Plant Fibers
Plant fibers, also called cellulosic fibers, include: cotton, linen, jute and rayon. Cotton and rayon are commonly used in upholstery fabrics, both alone and in blends.

Cotton 
–  Strong and absorbent
–  Comfortable
–  Looses strength when exposed to sunlight
–  Has a tendency to yellow
–  Can be affected by mold/mildew
–  Wrinkles
–  Hydrophilic – easily absorbs water and water based stains
–  Soils easily if not treated with fabric protection
–  Easy to clean

Rayon 
–  An artificial fiber made from wood pulp
–  Most widely used man-made fiber in upholstery
–  Often blended with cotton
–  Can resemble cotton, wool or silk
–  Soft and comfortable
–  Highly absorbent
–  Fairly resistant to wear 
–  Fair resistance to sunlight (but not prolonged exposure)
–  Can be susceptible to mold/mildew
–  Hydrophilic – easily absorbs water and water based stains
–  Soils easily if not treated with fabric protection
–  Easy to clean

Animal Fibers
Animal fibers, also called protein-based fibers include: wool and silk.

Silk
–  Luxurious look and feel
–  Resilient
–  Strongest natural fiber
–  Expensive
–  Only has fair resistance to abrasions 
–  Tends to water spot 
–  Hydrophilic – easily absorbs water and water based stains
–  Soils easily if not treated with fabric protection
–  Difficult to clean

Wool
–  Luxurious
–  Soft, warm feel
–  Durable
–  Resilient
–  Expensive
–  Can attract moths/moth damage
–  Tends to attract dust, bacteria & dirt particles
–  Soils easily if not treated with fabric protection
–  Difficult to clean

Blended Fibers
Manufactures frequently blend several different fibers together in a single fabric to combine the best qualities of each. When caring for blended fabrics you must always provide care according to the needs of the most delicate fiber. If in doubt, consult the fabric care label on your upholstery in Roseville, Ca.

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By: Rose 

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