I'm thinking of replacing an old upholstered couch with a microfiber sofa. I have a teenager and a (non-shedding) dog and in the past I've had my furniture and rugs professionally steam cleaned as needed. Does anyone know if microfiber will hold up to a high-traffic household where the muddy-footed dog sneaks on the furniture? In your experience is washable microfiber really washable or will it look terrible the first time I clean it?
I have a white microfiber sofa that cost $5,000. (yes white. yes $5,000). Also, two dogs and a cat. It's washable if you get a steam cleaner. The salespeople imply that you can just use a damp sponge to remove stains. This is no more or less true than any other fabric. They also tell you to not use a steam cleaner because it ruins the grain or something. All I can say is it ain't a miracle fabric. It gets dirty and then, over time, it gets really dirty, just like all furniture, and it needs to be cleaned. Given the cost I lived in hell with my couch for several years. My husband purchased it and I was on pins and needles just sitting on the darn thing. Well, the dog ate some bacon grease and I came home from work to bacon vomit all over the couch. Called a professional a few days later and he said it was too late, I should have called him immediately. That's when I just steamed it myself and it's perfectly fine and I don't worry about it anymore. Also, I have micro fiber footstools and I take the covers off and throw them in the wash. No problem. However, it's been five years and it all looks a little worn because it is worn. Don't pay more because you think it's indestructible. Buy it because it looks nice or you like the way it feels. In the end, it's just another fabric.
