterns or colors. More fabric is produced from vat dyed fiber already twisted up into thread, but some fabric is batch dyed or printed after the cloth is made. So knowing about those factors will also determine the performance of the fabric in wear and cleaning. But in any case, upholstrey fabrics are not intended for the kind of regular washing that clothes are expected to endure.

The one thing nylon and polyester microfiber fabrics may not be good with in your situation is snag resistance. Pet claws are often pretty rough, and you might find that your dog quickly produces visible, permanent marks on the softer microfiber fabrics.
posted by paulsc at 10:21 PM on October 31, 2006

A day late, but I want to extoll the virtues of the microfiber couch. We got one almost a year ago - a big ol' 4-reclinter-sofa-and-loveseat sectional in chocolate brown. I was hugely impressed (being the slob that I am) when he drew on the darn thing with a gel ink pen, then washed it away with a little soapy water and a clean rag. Mm stain resistant!

We put it to the test a week after getting it with, of all things, a big ol' bloodstain. Don't ask. Spot cleaning with highly dilute dish detergent and lots of water? Can't see it at all.
posted by Adelwolf at 11:42 AM on November 1, 2006