Fabric

Careful and regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the life and retaining the appearance of soft furnishings. The following notes are offered as a brief guide on the care and cleaning of fabrics.

General

The principal causes of soiling are airborne dust, cigarette smoke, gas or open fires and accidental spillage or staining. Most of these can be avoided or at least reduced; others can be remedied by timely and appropriate maintenance.

The regular use of a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate attachment can significantly extend the life of furnishings. Curtains and upholstery should be vacuum cleaned once a week.

The professional application of a proprietary stain resist agent can aid in preventing premature soiling, particularly on upholstery.

Always follow the recommendations given by the care symbols in price lists and pattern books.

Never wait until an article is visibly dirty before washing or cleaning.

Dry Cleaning

Where dry cleaning is advised make sure the cleaner is made aware of the appropriate process. Many types of fabric require careful treatment with reduced agitation, and specific solvents. This is indicated by the Care Symbols.

Remember also that there are good and bad dry cleaners – The Association of British Launderers and Cleaners can provide a list of approved establishments.

It is generally inadvisable to use proprietary spot-cleaners or dry-cleaning aerosol sprays, except when specifically approved for certain fabric types: it is better to use professional on′site cleaning contractors.

Silks

It is well known that silk fabrics can be more fragile than other types and a certain amount of care should be exercised in their make up and maintenance. Silk should always be dry cleaned by professional cleaners with experience of furnishing fabrics, and be cleaned using the careful cycle as indicated in the Care Symbols.

Chenille

Marking and pile distortion are normal characteristics of chenille fabrics and are not an indication of poor wear. Any markings and pile distortion can also appear as subtle changes in colour shade depending on how the light falls on the fabric. Over time, these changes will give the fabric an often characterful vintage look. To minimize any undesired markings, the use of a soft brush and light steaming may be effective.

Linens

Linen fabrics, whether 100% linen or mixed with other yarns such as cotton or viscose, are more prone to shrinkage than other fibre types, especially in washing. For this reason we generally recommend that all linen fabrics should be dry cleaned. Where linen fabrics are recommended as being suitable for washing, it is usual that they will have been given a pre-shrunk finish in order to minimise shrinkage. This may result in curtains extending once hung and a loosely stitched hem is advisable so that curtains may be adjusted once they have "settled in".

Viscose

Viscose fabrics are sensitive to water and liquids. Exposure to these as well as any kind of moisture, skin lotions, perspiration, spillages or damp clothing may cause marking and staining that can be extremely difficult to remove. Many fabrics with a high viscose content are consequently classified as dry clean only.

Velvets

Always store rolls of velvet in a horizontal position or in the original box within its suspension. Never stand rolls of velvet on end as this will inevitably cause permanent creasing. When re-rolling velvet, always roll with the pile on the inside.

For curtains, velvet should be made up with the pile facing upwards for cotton velvets and polyester. An upward facing pile provides a deeper and richer appearance, whereas downward facing pile enhances the lustre on viscose velvets.

It is also strongly recommended to line velvet curtains, this prevents pile-loss, and fading from the effects of sunlight. Lining also gives a more luxurious drape, especially if curtains are also interlined.

Marking and/or pile distortion are normal characteristics of velvets and are not an indication of poor wear. Movement or displacement of the pile is quite normal and should be expected, especially in areas of high use such as arms, seat fronts and back cushions.

During use shading and pressure marks should diminish or disappear altogether. Regular turning of seat and back cushions should prolong the appearance, together with regular vacuum cleaning using an appropriate attachment.

Take care not to spill liquids onto velvet, especially those with a viscose pile. It will cause staining or watermarks which are extremely difficult to remove.

Cotton velvet is a natural product and when made up for curtains or on a sofa, it will acquire its unique appearance after some time due to usage and the natural humidity of the surroundings. Pressure marks, rolling stripes and smaller irregularities, which are inherent for the product, will disappear in a ventilated and relatively humid environment.

As an aid to restoring the pile and removing pressure marks the use of a soft brush and light steaming may be effective.

Care should also be taken with velvet upholstery and cushions by positioning these items away from direct sunlight to reduce the likelihood of fading which can happen with all textiles with prolonged exposure.

Upholstering with Velvet

Make sure that the velvet you choose is suitable for upholstery and be sure to apply the right technique. This means seaming the cut edges and folding the edge twice before nailing or stapling the velvet to prevent the fabric from unnecessary rupture and tearing.

Do not cover velvet directly onto foam fillings but use an interlining even if the velvet has been backcoated. The fabric will last longer and pile-loss will be limited.

Outdoor Fabrics

Outdoor fabrics are designed to be suitable for use in most outdoor environments but please check the individual product information for each fabric. Fabrics that are stated as water, stain and mould resistant will be able to withstand these elements to a certain degree but should still be allowed to fully dry after exposure to damp and any stains should be removed as soon as possible. Colour fastness to light is generally high for outdoor fabrics but some level of fading can be expected if a fabric is exposed to continuous sunshine over a long period of time.