Caring for your digitally printed fabrics
Our print ranges fall into two categories natural prints and polyester prints. Natural prints are designs printed on cotton, linen or viscose base fabrics whereas polyester fabrics as the name suggest are printed on polyester fabrics. Please check the labelling on your swatch or call the sales office if you are unsure which category your fabric falls into.
Caring for your digitally printed polyester print ranges.
Caring for sublimation printed polyester fabrics is straight forward and will keep the colours vibrant and the fibres strong for years. Here’s a clear practical guide:
General Care Principles
The dyes/inks in sublimation prints are infused into the polyester fibres, so they don’t ware or fade easily. However, the polyester fabric can still be damaged by heat, harsh chemicals, direct sunlight or abrasion.
Routine Cleaning
Vacuum regularly using a soft brush upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris that can have a detrimental impact on the fabrics appearance and durabilty.
Spot Cleaning
Act fast to treat spills or stains as soon as they occur to increase the likelihood of removal. Remember to test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause damage or discolouration.
Blot rather than rub the fabric (avoid vigorous scrubbing) using cool or lukewarm water mixed a mild detergent.
Deeper Cleaning
The advice for deeper cleaning will vary depending upon whether the fabric has been treated with a fire-retardant coating. Please call our sales office if you are unsure.
For fabrics coated with a fire-retardant coating please call a professional cleaner to clean the fabric in situ.
If the fabric does not have a fire-retardant coating, then steam cleaning with caution can be effective. Use a quality appliance with an upholstery attachment. Use a low heat setting and keep the steamer head moving to avoid moisture pooling /oversaturation.
Hang the fabric to dry naturally or lay it flat on a clean surface. Avoid direct sunlight which can cause colours to fade over time. Never use high heat or hair dryers.
Do not bleach, iron or tumble dry.
Caring for your digitally printed natural fibre print ranges
Digital pigment inks and their application are recognised internationally as the best commercial inks to ensure a long-life span. However, the performance of your upholstery will very much depend on its use and maintenance.
As with any natural product, the print itself/the base substrate will mature and soften with minimal colour loss over time. The quality of the digital print and base fabric together with clear care instructions play an important role in the longevity of the product. The following advice will help to prolong its life:
General Cleaning Care Advice
Most importantly avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which may result in premature fading or discolouration. Contact with hair products, sunscreens and body lotions must also be avoided as these can damage and stain upholstery. Keep your fabric free from dust, grease and dirt. Domestic upholstery requires regular dusting and gentle vacuuming with a soft brush as part of your care regime.
Spots and Spills
If you do happen to get your fabric dirty in just one spot, soak up any excess spillage immediately with a clean absorbent cloth or sponge by blotting and not rubbing the spill into the fabric. You must not rub or scrub the print excessively when wet. Let the area dry naturally and do not use a hair dryer.
For more serious stains
Avoid any strong detergents and solvents.
Whilst all our digitally printed natural fibre fabrics consistently pass colour fastness to Dry Cleaning BS EN ISO 105 D01 2010. We are aware that dry cleaners can and do use a variety of dry-cleaning solutions/products some of which are very much unsuitable for pigment inks.
We therefore recommend you only use professional cleaning products containing sodium benzonate based cleaning agent such as Dr Beckman Upholstery Stain Remover. Please ensure the fabric is test cleaned on a safe (out of site) area or call a professional specialist for advice.
If the fabric can be removed from the sofa for example a cushion, then a gentle hand wash in cold water is recommended. Again, let the fabric dry naturally by drip drying and do not wring and definitely do not tumble. Iron if necessary, on the reverse of the fabric.
Caring for 100% Wool fabric
Gentle vacuum regularly to stop dust from collecting.
Dry cleaning only is recommended for wool. We do not recommend machine washing.
Small stains may be removed by spot cleaning using a stain remover with pH-neutral detergent diluted in lukewarm water.
Keep fabrics out of direct sunlight, excessive moisture or heat to avoid any adverse effects.
We cannot be held responsible for any problems relating from any treatments or alterations applied by the consumer or a third party or by non-compliance of the above.