If you've ever been in the market for a new sofa, then you know how confusing it can get looking at the various types of furniture fabric. To simplify the process, we've put together this quick guide to the best sofa fabrics. Keep reading below for all the need-to-know info about leather sofas, fabric sofas and performance fabrics.

---

Leather Sofas

One of the top-rated sofa fabrics you can choose is genuine or faux leather. Both types of leather sofas are gorgeous and made to last. A leather sofa's versatility also creates plenty of options for mixing and matching with patterned blankets and cushions.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is incredibly durable and stain-resistant. Leather sofas wear beautifully over time and become softer as they age, and while a genuine leather sofa is more expensive than other upholstered sofas, this material type can last up to four times longer thanks to its durability. A genuine leather sofa also resists allergens, making it a great choice for anyone in your home with allergies.

Caring for Genuine Leather

Depending on the finish, genuine leather can be very easy to clean. Leather upholstery with an aniline finish requires extra care and is more prone to stains than semi-aniline or pigmented finishes.
Aniline leather has only been coloured with a soluble dye that doesn't alter the feel of the leather. This type of leather should be wiped down with a soft microfibre cloth and vacuumed with an upholstery attachment to remove dust. For stains, use a solution formulated specifically for aniline finishes.

Semi-aniline leather has a thin protective coating that prevents wear and discolouration. Like aniline leather, semi-aniline leather should be vacuumed regularly. Treat spots or stains with a leather cleaner made for semi-aniline leather.

Pigmented leather is treated with a colourful dye that creates a protective seal. This kind of finish makes pigmented leather more durable and easy to clean than aniline or semi-aniline leather. Simply use a mixture of warm water and mild soap to wipe down pigmented leather upholstery. Then dry the spot with a clean, soft cloth.

Tip: For more sofa cleaning tips and tricks, check out our guide, Ask the Experts: Sofa Care and Cleaning Tips.

Faux Leather

Faux leather or vegan leather is an ethical fabric that mimics the look and feel of genuine leather. Instead of using genuine animal hides, faux leather sofas are made from two plastic-based materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). Faux leather is waterproof and easy to care for. It's also more affordable than genuine leather, which makes it a great choice for a sofa or sectional. To clean a faux leather sofa, follow the same steps as you would with genuine leather.

How to Clean Faux Leather

Faux leather is an generally an easy-to-clean material. Start by wiping down the upholstery with a soft cloth to remove any dust and using an upholstery attachment to vacuum any small particles that could scratch the surface. Using a faux leather conditioner once or twice a year will keep the leather from cracking.

To treat spots, mix a mild soap solution with a small amount of dish soap and water. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the area. Go over the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover residue. Dry the area fully to prevent any water spots.

Fabric Sofas

If you gravitate toward a warmer, fabric-based sofa, you're in luck. We've rounded up the best fabrics for sofas below.

Microfibre

Microfibre sofas are made from a synthetic upholstery fabric, meaning they're durable, stain-resistant and won't easily fade over time. If you have kids or pets, a microfibre sofa is one of the best sofa fabrics you can choose for your family. Microfibre sofas are easy to clean and hypoallergenic, and the loops in the fabric are small enough that your pet's paws won't get snagged into them. And since the upholstery feels so warm, microfibre sofas are comfortable for resting and relaxing.

How to Care for Microfibre

Small spills can be quickly dabbed with a clean cloth. For more stubborn stains, we suggest checking the manufacturer tag to check the cleaning codes. Some microfibre upholstery can be cleaned with water and other types of microfibre can only be cleaned with solvents.

Tip: Synthetic fabrics perpetuate static electricity, so be aware that you're more susceptible to small shocks from the static while sitting on a synthetic sofa.

Cotton & Cotton Blend

Cotton is a gorgeous natural fibre that comes in a multitude of colours and patterns and is also cost-efficient. Cotton has a very tight weave, therefore a cotton sofa can last for years. It also won't fade in direct sunlight, making it a great choice for sunnier living rooms. The only downside is that cotton can stain easily. If you spill something on a cotton sofa, sprinkle it with baking soda then allow the baking soda sit for 20–30 minutes. Afterwards, rub the powder into the fabric with a dry cloth. Vacuum away any remaining residue.

