How to Protect Upholstered Furniture

February 22, 2024  ·  7 min read  ·  Reviewed by Sarah Zubowski

If you were to ask, “How long should living room furniture last?” we would tell you that high-quality furniture should last a lifetime — if taken care of properly. Because upholstered furniture like sofas, sectionals, chairs, and loveseats are meant to be lived on, they are more vulnerable to being ruined by spills, stains, and general wear and tear. This means that if you want your furniture to last as long as possible, you must learn how to protect upholstered furniture so that you can enjoy your pieces for years to come. 

Our furniture experts are here to share a few effective ways to safeguard your upholstered furniture and address common questions about furniture maintenance that you may be wondering about. In summary, here are some tips for how to protect upholstered furniture:

  • Invest in performance fabrics such as Crypton fabric
  • Utilize fabric slipcovers
  • Clean your furniture regularly
Fabric swatches in various colors and textures.

What can I use to protect upholstered furniture?

Protecting your new upholstered furniture is all about being proactive. Before investing in a piece, you may want to consider what parts of your lifestyle could cause your furniture to become damaged aside from normal wear and tear. This can include having kids, having pets, or having guests over regularly.

Depending on your needs, here are some easy (but temporary) ways to protect your furniture fabric from damage. And don’t worry, none of these include wrapping your furniture in uncomfortable plastic. 

  • EXPERT ANSWER: Investing in performance fabric is a great and long-lasting solution to protecting your furniture due to its impenetrable and durable qualities. 
  • Fabric slipcovers create a barrier between your furniture and spills, stains, and pet-related mishaps. These covers are easy to remove and wash for cleanliness.
  • Cleaning upholstered furniture regularly in terms of vacuuming and spot cleaning is a great way to remove dirt, debris, and other hazards that can decrease your furniture’s lifespan over time. Be sure to do your research before using any new cleaning solutions that could damage your fabric. 

What is the best upholstery protector?

While some articles may say that spray products like Scotchgard fabric aerosol spray (a product that creates a “waterproof shield” to protect your furniture’s fabric) are the answer to how to protect upholstered furniture, our experts would disagree. In fact, products like these are known to have a potent odor and can actually diminish the color of your furniture fabric! Imagine investing in a beautiful sofa or sectional just to have it ruined by a “protector!” 

What if we told you that there was a way to protect your upholstered furniture from various hazards that would maintain the look and feel of the fabric? We’d like to introduce you to Crypton.

Fabric swatches next to a deep red pillow on a grey couch.

Meet Crypton fabric: The ultimate upholstery protector

Crypton is a type of performance fabric treatment that is manufactured to be virtually indestructible. This means that any type of fabric including cotton, polyester, rayon, linen, and more can be coated in Crypton’s protective layering to create a more durable, liveable fabric for your home. If you’re looking for fabric that can protect your furniture so that it lasts as long as possible, you have to try Crypton.

Here are a few key benefits to having a Crypton fabric sofa, sectional, or other upholstered furniture:

  • Stain-resistance: Never worry about how to remove stains from upholstered furniture ever again! Crypton fabric is treated to repel liquids, preventing them from penetrating the fabric. This makes it highly resistant to common household stains, ensuring your furniture stays looking fresh and clean.
  • Liquid-repellant: Accidents happen, but with Crypton fabric, spills are easily wiped away. The fabric’s spill-repellent properties make cleanup a breeze, minimizing the risk of permanent damage. Now you can enjoy wine nights and takeout on the couch in peace.
  • Wear and tear protection: Crypton fabric is designed to withstand everyday life by resisting abrasion and remaining resilient against general wear and tear, ensuring your furniture maintains its aesthetic appeal and comfort for years to come.
  • Protection against allergens: For those with allergies or pet owners, Crypton fabric provides an added layer of defense. Because allergens such as dirt, dust, mold, and pet dander cannot penetrate into the fabric as they can with normal upholstery options, you can lounge in a healthier and more hygienic living environment.

This stain-resistant upholstery fabric not only works like magic but also feels incredibly luxurious and comes in an endless variety of colors and textures. Hear our resident furniture expert Sarah Zubowski explain how performance fabrics like Crypton can make all the difference in your home. Skip to 2:15 to see the demonstration.

Is fabric protection on furniture worth it?

YES. 100%. Absolutely. If you truly want to know how to protect upholstered furniture, solutions like Crypton fabric can be your best friend, and are a worthwhile investment for many reasons:

It will extend your furniture’s lifespan

Fabric protection enhances the longevity of your upholstered furniture by shielding it from stains, spills, and other potential damage. This means you won’t have to replace your furniture as frequently, saving you money in the long run.

Your furniture will stay beautiful for longer

Your sofas, sectionals, and couches are typically the focal point of your living room, which is usually the focal point of your entire living space. These pieces are not only going to be the most used out of all of your furniture but the most seen as well. Fabric protection ensures that your pieces continue to look pristine and stylish no matter what. If you invest in performance fabric like Crypron, it will continue to feel luxurious too!

Furniture maintenance will be easier

Let’s be honest, cleaning upholstered furniture can be a pain. However, protected upholstery fabric is easier to clean and maintain. With performance fabrics, you can quickly address spills and stains, preventing them from permanently altering or ruining your furniture. 

Your living space will be more enjoyable

Imagine having wine nights with the girls without worrying about red stains on your white sofa. Imagine coloring with the kids on a chair without cringing every time they color outside the lines. Imagine eating on a sectional in peace as you watch your favorite movie with the family. Imagine letting your animals stay on the sofa! Protected furniture protects your peace and eases your mind. Also, because Crypton is a hypoallergenic fabric, your family can lounge and relax without being attacked by pesky allergens that traditional fabric may harbor over time.

Protect your furniture with performance fabric from Living Designs Furniture

If you’re shopping for new furniture, it’s important to protect your investment. The secret to how to protect upholstered furniture is not found in smelly sprays or uncomfortable plastic wrap — it is to upgrade from traditional fabric to performance fabric. And with our customization capabilities, you can do just that easily. 

Living Designs Furniture offers a wide variety of upholstery in an endless supply of textures and colors for you to choose from. From designer upholstery fabric to durable and luxurious Crypton, we’ve got everything you need to suit your lifestyle and your tastes while protecting your furniture so it can last a lifetime. 

Book a free design consultation to speak one-on-one with our design experts and visit any of our showrooms in Downtown Houston or The Woodlands to start shopping for your dream furniture today. 

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