What Is a Good Upholstery for Family Use & Kids?

Microsuede is soft yet easy to clean. You only need to use water for most stains. The only problem is sometimes you have to be careful as the furniture stores will use really cheap versions of it that don't clean easily. I bought my couch from Ashley furniture and it has not held up well so really check on the quality of what you are buying. You might want to consider recovering your existing furniture with good quality fabric (in a microsuede). I would contact a company that does upholstery or an interior design firm and get a quote from them. Sometimes that route can save you money other times it can be just as expensive as buying a new sofa. Good Luck!!!

I bought a cheep sofa set from Levitz in 1990 that had a velvety feel, medium blue background with a print that looked like modern art. (Think Pollock) I had two small kids that were still babies at the time. That couch was absolutely indestructible. Not only did the pattern hide dirt, the fabric never wore out. At one point the pads on the arms got pulled off because the kids were horsing around on them. I got out a staple gun and put them back on. Other than spill cleanups (We had more of those than I could count) I never cleaned these sofas in the 18 years I owned them. I finally gave the set to the good will last year. Even after all that time, they still looked good enough for the guy to take to be resold. So I would have to say that that old fashioned velvety stuff has microsuede beat by a mile. To hide stains you need pattern with a range of color from dark to light. I don’t know if they make that fabric any more, but velvet or corduroy is thicker and longer lasting than many fabrics.

Microfiber/faux suede-like fabric that is pre-treated with a stainguard....you literally wipe a stain off with a damp cloth...amazing. Ours are from "Plummers". Also, fullgrain (not suede) leather is nearly impervious... a little pricey though.