The Pros and Cons of Microfiber Furniture

You may have heard of microfiber as a material that’s great for wiping down your electronics, but did you know that there is furniture made out of this material as well? Microfiber furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years and there’s an abundance of options on the market today.

Before committing yourself to purchasing any of these products, you may want to look at the pros and cons of microfiber furniture. Many people consider microfiber furniture easy to clean and enjoy its leather-like appearance. However, they may not hold up to normal wear and tear as well as other furniture, and their static cling can be a con for some people.

Do you want to learn more about the pros and cons of microfiber furniture? This detailed guide will walk you through the pros and cons as well as answer some important questions to help you decide if microfiber furniture is right for you.

What is Microfiber Upholstery Fabric?

Microfiber upholstery fabric is a variation of polyester that’s been manufactured to be extra soft. It’s made of super-thin fibers that allow it to be stain-resistant and is often leather or suede-like in appearance. Microfiber fabric is incredibly durable and easy to clean.

Microfiber was first created in Japan in the late 1960s using advanced spinning techniques. The polyester and nylon fibers used to create microfiber are split to be several times smaller than a single human hair, which makes the products that they’re made out of superior for cleaning because of their increased surface area.

This fabric wasn’t used for furniture until a bit later. Around the 1990s, microfiber was introduced as an upholstery fabric and it has grown in popularity ever since. Many people rave about this product for its neat appearance, durability, and easy clean-up.

Is it a Popular Option for Furniture?

Microfiber has increasingly become a popular option for furniture, especially among families. This fabric is supposed to be super easy to clean, stain-resistant, and durable, which are all qualities that parents with children want in their furniture.

It’s become increasingly easy to find microfiber furniture in recent years. You can now find this furniture all over sites such as Amazon and Wayfare. Some stores also keep microfiber options in stock. The increased ease of finding this furniture shows just how popular it’s become in recent years.

The Pros of Microfiber Furniture

It’s time to take a look at the pros of having microfiber furniture. Here’s a list of all the benefits you’ll see with this furniture.

1. Stain-Resistant

Microfiber furniture is made to be stain-resistant. Because the fibers it’s made of are so small, it’s much easier to fully clean stains out of this furniture.

2. Easy to Clean

Microfiber is incredibly easy to clean. It won’t absorb spills right away so you can easily soak up any spilled liquid with a towel before it stains your furniture. If a spill is allowed to dry then you can mix soap and water and use the foam to clean away the stain.

3. Extremely Durable

If you have children or pets then you know how important it is for your furniture to be durable. Microfiber furniture is more durable than most fabrics and it won’t tear, fray, or show signs of wear and tear as easily.

4. Colors Won’t Fade

Furniture made of microfiber boosts the ability to retain the colors even in conditions where other colors will begin to fade. There’s a range of color options available for microfiber furniture and it will keep its color despite being in direct sunlight, varying temperatures, and frequent cleaning.

5. Leather or Suede-Like Appearance

Microfiber furniture often has an appearance similar to leather or suede. This is considered a pro because many people enjoy the look of leather or suede furniture, but can’t use them in their homes because they can be easily damaged. Microfiber furniture is a more durable and affordable option if you want this type of look.

The Cons of Microfiber Furniture

With all their positives, you may be wondering if there are any cons to using microfiber furniture. Here’s an in-depth look at the downsides of microfiber furniture.

1. Static

The biggest complaint that people with microfiber furniture seem to have is their static-cling. Any hair, lint, and similar debris will get stuck to your microfiber furniture and won’t be as easy to remove as it would be with other fabrics.

2. Production

Some people are concerned with the way microfiber is produced. Microfiber comes from polyester and similar materials, which technically makes it a plastic. Unlike natural materials, such as cotton or wool, microfiber won’t bio-degrade at the end of its life. For this reason, many people consider buying microfiber to be supporting the big oil industry.

3. Marks

Another con to Microfiber furniture is that it’s prone to retaining watermarks. While it’s true that this material is water-resistant, and therefore makes it easier to clean up any spills, it isn’t waterproof. This means that if a spill is left long enough then it may leave behind a water ring or mark on your furniture. This type of furniture will also develop swirl marks from you sitting on it, which can be easily fixed by brushing your hand over it. But it can look unkempt if you don’t keep up on it.

What’s the Difference Between Microfiber Furniture and Leather Furniture?

Leather furniture is very different from furniture made of microfiber. Leather is traditionally made from cow hide. Leather furniture has a neat appearance and is considered relatively easy to clean. However, it isn’t very durable and can easily be damaged. This material is prone to tears and rips with long-term use, which makes it a great option for single people or couples with older children, but it may not hold up to day-to-day life with small children or pets.

Microfiber furniture is incredibly soft, durable, and easy to clean. It’s made from polyester and nylon fibers that have been split several times to become ultra-thin. This material is a great choice for people of all ages and at all stages of life. It can resemble leather or suede in its appearance, which makes it a great alternative if you want the aesthetics of leather but increased durability.

Is Microfiber Furniture Difficult to Clean?

Microfiber furniture is incredibly easy to clean. The ultra-thin fibers help to prevent dirt, lint, and other debris from getting down into your couch, so it usually only needs a surface clean. For this purpose, vacuuming your furniture will help to keep it clean.

However, if a spill is left on your microfiber furniture for long, then it can become a stain that needs to be scrubbed out. In this case, you simply need to mix water and soap together in a bucket. Make sure that the soap creates plenty of suds, as this is what you’ll be using to clean your furniture.

Take a cleaning rag or brush and dip it only into the suds of your cleaning solution. Then you can scrub the area where your furniture has become dirty or stained. Next, you’ll want to take a microfiber cloth that’s been dipped in only water and use that to rinse off the area.

Allow your furniture to air-dry. You can use a vacuum afterward to buff and fluff out the spot if necessary.

How Long Does Microfiber Furniture Last?

As with any furniture, your microfiber furniture with last longer if it’s well taken care of. The average couch made of microfiber is said to last 7-10 years. This, of course, depends on how well you take care of it and the type of wear and tear that it experiences.

You should be cleaning your microfiber furniture seasonally, or monthly if it receives a lot of use. Keeping up with your furniture will allow it to last longer and continue looking brand new.

Final Thoughts

Microfiber furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years and it’s easy to see why. Looking at the pros and cons of microfiber furniture shows that the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

If you’re looking for furniture that is durable, easy to clean, and stain-resistant, then microfiber furniture could be in your future! It’s a tough material that is easy to keep up on and could last you upwards of a decade, so long as it’s properly taken care of.