Performance Fabrics
Performance Fabrics are advanced fabrics that are either woven to be stain resistant, or treated to withstand sunlight damage and the rigors of daily casual living. These can generally be classified into three categories:
- Revolution Fabrics: Olefinic, 100% recycled polypropylene fiber "Revolution" fabrics made from recycled milk and drink bottles. None of the typical color loss and fading because color runs through and through the fibers (carrot = Revolution vs. radish = conventional dying methods for fabrics). This is the most sustainable, eco-minded solution. Reduces landfill waste and offers strong, beautiful fabrics that are easy to care for. If spills don't come out with a gentle soap solution in water, you can apply undiluted ammonia bleach directly to these fabrics with no color or strength loss. Watch this video and find many others on YouTube about Revolution Fabrics, our preferred way to cover new furniture for easy cleanups and care-free upholstery.
- Crypton, LifeGuard, OptiClean, etc. Upon discovering these types of fabric treatments use PFAS chemicals after years of non-disclosure or statements that said there were no PFAS or other harmful additives, we have removed all those fabrics we have discovered to have PFAS coatings from the selections available in our store (ask if you find something on the factory's website and we will be glad to doublecheck for you). Once contracted stocks of the fabrics we identified as receiving toxic coatings are depleted and have passed through the factory, we will offer again these fabrics in an untreated state; Yes, we are your trusted watchdogs for this stuff.
- Sunbrella and other solution-dyed acrylics: good for UV exposure, advertised to be spot-cleanable with mild soap and water. Their recycling program leads us to wonder whether these fabrics are environmentally friendly; we may recommend Sunbrella for high direct sun exposure areas if needed, when Revolution fabrics (see below) won't fit the need due to weight, texture, or color. Consumers have told us that Sunbrella's advertised easy spot-cleaning at home is not what they hoped for, and that professional cleanings may or may not remove stains. The high cost of Sunbrella fabrics, their less than stellar environmental properties, and the complaints about cleanability make this the least favorite of our performance fabric categories.