There are many types of materials and weaves used to upholster many of today's home furnishings. Some are designed with appearance, whilst others are designed with practicality and durability in mind.
What is Chenille?
Chenille is quite a common weave and is very often made from manmade fibres. Chenille weaving actually originated in France and has certainly come on a long way since. It's not uncommon for chenille to be confused for velvet as the two do share some similarities. Chenille is quite easy to identify as the strands resemble that of a caterpillar. This is actually the reason for the name, as the word chenille actually means caterpillar in French.
Preventing Fading - Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
Chenille is a durable upholstery fabric and far more resilient to wear than velvet. Modern chenille fabrics are often made from a composition including viscose, rayon, acetate and occasionally natural fibres. Chenille furnishings, like many others are highly susceptible to fading if placed in direct sunlight. Always be sure to keep these away from areas with direct sunlight.
What Cleaning Products are Safe?
Take a look at my article for cleaning tips for removing stains for upholstery. It's important to keep any cleaning product away from your furnishings that may react to it. Check your upholstery or any documentation that came with your piece for a tag with cleaning codes. Alternatively ask for professional advice first.
Even if the product is recommend, always perform a spot check on an area that isn't seen first. You do not want to ruin your furniture!
General Cleaning Advice
Always avoid overzealous cleaning. A soft brush like one used on a baby and going along the pile of the fabric can help remove stains that are tougher to get out. A hard brush will catch the fibres and may cause them to unravel.
Some chenille fabric will be safe to clean with water based cleaners, however you should still use caution. Refrain from rubbing the fabric as this may loosen some of the piles of the yarn and create small holes.
Stains should be blotted with a paper towel or clean towel as soon as possible.
Professional Cleaning
If the material requires more intense cleaning a professional upholstery cleaning service may be needed. Removing couch cushion covers to wash them in a machine is never a good idea. In the machine the backing can easily come off, leading to many holes throughout the material. Chenille Cushions should be cleaned in the same manner as arms and backs of sofas or chairs.
What is Chenille?
Chenille is quite a common weave and is very often made from manmade fibres. Chenille weaving actually originated in France and has certainly come on a long way since. It's not uncommon for chenille to be confused for velvet as the two do share some similarities. Chenille is quite easy to identify as the strands resemble that of a caterpillar. This is actually the reason for the name, as the word chenille actually means caterpillar in French.
Preventing Fading - Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
Chenille is a durable upholstery fabric and far more resilient to wear than velvet. Modern chenille fabrics are often made from a composition including viscose, rayon, acetate and occasionally natural fibres. Chenille furnishings, like many others are highly susceptible to fading if placed in direct sunlight. Always be sure to keep these away from areas with direct sunlight.
What Cleaning Products are Safe?
Take a look at my article for cleaning tips for removing stains for upholstery. It's important to keep any cleaning product away from your furnishings that may react to it. Check your upholstery or any documentation that came with your piece for a tag with cleaning codes. Alternatively ask for professional advice first.
Even if the product is recommend, always perform a spot check on an area that isn't seen first. You do not want to ruin your furniture!
General Cleaning Advice
Always avoid overzealous cleaning. A soft brush like one used on a baby and going along the pile of the fabric can help remove stains that are tougher to get out. A hard brush will catch the fibres and may cause them to unravel.
Some chenille fabric will be safe to clean with water based cleaners, however you should still use caution. Refrain from rubbing the fabric as this may loosen some of the piles of the yarn and create small holes.
Stains should be blotted with a paper towel or clean towel as soon as possible.
Professional Cleaning
If the material requires more intense cleaning a professional upholstery cleaning service may be needed. Removing couch cushion covers to wash them in a machine is never a good idea. In the machine the backing can easily come off, leading to many holes throughout the material. Chenille Cushions should be cleaned in the same manner as arms and backs of sofas or chairs.