Here are the Best Couch-Sofa Fabric Materials for Kids

When you have kids (or pets for that matter), you need furniture that can handle a little roughhousing not to mention some amount of staining.

This means you must do some research on the kind of fabrics that are stain resistant and/or are easy to clean. That’s what we are here to help you with.

In this article we’ll discuss the top sofa fabric material that are durable and ideal for families with kids.

Microfiber

When it comes to materials that stand the test of time when put through hell and back (well, almost) you can’t really go wrong with this one because they are easy to clean and maintain.

Microfiber is made of 100 percent polyester and comes in many textures. This includes smoother options like suede and denser ones that are like corduroy.

They are stain resistant as per your needs and can mostly be cleaned with water. However, you must look at the care instructions before you take them to task because some of them need a compatible solvent when being washed.

The good news is, you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics because microfiber is available in many colors and styles.

The polyester makes them a very durable choice and it is made not to trap hair and can effectively fight some damage caused by nails.

Leather

The second preferred option for people who have active children or pets in the house is leather. This is a versatile option that gives the place a casual look and obviously, is a lot easier to clean than cloth fabrics.

Leather sofas while durable are not totally immune to damage from nails or sharp objects. However, it is not difficult to find ways to repair scuff marks.

Apart from that, you must get it treated with a leather conditioner a couple of times a year so that the sofa set remains supple.

If you’re going for leather sofas, remember that there are different types of leather in the market today. Aniline leather is sensitive to scuffs because it is untouched by dyes.

Pigmented or semi-aniline leather is a better option because these sofas have been treated to make them as durable as possible.

They are also not as expensive as natural leather options because they have been treated to toughen up for everyday use.

Then there is split leather or suede which is often used to make gloves because of its durability. But top-grain leather is the most durable option and that’s the one you want to reach for. Whether it is dust or a spill, just wipe it away and your sofa will pretty much be good as new.

Wool

If your only concern is durability then you might want to look at wool. Of course, that is assuming that the weather where you live is not a concern.

Wool is a sturdy fabric that is quite resistant to fading, pilling and wrinkling. That’s the perfect fabric if you have destructive kids around.

Even woolen blends serve the purpose in that scenario. Often, you will find wool blended with synthetic fibers.

This is precisely to make it easy for you to clean and avoid the matting of fibers together. In fact, another advantage with blends is that they can be spot cleaned whenever you want.

But if you are dealing with a spill, make sure you do the necessary damage control right away. Get a vacuum cleaner, even a hand-held attachment will do, and some paper towels to get rid of the wetness and particles from whatever has been spilled.

If it’s alcohol, you might want to get some lukewarm water. Make sure no one rubs on the stains because that will do more damage than the spill itself. Instead, just blot the area. The same applies to coffee spills too. Get a clean cloth and dip it in some warm water and distilled white vinegar.

On the contrary, if someone cut themselves and left a bloodstain, clean it with a white cloth that has been dipped in white vinegar followed by cold water. If you use warm water, the stain is likely to be permanent and absolutely no one wants a bloodstain on their sofa.

Denim

Here’s all you need to know about denim sofas. They are sturdy and don’t have to look worn out just because the jeans are made that way.

They match with a range of styles and you can get them in rainbow colors if you’re looking for color matchings.

When it comes to getting rid of stains, all you need is a good old bottle of baking soda. Sprinkle some of it on the sofa and get a damp cloth and some water.

Gently move the wet cloth on the soda so that it turns into a paste. In the process, you will manage to scrub the stains away. Leave the paste on till it is dry and then vacuum it all out. That’s it, you’re done cleaning.

Vinyl

Our final suggestion is vinyl. It is just as versatile and visually appealing as leather but it is a lot cheaper. If you find your vinyl couch stained, just spray some water on the surface and wipe it away with a dry cloth and it’ll be back to normal.

If you’re dealing with a slightly stubborn stain, soap and warm water will do the trick. But here’s the best part about vinyl. It has an impressively high tolerance for wear and tear even in the playroom.

The Best Couch Material for Kids and Dogs

When searching for the most durable material for a couch with kids and dogs in mind, leather is a great option for the above combination.

Leather is tough to stain, difficult to tear and small scuffs and scratches only add to the overall appeal of the furniture.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all leather is the same. There are real leather sofas, and there are fake leather materials that just aren’t as nice or as durable.

Aniline leather is beautiful to look at thanks to its natural appearance (it is dyed with soluble dyes), but it is also very sensitive to scratches and scuffs.

A better option is to look for a couch made out of pigmented leather or something that is an aniline-combination.

Top-grain leather is also very durable. Purchasing one of these more durable combination leather products also helps keep the cost of new furniture to a minimum.

A leather chesterfield sofa is very popular and traditional. It has that tufted style on the back, and the rest of the leather is pulled very tight over the frame of the couch.

It’s very easy to clean, and it’s resistant to wear and tear. You also get that very antique and classic look which is very rich in style.

Taking care of a leather couch helps prevent wear and damage. You should periodically wipe down the leather with a product designed for that particular type of material.

There are even products that you can use to remove some of those minor scratches from pets and kids. You can vacuum in the cracks and crevices as needed.

What Sofa Material is Easy to Clean?

Some couch materials are easier to clean than others. You want to stay away from very soft and plush looking materials that have a high pile to them.

They tend to look very worn quickly, especially if you do a lot of stain removal and cleaning.

Leather is very durable, but microfiber is another great option. Microfiber is extremely resistant to stains and damage. They can withstand abuse from pets and kids with ease.

Even if something is spilled on microfiber; the fluid tends to pool up on the surface long enough for you to blot it up.

Avoid rubbing the moisture into the material, as this can leave behind water spots.

Microfiber may feel a little more abrasive to you, so you may want to try out a few couches before you purchase one to see what you like.

If you need to clean a microfiber couch, you can do so with Windex or rubbing alcohol.

Of course, treat a small area of the couch in a spot that isn’t easy to see (such as the back or underside). This will give you peace of mind knowing you’re not going to cause further damage.

Leather Vs Microfiber

Both leather and microfiber make a couch look sophisticated and comfortable, but they both have benefits and downsides.

Depending on what you’re looking for in a couch, one may be better than the other. Microfiber is made out of very small fibers that are very durable, but they can also trap a lot of allergens.

If you have pets, you may find that it’s hard to keep your house dander free if you have a microfiber couch.

Leather is quick to clean since it is made from dried animal hide that can be wiped down. There are not many places where allergens can hide. Leather’s also not a great option if you’re living a vegan lifestyle.

If you’re concerned with comfort, leather can be a little cold to sit on. Most people deal with this by having a few blankets around that act as a buffer between the couch and the body. Microfiber is warmer, but it can also be a bit abrasive on the skin.

Microfiber is likely to tear a lot easier than leather will. If you’re worried about your pet’s nails poking holes in your furniture, you’re going to fare better with leather. Choose a darker shade of leather to hide wear and tear even more.

Parting Words

No matter which of these fabrics you get, you have to give maintenance a thought because the kids won’t. It is a good idea to vacuum and clean the fabric regularly for longevity and hygiene reasons even if you don’t have kids or pets ruining them.

If your selection is outside this list of fabrics, you might want to think about getting a furniture protection plan so that spills and stains are not a constant source of worry.

Apart from that, you must also think about upholstery. Fabrics that have a tight weave will be incredibly helpful. That means you can forget about fabrics like velvet, silk and chenille.