Good reupholstery lasts years — but a few simple habits make the difference between furniture that looks fresh at five years and furniture that looks tired at two.
Rotate and Fluff
Dining chairs wear unevenly if one seat gets used more. Rotate them periodically. Cushion filling compresses — plump seat cushions by hand every few weeks to maintain shape.
Keep Out of Direct Sun
UV fades fabric faster than anything else. If your reupholstered chair sits in a sunny window, consider a throw or repositioning. This is especially true for bold patterns and dark colours.
Spot Cleaning
Blot spills immediately. Don't rub — that pushes stain deeper into the pile. Warm water and mild detergent handles most household spills on fabric upholstery. Test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
Professional Cleaning
For fabric upholstery, professional steam cleaning every 12–18 months keeps things fresh. Tell the cleaner what fabric type you have — they adjust temperature and products accordingly. Leather and vinyl get wiped down with appropriate conditioners, not steam.
Commercial Seating
Restaurant and café chairs need a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth. Address spills same-day. Heavy-duty commercial fabrics handle this well — that's why we specify them — but no fabric survives neglected red wine indefinitely.
Pet Damage
Cat claws and dog nails will damage any fabric, reupholstered or new. If you have pets, choose a tight-weave fabric with high rub count when you select upholstery fabric.
Questions about a specific piece? Get in touch — happy to advise on care for your particular project.