Let’s face it—life is messy. Whether it’s spills, stains, or odors, fabrics take a beating day-in and day-out in both residential and commercial applications. When it’s time to care for your fabrics, Crypton makes the process as easy and pain-free as possible. The following are a few recommended guidelines for regular care and cleaning of Crypton fabrics.
How To Clean Crypton Fabrics
For recommendations on cleaning denim dye transfer stains, read our Dye Transfer Policy (pdf).
Use light steam to remove wrinkles. Do NOT iron. Do NOT dry clean. The use of bleach is NOT recommended. Some stains, such as permanent marker, lipstick and nail polish may not be completely removable
Most liquids simply roll off of Crypton fabrics, or they can be quickly blotted off the surface with a dry towel or sponge. The spot cleaning method of stain removal can be used for most light to medium stains, such as coffee, red wine, crayon, and ketchup. Be careful to brush lightly since fibers can be broken or matted during the cleaning process.
- Before spot cleaning, blot up liquids on the surface with a clean, soft towel and brush off any loose dirt.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 tsp mild, enzyme detergent, such as Tide®, Woolite® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid, per 1 cup of lukewarm water.
- Apply the cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle. Do NOT oversaturate when applying the cleaning solution.
- Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues, as residues will attract dirt. Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
- Repeat steps 3-6 as needed.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
We recommend periodic cleaning of upholstered surfaces with hot water extraction. This method of stain removal can be used for most medium, ground-in stains and general maintenance. The use of solvents is not recommended. For more information, see the How to Extraction Clean Crypton Fabrics panel below.
For residential furniture cleaning services, we recommend Stanley Steemer. For business owners, we recommend the Crypton Care Cleaning Program (pdf).
Do not extraction clean Crypton Wall.
The extraction cleaning method of stain removal can be used for most medium or ground-in stains.
- Before extraction cleaning, blot up liquids on the surface with a clean, soft towel and vacuum the upholstery.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 tsp mild, enzyme detergent, such as Tide®, Woolite® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid, per 1 cup of lukewarm water.
- Apply the cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle.
- Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Wet-vacuum or blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel. Follow directions on filling your extracting machine (we recommend the Crypton Ruby Extraction Machine) with the proper solution; wet the area with pre-spray, and vacuum up the solution. Be sure to extract the entire surface of the upholstered furniture to achieve uniform cleanliness.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues, as residues will attract dirt.
- Repeat steps 3-7 as needed.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
Do not bleach clean Crypton Home fabric or furniture. If you are sure that the fiber type of your Crypton product(s) are 100% solution-dyed polyester or 100% solution-dyed acrylic, then bleach-cleaning is an option when required. If you are not sure of the fiber type of your Crypton product(s) then please contact our Cleaning & Care department at care@crypton.com or 800.CRYPTON.
With EPA-registered Crypton Disinfectant & Deodorizer there should be no need to subject fabric to the harsh cleaning methods of bleach; however, we know from experience that every facility has preferred cleaners and cleaning practices.
- Before bleach-cleaning, make sure fabric is dry and has been vacuumed, and that the space is ventilated.
- Prepare a 10% bleach solution in water. NOTE: chlorine bleach concentration can vary from manufacturer-to-manufacturer. Please read your bleach product label to determine the correct solution to prepare.
- Test the solution in an inconspicuous location first before applying over the rest of the fabric.
- Apply the cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle. Do NOT oversaturate Crypton Wall when applying the cleaning solution.
- Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.
- Allow cleaning solution to linger for 10 minutes as specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all bleach residues from the fabric.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
- When upholstering tight cushions (kitchen/dining chairs, office chairs, slip covers, tightly upholstered pieces, etc.), sew or staple as you would with any other fabric.
- Crypton Home, which has all the stain and odor-resistant benefits of Crypton, does not require specific equipment. It can be treated in the same manner as any other upholstery fabric.
Sewing Crypton fabric with the integrated moisture barrier is not difficult, but it does require the right equipment. We have established the following recommendations for sewing with Crypton:
- Thread: 100% nylon thread (for Crypton Outdoor, use Sunguard Anti-Wick 92)
- Tension/strength: 35- lb. breaking strength (top of cushion) / 23-lb. breaking strength (bottom of cushion)
- Needle size: 22 (NM: 140), 20 (NM: 125) or 18 (NM: 110)
- Needle type: Ballpoint needle
- Stitches per inch (spi): 8 (for Crypton Outdoor, 6.5; top stitch at 7.5)
Crypton fabric with the integrated moisture barrier must be sewn and vented in the same manner as any upholstered leather.
