A Guide to Fabric Care and Longevity
Fabrics bring texture, warmth, and personality into a home — they invite touch, create comfort, and give furniture its character. Whether it’s a rich velvet armchair, a handwoven cushion, or a patterned linen sofa, caring for fabrics ensures they continue to look and feel beautiful for years to come.
At Sister, we approach fabric with the same respect we give to craft: understanding its qualities, responding to its needs, and embracing its unique character. Here’s our guide to keeping fabrics in their best condition, while allowing them to live gracefully in everyday life.
1. Regular Care and Gentle Cleaning
Fabric benefits from a little attention. A soft brush or vacuum with a gentle upholstery attachment can remove dust and surface dirt, keeping fibres fresh and vibrant. For fabrics that invite touch, a quick sweep with a clean, dry cloth is often enough to maintain softness and colour.
Tip: When caring for your fabrics daily, avoid scented cleaners or sprays. They aren’t necessary for routine maintenance and can leave residues that affect texture or colour over time. Instead, a soft brush, gentle vacuum, or dry cloth is all you need to keep fibres fresh and vibrant — letting the fabric’s natural beauty shine through.
2. Protect from Sunlight and Heat
Direct sunlight can fade pigments, while proximity to radiators or fireplaces can dry out fibres. When positioning furniture, consider both light and warmth: a sun-drenched corner may be beautiful, but over time it can alter the tone and feel of a fabric.
UV-protective glazing on nearby windows, or rotating cushions and throws, can help fabrics age gracefully while still allowing them to shine in the space.
3. Treat Spills Thoughtfully
Accidents happen. The key is responsiveness: blot, don’t rub, and use natural absorption to prevent liquids from settling. For delicate fabrics, professional cleaning is often the safest choice — but small, immediate attention can prevent long-term damage.
Each fibre has its own temperament; the best approach is one of observation and care, rather than overzealous cleaning.
4. Rotate, Refresh, and Rest
Cushions, throws, and upholstered surfaces all benefit from rotation. Regularly changing position or alternating pieces allows fabrics to wear evenly, preserving their appearance and feel. Layering textiles — a throw over a sofa, or cushions with varied textures — not only creates visual richness but also protects and prolongs the life of the underlying fabric.
The best fabrics are made to last, and caring for them allows their beauty, texture, and character to evolve over time. Choosing textiles with natural fibres, inherent durability, or traditional craftsmanship ensures your pieces continue to enrich a home, while gentle care preserves their tactile charm and colour. Well-loved, considered fabrics reward attention with years of enjoyment, developing a patina of memory and life that makes a space feel truly lived-in and personal.
Caring for fabrics is, in many ways, an invitation to slow down. It asks us to notice how light falls across a weave, how texture changes under touch, and how materials evolve with time and use. There is poetry in this — in understanding that longevity is not simply measured by durability, but by the emotional resonance a textile gathers as it becomes part of daily life.
