FibreGuard® Cleaning Guide: What Really Works (and What to Avoid)
- Jia HE
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
High-performance fabrics like FibreGuard® have changed the way Australian homes approach upholstery care. Gone are the days of stressing about spills, marks or muddy paw prints. With stain-resistant technology woven directly into the fibres, FibreGuard makes everyday living easier — without the need for harsh chemicals or complicated cleaning rituals.
At Rico Furniture, we use FibreGuard on many of our Australian-made sofas and chairs because it delivers the durability families need while maintaining a soft, modern aesthetic. But with so many “cleaning hacks” online, customers often ask what is actually safe and effective for their FibreGuard furniture.
This guide clears up common misconceptions and outlines the correct cleaning method to protect your fabric for years.
Can I Use Homemade Cleaning Solutions on FibreGuard?
Short answer: No.
The internet is full of DIY remedies — vinegar sprays, bleach mixes and scrubbing hacks — none of which should be used on FibreGuard upholstery.
Why You Should Not Use Vinegar
Vinegar is highly acidic and can:
Damage the fabric fibres
Leave lingering, unpleasant odours
Affect the long-term performance of the upholstery
Despite being a “popular” household hack, it simply isn’t suitable for soft furnishings.
Why Bleach Is a Big No
Bleach is even more harmful. It is:
Toxic to the environment
Dangerous for families and pets
Not biodegradable
Capable of damaging fibres and colour
FibreGuard fabrics are certified under OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning they are safe for people, pets and homes. Using bleach would compromise this safety and may damage your product.
Do I Need a Toothbrush or Special Tools?
Absolutely not. FibreGuard is designed to be cleaned gently.
All you need is:
Cold water
A real microfibre cloth
White household soap (bar or uncoloured liquid)
No harsh brushes, scrapers or abrasive tools. Gentle circular motions are enough.
Can FibreGuard Be Steam Cleaned or Dry Cleaned?
You can — but you usually don’t need to.
FibreGuard’s stain-resistant protection is built into the fibre itself, so:
Everyday spills can be removed with water and mild soap
No professional cleaning is required
Machine washing at 30°C is allowed for removable covers
Steam cleaning should only be done by qualified professionals if absolutely necessary.
What About Tough Stains? Wine? Pet Urine?
Even more stubborn stains follow the same cleaning method:
Apply cold water
Add a small amount of white soap
Use circular motions with a microfibre cloth
Rinse and blot
Immediate cleaning is easiest, but FibreGuard remains effective even if stains sit for a while.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
There is no need for:
After-market sprays
Fabric protectors
Chemical treatments
Because FibreGuard’s technology is embedded in the yarn, not coated onto the surface, the protection lasts for the lifetime of the fabric. No reapplication required.
Final Thoughts
FibreGuard makes owning light-coloured, beautiful upholstery easier than ever — even for families with kids, pets, or busy lifestyles. When paired with Rico Furniture’s handcrafted Australian-made sofas and chairs, you get durability, comfort and style in one.
Want help choosing the right FibreGuard fabric for your new piece?
Visit our Sydney showroom or contact our team — we’re here to guide you.
Tel: +61 (02) 9792 4311