If you've been inside a furniture store within the past decade, you may have noticed a growing trend in sofa upholstery called Microfiber. This newcomer to couch coverings has made appearances on couches all across America, but what is Microfiber, how do you clean it, and is it really better? This article will help you understand what the big hubbub is all about.

Microfiber material was invented and developed as early as the 1970's. Since then, the material has been commonly made into four types of synthetics—acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon. What makes it "micro" is that the material's yarn thickness is equal to or less than 1/60th the thickness of an average human hair. This man-made fiber is popular in both the fashion industry and the scientific world because it can be adapted to serve many purposes. Being two times finer than silk, three times finer than cotton, and eight times finer than wool, Microfiber has been created to serve as such things like simple sunglass cloths, scrubbers and mops, and also general cleaning cloths. It is no wonder that this non-abrasive, lint-free material allows optimal success for a variety of purposes.

As a couch covering, Microfiber offers a few appealing features to consumers. For one, the material is highly recommended for allergy sufferers since the fibers leave little to no lint or dust. A sticky roller, the kind used for shirts, can easily remove the little amounts of lint that may stay on the Microfiber. Secondly, Microfiber, in tandem with polyester, absorbs and keeps the original color of the couch better than other materials. In addition, the need for chemicals in its natural stain resistant state is minimal thus decreasing cleaning costs.

If spills and accidents occur, cleaning a Microfiber couch should not be a great task (if it is, you may not have purchased furniture with true Microfiber). A simple solution of soap (a drop of two of mild detergent like dish soap or laundry detergent) and water is what is usually recommended, should the necessity present itself. If the material is holding odors like pet urine and other such things, blotting the area with a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water with an application of baking soda before vacuuming it up should do the trick.

Like any product you purchase, it is a good idea to conduct your own online research about what consumers of Microfiber furniture are saying. Many consumers enjoy the comfort of the Microfiber and find it easily manageable while some, on the other hand, have concerns about the product. For instance, oil deposits, whether from the skin of the human body or drippings from greasy foods, are difficult for many consumers to clean out of the Microfiber fabric. It is fairly safe to have the material steam cleaned if this is the case. Another concern is in regards to water spots left from cleaning an area. An answer to this is to clean the whole surface surrounding the stain thus eliminating the appearance of an isolated water spot.

Though there are many consumers that are happy with the product, these concerns might lead you to purchase a stain guard treatment from the salesperson at the time of purchase. These offers vary, but stain guards are capable of protecting the fabric for 5-10 years with some offers starting as low as $75. There are even some offers that will guarantee stain resistance you can manage or the company will come out and have it cleaned professionally or have the fabric replaced free of charge.

Whatever you decide, whether to go Microfiber or leather, make sure you take the time to make an informed decision.