Crypton has established the following recommendations for soft-fill upholstery applications.
Preferred Venting
FIG. 1: Air exhausts rapidly and refills expeditiously with this venting method on a traditional box cushion.
The preferred method of venting the cushions is much the same as an upholstery professional would manage leather and/or some vinyls. For the bottom cushion, we recommend applying a strip of heavier-gauge muslin with an open weave “breather strip” (Fig.1), measuring approximately 6″-8″ wide across the width of the bottom of the cushion (or on the back face of the bottom cushion). It can be used on either the front or back of the bottom face of the cushion – we recommend holding it back 1″-2″ from the edge to avoid visibility (back is usually preferred).
If sewing with Crypton Outdoor, use an open weave PVC instead of muslin.
The same venting recommendation applies to a non-boxed cushion, where the top piece of fabric is stitched directly to the bottom piece of fabric with no boxing. The back cushions should also employ a heavier-gauge muslin breather strip on the unseen edge of the boxing or gusseted portion of the cushion. Apply approximately 3.5″-4″ breather strips across the width of the boxed portion of the cushion (often referred to as the gusset).
Acceptable Venting
FIG. 2: Sew a heavy-gauge muslin breather strip along the back of the cushion where the zipper is located.
If you want the option of a reversible cushion, though with Crypton it is not necessary to rotate cushions, we recommend applying the breather strip approximately 3.5″-4″ across the width of the bottom of the boxed portion on the back side of the cushion (Fig.2), also referred to as the bottom gusset. This method will also alleviate the issue of puckering and refill on a softer fill application with Crypton.
Please note that grommets and blowholes do not refill the loft as quickly as desired. Please discourage your upholstery professional from using this method for venting.
Removing Ink & Permanent Marker from Crypton Revl
- Remove dried stain using a dry cotton ball or cloth.
- Wet clean cotton ball or cloth with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) cleaner.
- Apply cleaner to remove stain using circular and diagonal motion.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove cleaner.
- Remove excess water with dry cotton ball.
- Allow to air dry.
- Repeat cleaning procedure as necessary.
Removing Food & Oil-based Stains from Crypton Revl
- Remove dried stain using a dry cotton ball or cloth.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 tsp mild, enzyme detergent, such as Tide®, Woolite® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid, per 1 cup of lukewarm water.
- Remove stain with clean cotton ball or cloth using circular & diagonal motion.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove cleaner.
- Remove excess water with dry cotton ball.
- Allow to air dry.
- Repeat cleaning procedure as necessary.
- Do not use household cleaning products or solvents on leather.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning aids as these can cause permanent damage to your leather.
Cleaning Leather Powered by Crypton
To clean Leather Powered by Crypton, it is important to find a chemically-balanced cleaner that is formulated to safely clean and remove tough stains on treated leather. We recommend Crypton Leather/Vinyl Cleaner.
- Wipe surface clear of any surface dust or debris.
- Pre-test cleaner on an inconspicuous location before cleaning.
- Spray cleaner directly on the stain. Avoid the excessive application of cleaner on seams or stitching.
- Using a clean, soft, white cloth, lightly blot the surface.
- Wipe dry with a fresh section of the cloth.
- For best results, apply a leather conditioner to restore leather surfaces and help prevent re-soiling.
Conditioning Leather Powered by Crypton
To maintain the beauty of Leather Powered by Crypton, use a non-greasy conditioner to replenish natural oils while providing an invisible protection that repels dirt and stains, easing subsequent stain removal. We recommend Crypton Leather/Vinyl Protector.
- Wipe surface clear of any surface dust or debris.
- Pre-test conditioner on an inconspicuous location before applying to the entire surface.
- Spray conditioner directly on a clean, white, terry cloth rag, and apply to the surface. Avoid the excessive application of conditioner on seams or stitching.
- Allow surface to air dry.
- Spot cleaning slipcovers made with Crypton Home fabric is RECOMMENDED over machine washing. For fabric specific questions, contact the place of business from which you purchased the fabric and/or furniture.
- Avoid washing with sharp objects (such as zippered items) that could damage the product.
- Do not bleach, iron or dry clean.
The below machine washing instructions are ONLY intended for mattress protectors made with Crypton Fabric.
- Machine wash cold with high-efficiency (HE) liquid detergent before first use and at least monthly afterwards.
- Tumble dry low temperature only.
- Inspect the protector for damages after each laundry cycle and immediately address any damages.
- Repeat monthly if desired