How to Maintain Cotton

The build-up of small particles can cause upholstery to wear faster, so it's best to vacuum cotton regularly to remove dust and pet hair. Use the upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the corners and creases.

Because cotton can stain easily, it's important to treat spills quickly. Create a mild soap solution with a bit of bleach-free dish or laundry detergent and use a clean microfibre cloth to gently dab the spot until the stain lifts. Blot with a damp cloth to remove excess soap and then dab the spot dry with a paper towel or dry cloth.

For stubborn spots, use a water-free solvent to spot-treat the area. We recommend checking the manufacturer tag for specific instructions on how to treat stains.

Linen & Linen Blend

Linen is another lightweight, natural-fibre fabric. It's highly durable, antistatic and hypoallergenic. Linen is also about 30% stronger than cotton and it becomes softer over time. It does wrinkle easily, and some stylists will recommend only placing linen sofas and furniture in rooms that are mainly child-free. Use a water-based detergent or baking soda to clean linen furniture. Dab at the stains (don't soak the sofa) and then let the spot dry before vacuuming it.

Polyester & Polyester Blend

Polyester sofas look similar to leather sofas. Polyester is a synthetic material (like microfibre), making it stain and fade-resistant. It can withstand abrasions and stains, and it is one of the least expensive fabric choices. Polyester can crack or stretch over time, so be sure to treat it with proper care. Vacuum up any crumbs and use a solution made from one teaspoon of laundry detergent, one teaspoon of white vinegar and one quart of water to clean stains.

Velvet

Velvet sofas are one of those unexpected, statement-making pieces that look great in a transitional aesthetic. Its sheen makes it look multidimensional and its softness makes it feel warm. Velvet can last for years as it doesn't pill. If you rotate the cushions and fluff the pillows often, your velvet sofa will stay plump and wrinkle-free. The only downside to velvet is that it can pick up a lot of pet hair.

Caring for Velvet

Velvet is surprisingly easy to clean and doesn't require much more maintenance than most other types of upholstery fabric.

Because velvet can cling to small particles, such as pet hair, dirt and dust, vacuuming should be included in your regular cleaning routine. Use a soft brush attachment to smooth out the fibers. Try rotating the cushions regularly to prevent the fabric from looking wrinkled.

If spills happen, it's important to use a dry cloth to soak up any excess liquid before the spot can dry. It's best to check with the manufacturer for any special instructions before using any solutions or solvents to treat stains.

Chenille

Chenille sofas look similar to velvet sofas, however the fabric's loops are closed (as opposed to velvet’s open nap). This means that chenille is just as soft and cushy as velvet, but it's chunkier and more durable in the long run. Be careful if your pets love jumping up on the sofa, as their paws can get tangled in the fabric loops.

How to Clean Chenille

Chenille is easy to maintain. Like other types of sofa materials, it's important to vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment to prevent dust from settling into the fabric. Regular vacuuming makes maintenance easier over time. Spot cleaning with a bit of water and a clean light-coloured cloth will also help maintain its look and feel.

Performance Fabrics

When you think of performance fabrics, outdoor sofas and chairs might come to mind. Performance fabrics, such as Sunbrella, are the most durable fabrics of any sofa. Performance fabrics are tested to withstand at least 40,000 rubs, meaning this sofa will be in your life for a long time.

Performance fabrics are also resistant to stains, abrasions and fading. These fabrics are by far the easiest fabric to clean; all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth - you can even use a bleach-based solution on performance sofas. If you've been lusting after a white sofa, a white performance-fabric sofa could be the perfect sofa for you.

Tip Was this article helpful? Then why not also take a look at:

• Your Go-To Guide to Sofa Styles and Models
• This is How to Clean a Leather Sofa
• How to Properly Clean a Suede Sofa