Upholstery used in many environments, especially healthcare and senior living, is subject to frequent cleaning and disinfection. Proper infection control requires a systematic approach that balances safety, effectiveness, and material performance.

CDC Recommendation

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises:

Since upholstery cannot be laundered in a commercial setting, disinfection following cleaning is the recommended approach.

Key Definitions

• Cleaning: Physical removal of dirt, stains, and microorganisms from a surface.
• Disinfecting: Application of a chemical to kill microorganisms present on a surface.
• Sanitizing: The overall outcome of reducing or eliminating microorganisms through cleaning and disinfection.

The objective of upholstery care is to achieve sanitization by consistently applying both cleaning and disinfecting steps.

LDI Sanitization Recommendation

A 4-step process is recommended for optimal results:

1. Select – Choose materials that minimize microorganism retention.
   • LDI testing shows that woven textiles and deeply grained coated fabrics retained more than twice the microorganisms before sanitization compared to the smoother surfaces of EnviroLeather™ Prints and EnviroLeather™, and EnviroHyde™.
2. Clean – Remove visible soil and impurities.
   • Use soap and water or a surface-appropriate cleaner.
3. Disinfect – Apply an EPA-registered disinfectant.
   • Confirm that the product is tested and approved for use on upholstery and wallcoverings.
   • Follow manufacturer instructions, including required dwell time.
4. Rinse – Remove disinfectant residues.
   • After dwell time, wipe with clean water to remove residue.
   • Residues attract and trap impurities, increasing bioload between cleanings. They may also cause visible soiling and permanent staining over time.

Consequences of Skipping Steps

• Reduced Infection Control: Residue buildup diminishes disinfectant effectiveness.
• Aesthetic Decline: Upholstery appears dirty and may stain permanently.
• Premature Material Failure: Residue and chemical buildup accelerate peeling, cracking, or delamination. Warranty coverage is unlikely to apply, and replacement labor costs are not covered.

Performance of LDI Upholstery

LDI coated fabrics are designed to withstand repeated cleaning and disinfection. Customers regularly achieve 5–7+ years of service life even in environments with stringent chemical protocols (based on field experience).

EnviroLeather™ Prints provide the appearance of woven textiles while maintaining superior cleanability and durability.

LDI explicitly states that improper use of approved cleaners and disinfectants does not void its 3-year / 24/7 warranty.

Cautions and Limitations

• Residue Risk: Always rinse thoroughly. Residual chemicals accelerate wear and surface degradation.
• Chemical Compatibility: Only use cleaners and disinfectants confirmed as compatible with coated fabrics. Improper use can result in cracking, peeling, or fading.
• Environmental Factors: Heat, humidity, and frequency of cleaning may influence results.
• Final Responsibility: Each facility is responsible for verifying that cleaning and disinfection protocols are appropriate for their specific environment and regulatory requirements.

LDI Interiors coated fabrics are engineered for durability and consistent upholstery performance. The following guidelines highlight best practices to support upholsterers and seating manufacturers in achieving long-term, tailored results.

Minimizing Sagging and Puddling

• Pattern Size Adjustment: Coated fabrics have greater inherent stretch than woven textiles. Reduce pattern size as needed to maintain tension.
• Tension Application: Pull fabric evenly in all directions during installation. Proper tension counteracts inherent stretch and maintains a smooth surface.
• Foam Selection**: Use high-quality, high-density, resilient foam. Ensure stress points (e.g., corners) are well-padded.
• Foam Sizing: Cut foam at least 1 inch oversize in both directions.
• Breathing Holes: For thicker foams, incorporate breathing holes to allow full recovery.
• Dacron Layer: Use bonded Dacron between fabric and foam. This improves loft, reduces friction, and enhances recovery.
• Clarification on Stretch Testing:
  The SAE J855-2009 “Stretch and Set” method does not reliably predict upholstery sagging. High-stretch coated fabrics rarely reach maximum stretch in actual seating applications. LDI conducts internal testing designed to replicate real-world seating forces and to measure recovery over time.

Minimizing Abrasion

• Padding: Ensure sharp edges and corners are adequately padded.
• Seam Design: Avoid right-angle seams in high-wear areas. A waterfall edge is preferred over exposed seams.
• Stitching: We recommend 7–8 stitches per inch, using a size 19 (American) or 120 (European) light ball tip needle. Thread tension should be kept loose to avoid cutting into the fabric surface.
• Machine Foot: Ensure the sewing machine foot does not drag on the fabric. Apply Teflon tape if needed.
• Welt Cord: Avoid welt cord in exposed, high-abrasion zones. It creates concentrated stress points and accelerates wear.

**Foam Selection

• ILD/IFD Rating: Indicates firmness (force required to compress foam one-third of its thickness).
  • Lower ILD/IFD = Softer feel.
  • Higher ILD/IFD = Firmer feel.
  • Typical seating foam = ILD/IFD 35–55.
• Foam Density: Measured in lbs./cubic foot. Density reflects durability, not firmness. Higher density generally indicates higher quality.
• High-Resilience (HR) Foam:
  • Open-cell polyurethane with irregular cell structure.
  • Provides improved support, resilience, and comfort.
  • Defined as ≥2.5 lbs./cubic foot density.

Cautions and Limitations

• Installation Quality: Performance depends on proper upholstery techniques. Inadequate tensioning, poor padding, or inappropriate foam selection can accelerate sagging, abrasion, or wear.
• Foam Compatibility: Not all foams perform equally. Improper density or firmness selection may compromise durability.
• Environmental Factors: Humidity, temperature, and frequency of use can influence results.
• Misuse: Sharp objects, vandalism, or atypical use can cause damage outside normal expectations.
• Residue Risk: Adhesives, cleaning agents, or residues left between foam and fabric may degrade material performance.

Final User Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or upholsterer to:

• Validate upholstery methods with trial applications when using new techniques, foams, or frame designs.
• Ensure all installation methods are suitable for the intended application.
• LDI provides these guidelines in good faith based on laboratory testing and industry experience. They are not a guarantee of results under all conditions.

LDI provides these guidelines in good faith based on laboratory testing and industry experience. They are not a guarantee of results under all conditions.

Course Title: 
Understanding the Language of Upholstery Fabrics

Course Description: 
This CEU aims to equip Design and Sales professionals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about upholstery fabrics, enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interiors.

Learning Objectives:
Gain the knowledge to specify upholstery fabrics by learning the key criteria influencing fabric selection.
Understand the different types of upholstery fabrics, materials, and constructions.
Learn how different markets prioritize performance, design, and sustainability. 
Gain a basic understanding of the connection between materials, manufacturing, and sustainability.

Please get in touch with us to schedule a CEU presentation (available in-person or virtually)!
 
Karen Donaghy, Director of Sales & Marketing                
kdonaghy@ldiinteriors.com