There are many fabrics in your home that share characteristics with upholstery covers, so it makes sense to clean these items at the same time to consolidate your cleaning. These fabrics include cotton, rayon, wool, silk, polyester, Indian cotton, leather, suede and others used in drapes, curtains, carpeting, rugs and other furnishings and accents.
The practice of covering furnishings with upholstery began in the Middle Ages and became increasingly popular over the years. Many of the covering and padding materials that have been used over the years include horsehair, hay and early textiles like chenille and jacquard. The early Egyptians stuffed animal skins to make them softer and more comfortable and attached them across a wooden frame to create bedding and pillows.
During the Renaissance, artisans expanded their craft to create cushions stuffed with chicken feathers, goose down and horsehair. Bedding, linen, tapestries and cushions were constructed with new fabrics in the growing hand-weaving industry that was strongest in Arabic cities like Constantinople. Most of these upholstered items were only available to wealthy and royal families.
The beginnings of professional upholstery began in 1487 when Richard II promoted the first upholstered chair. Later, many ideas were borrowed from India and fused with Victorian styles. Machine technology speeded the manufacturing of upholstery and enabled mass production that lowered costs so that more people could afford finely crafted furniture.
Coil springs further revolutionized the industry, and upholstery foam made it possible for common people to buy upholstered furniture. Leather and suede fabrics quickly became popular because of their breathability and durability. As the industry grew, designers began to focus on designs and patterns to distinguish their products from competitors.
Upholstery became as common during the Victorian era as it is today. Today, metal springs and foam increase the durability of upholstery. Padding is often constructed of plastics, resins and metallic fibers.
Unfortunately, upholstery materials share key vulnerabilities – they get dirty, develop odours and become breeding grounds for pathogens, allergens and pests. That’s why regular upholstery cleaning is so important. The deep-cleaning technologies used by our team of professional upholstery cleaners at Carpestology can sanitize, sterilize and clean all the upholstery and fine fabrics in your home. A Brisbane upholstery cleaning session can rejuvenate stained fabric coverings, mattresses and carpeting throughout your home.
