What are the best practices for caring for chenille furniture?
Maintenance tips to keep chenille fabric soft and beautiful.
Chenille furniture is soft, cozy, and has a rich texture — but it also requires thoughtful care to maintain its appearance and durability. Here are the best practices for caring for chenille upholstery.
🧼 1. Vacuum Gently & Regularly
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Use a soft-brush upholstery attachment to vacuum chenille once a week.
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Go with the nap (the direction the fibers naturally lie) to avoid crushing the pile.
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This helps prevent dust buildup, matting, and fabric dullness.
🧽 2. Blot Spills Immediately
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Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, dry, absorbent cloth to lift liquid.
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If needed, dab with a mild soap-and-water solution or upholstery-safe cleaner.
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Avoid saturating the fabric — chenille can hold moisture and may develop water rings.
🚫 3. Avoid Harsh Cleaners or Scrubbing
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Never use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive brushes.
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These can damage the delicate chenille fibers or remove color.
☀️ 4. Limit Sun Exposure
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Prolonged sunlight can fade or weaken chenille.
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Keep furniture out of direct sun or use UV-filtering window treatments.
🔁 5. Rotate Cushions & Use Arm Covers
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Rotating cushions helps even out wear and maintains shape.
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Consider using decorative armrest covers or throws on high-contact areas.
🧺 6. Professional Cleaning
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Schedule a professional upholstery cleaning at least once a year—or more for high-use pieces.
⚠️ Bonus Tip: Be Gentle With Pets
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Chenille’s soft pile can snag easily on pet claws or rough play.
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Consider using a protective cover if pets use the furniture frequently.