So you're purchasing new furniture for your facility. How exciting! So you want THIS furniture to hold up better than the stuff you're replacing and you're wondering how that will be possible with the constant use and special cleaning it will endure? You've decided on a style and quantity now comes one more important consideration... fabric selection.
The good news is that contract fabrics have come a long way. Many are specially designed and manufactured to meet guidelines that ensure that they'll perform to commercial standards. There are options for bleach-cleanable, solvent-cleanable, fluid resistant and extreme durability all in a multitude of colors and patterns. Now, how to choose?
Let's start with specifications. Contract (or commercial) grade fabrics almost always include a specifications sheet. This will be an important tool for you when choosing fabric. The specification sheet will include details such as application (upholstery, curtains etc.), content, clean-ability (bleach ration, solvent-based etc.) abrasion resistance (otherwise known as the Wyzenbeek method) and other valuable information to help with decision-making. Your furniture distributor or dealer can help walk you through the specifics so make sure you are having a detailed conversation about your needs.
Here is an example of some of the information you can expect to find on a fabric specification sheet:
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Application
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Upholstery
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Content
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70% Polyester, 30% Solution Dyed
Polyester
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Width
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54"
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Weight
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25.95 oz./Linear yard
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Fabric Treatment
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Bleach Cleanable (10:1)
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Repeat
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3/16" Vertical
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Finish/Backing
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Stain Repellent/Acrylic
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Abrasion Resistance
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90,000 Double Rubs (Wyzenbeek)
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Flammability
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NFPA 260, TB 117-2013
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Color Fastness
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Passes AATCC 8 Dry Crocking, Class 4
minimum, Wet Crocking, Class 3 minimum
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Tensile
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Passes Brush Pill ASTM D3511, 3 minimum
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Light Fastness
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Passes AATCC 16A or AATCC 16E, Class 4
minimum at 40 hours
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Cleaning Code
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WS - Water- or solvent-based cleaner
only.
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KI Grade P2
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In addition to the specifications sheet, there are codes and symbols that you should be familiar with. Clean-ability codes will tell you (and your Facilities Management team) how to properly clean your new furniture. These codes are as follows:
W - Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not over wet. Do not use dry cleaning solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and laundered.
S - Clean only with dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate. Do not use water. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
WS - Clean with mild detergent or shampoo, foam or dry cleaning solvent as desired. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned or laundered.
X - Do not clean with either water or solvent-based cleaner. Use vacuuming or light brushing only.
Last but not least, you'll likely see a symbol, or series of symbols. These are part of the ACT (Association of Contract Textiles) Voluntary Performance Guidelines. These visual symbols allow for a rapid assessment of the performance of contract-grade fabrics. Flammability, color-transfer, resistance to fading from light, durability and abrasion (wear-ability) can all be determined with a quick glance at the symbols.
Now there are other "treatments" that the fabrics can have as well including vinyl coatings, special "immersion" technology for extreme durability and clean-ability, antimicrobial, flame retardant and fluid barriers.
Again, the best way to navigate all of your choices is by working closely with your furniture dealer who can listen, understand your needs and ultimately recommend the best options. Your facility CAN have furniture that stands the test of time and (almost) anything you throw at it.
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