The following guidelines for fabrics with GORE™ Seating Protection will help you determine the best method for your particular cleaning requirement.

Keeping your furniture in high-traffic areas clean is the first step to maintaining and extending the life of your furniture investments. As with any textile, frequent vacuuming to remove the dirt and dust build-up from regular use will help prolong the life of your furniture fabric. Every type of stain recommends a water flush at some point, and since water does not penetrate the GORE™ moisture barrier, the foam cushion below the fabric will remain dry during this process.

We recommend the following cleaning procedures for various types of spills:

Liquid spills

The topical soil/stain-resistant treatment in GORE™ Seating Protection allows most liquid spills, such as coffee, soda, juice, and wine, to bead up on the fabric’s surface. If cleaned before they dry, these spills can easily be removed using a paper towel to absorb the liquid. Flush the area with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

If necessary, treat the spill with an upholstery spot cleaner or fabric-safe detergent solution and let it sit for one minute. Flush the cleaner with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

Thick, moist spills

Some spills, such as catsup, mustard, and relish, have a thicker consistency than liquids. First, lift as much of the spill as possible with a damp cloth, rotating the cloth as you wipe without pressing it into the fabric. Repeat this process with a clean cloth. The more spill you can pick up from the surface of the fabric without pressing it into the fabric, the easier it will be to remove any residue. If residue remains, flush the area with water and apply a clean cloth. Repeat this process as needed, then blot the fabric dry.

If residue still remains, treat the stain with an upholstery spot cleaner or fabric-safe detergent solution and let it sit for one minute. Flush the cleaner with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

Solid or dried spills

Sometimes a spill dries before it is noticed. Other times, a spill such as mustard has been allowed to dry to make it easier to clean. We recommend first picking off any dried solids and then removing as much of the spill as possible with a soft brush and/or vacuum.

If residue still remains, treat the stain with an upholstery spot cleaner or fabric-safe detergent solution and let it sit for one minute. Flush the cleaner with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

Greasy or oily spills

Spills like salad dressing and mayonnaise that contain grease or oil should be cleaned as soon as they occur. While these spills can be more challenging to remove, we recommend the following process: First, lift as much of the spill as possible with a dry cloth, rotating the cloth as you wipe without pressing into the fabric. Repeat this process with a clean cloth. The more you can pick up from the surface of the fabric without pressing it into the fabric, the easier it will be to remove any residue. Treat the spill with an upholstery spot cleaner or fabric-safe detergent solution with a grease-cutting agent and let it sit for one minute. Flush the detergent or spot cleaner with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

If residue still remains, treat the area with a solvent-based cleaner or a fabric degreaser to help break down the grease or oil. Flush the cleaner with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

Blood and body fluids

While stains involving blood and body fluids can be removed using the above procedures, healthcare providers should follow safety protocols for biological hazards and/or anti-viral treatments during the cleaning process. Then flush the area with water and apply a clean cloth; blot dry.

Solution Dyed Nylons

Stains that remain on solution dyed nylon fabrics after cleaning with the above methods may require cleaning with a 4 to 1 household bleach solution. Treat the stain with the bleach solution and let it sit for one minute. Flush the area with water and apply a clean cloth, then blot dry.

NOTE: Cleaners containing bleach or other chemicals may discolor fabrics. Prior to their use, we recommend spot testing in an inconspicuous area of the furniture with the cleaning solution mixed to the proper dilution. You may also want to consult the fabric specifications from the fabric manufacturer before applying an aggressive or bleach-type cleaner. Household bleach solutions are typically a 5-6% concentration.