My Decorating Tips is a home decorating blog by Marina Klima, an interior designer in New Jersey. We help families to make home decorating projects easy by guiding them and recommending durable, safe and inspiring solutions for their homes and offices.
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Crypton Fabric Furniture. Is it Actually Bulletproof?
Crypton fabric for a couch and chairs. Who is it for? Who isn’t it for?
It’s fascinating how the home furniture industry is becoming more responsive when it comes to preserving our sanity as parents. For example, Crypton fabric for your couch or a chair do just that- help with fewer worries about spills and stains from messy little hands.
I am not saying that you can jump on the sofa every day and expect it to hold up. And of course, the food wars that feature a bright white couch that survives are slightly exaggerated. But if you want to use your couch for a long time and need some extra assurance, Crypton qualities can help.
Features of Crypton Fabrics:
Heavy Duty
Stain resistant
Moisture resistant
Odor resistant
Earth-friendly
Many fabric blends, not just acrylic or poly
Beautiful colors and patterns
Any decorating style
Can the fabric be treated at home?
Nope. Think of it as a characteristic trait. Someone with blue eyes or long legs is born this way. The same with Crypton fabrics. They are processed at the factory- “born this way.”
Are all Crypton Fabrics made of 100% synthetics, such as polyester?
No. here is the beauty of it. If you prefer to have a choice of various fabric blends, such as cotton and linen you will be blown away with options. Yes, many are polyester blends that are beautiful and not glassy or hot to sit on. But natural fibers are available as well.
If you are looking for a specific style, such as boho, or modern farmhouse, you can find them.
What if your store doesn’t have that choice for your specific furniture piece?
As long as they provide COM option (Customer Own Material) you will be able to find some pretty patterns and colorful designs. Check out online and retail stores fabrics, such as Jo-Ann Fabrics
What if I don’t know how many yards of fabric to buy?
Your retailer or upholsterer should give you the yardage number. Always check with them and don’t buy before you know. If you want to have a general idea, check out some useful Pinterest boards.
In recent years more and more designers have been crafting imaginative patterns for Crypton fabrics. The above shows one of my favorite boho style fabric designers, Justina Blakeney who partnered up with Calico Corners to create these spirited, global and exploring patterns.
I will start by saying that Crypton has earned a reputation for a superior performance fabric long before all the other companies jumped on this bandwagon. They began in 1993 when Craig and Randy Rubin developed the initial processes. Because of the high moisture and anti-bacterial qualities, Crypton fabrics were initially used in hospitals, hotels, and restaurants.
Then the company developed the technology to eliminate the stiffness of some of the fabrics used for healthcare.
Besides, they formulated ways to make different yarn blends, such as cotton and even man-made yarns such as rayon blended with polyester. These processes started Crypton Home fabrics for residential use. So, people like you and I enjoy a very soft feel without the disadvantages of a glossy or stiff topcoat.
Today there are more than sixty million yards of fabric furniture installed worldwide. Yes, you heard me right. Crypton is the largest provider of performance fabrics, and they keep on growing. They are now developing factories for European and Asian markets. You can even find Crypton fabrics in the White House and Buckingham Palace.
What is the Crypton Fabric process that makes it so special?
The process is performed at the company’s authorized factories only.
A water-based solution that includes antimicrobial components also prevents the vinyl-like feel of the fabric.
Then the fabric is dried and cured at very high temperatures.
Now it is ready for printing with different patterns and colors.
Fabrics undergo intense inspection and testing.
They leave the factory and are shipped to furniture manufacturing plants or fabric distributors
Finally, a furniture piece is sold at a retail store.
Is Crypton bulletproof?
No matter what you read in the press, the answer is NO, it is not bulletproof. Actually, no fabric is bulletproof. It is true that all Crypton fabrics have great stain repellent qualities. However, you should always read and follow cleaning instructions.
Is Crypton fabric safe?
Crypton is Gold Green Certified. The company chooses only the chemicals that are as environmentally-friendly as possible. The production process is designed for ways to cut consumption and pollution. If you are into “green” you’ll be happy to find out more on their site.
How do I clean Crypton fabric furniture?
Your guests can’t throw a slice of pizza on your new couch and let it stay there for two weeks. You should spot clean the stains with mild soap and water. Don’t forget to rinse out the soap carefully. If you don’t rinse it out, the dust and dirt will form right on the top of the stained area, and it will look worse than before. The best advice is again, follow the cleaning instructions. Your store should always give you specific instructions, and if they don’t please insist on getting them.
Crypton branded cleaners
In addition to simple methods of cleaning with mild soap and water, Crypton has its branded cleaners. For example, The Gold is good for cleaning beer, blood, coffee, soda, milk, ketchup, and vomit. The Purple is for cosmetics, grease, ink, crayon, nail polish, oil or mustard. Refer to general cleaning instructions here. Also, always ask for specific cleaning instructions from your store.
What are the advantages of Crypton over at home top coating by specialists, such as Fiber-Seal or Scotchguard?
Firstly, when you apply the in-home treatment there is no guarantee that the substance will cover the whole surface. On the other hand, you can’t beat Crypton’s factory processing that covers every inch of fabric. So, just by the law of bad luck, your pizza stain can land itself exactly where the sofa fabric was not treated. Also, any treatment will wear off with time and use, and you will never know until it happens. On the contrary, Crypton fabric qualities don’t wear off as they are inherent for the life of the fabric.
Where do I buy Crypton fabric furniture?
Most stores carry couches and chairs covered in Crypton fabric. Here is the link to the list of retailers who carry Crypton Fabrics products.
Please, by all means, do tell me about your challenges or questions about Crypton fabric or any other performance fabrics. All you have to do is post a comment here below.
Comments
Denise Madarsays
I am looking to reupholster a beloved chair left to me by my grandmother. I have older kids and dogs (who won’t be allowed on the chair,) but would still like a “sturdier” fabric. I’m looking at Macklemore – Crypton Home Fiesta (91% Polyester, 9% Cotton) but am a little concerned about the dye transfer I’ve read about in the comments. Do you have any suggestions or alternatives? Thanks in advance.
Hi Denise,
The best way to know if the color transfers is to ask for a sample and try it. You can wet it with water, rub it or greece it so that you know for sure.
Hi Marina,
I am having my 2 King Hickory sofa’s recovered. I am looking at Crypton fabric B5517 Creme Cleaning Code W, 50,000 Double Rubs, 100% Polyester this is for our great room where we are in this room constantly. My husband, 40 lb dog and myself. Will this fabric hold up? One other ? Could you remove the cushion covers and machine wash on a very gentle cycle with woolite or very little Tyde and air dry to almost dry and then put back on cushion to finish drying?
My sofa in my family room was reupholstered in white crypton fabric. I have easily been able to get the occasional spill up with no problem using the crypton fabric cleaners that we purchased. My question is how do you do a general all over cleaning of the sofa. The white is looking a little overall dingy and I feel it needs a good cleaning. What do you recommend for an overall cleaning. Someone said that Crypton says to use Stanley Steamer. Is this correct?
Gay,
What is the construction of the sofa fabric? For example, 50% cotton 50% poly? Depending on construction they recommend the cleaning method. If it is totally white and you want it whiter, a cleaning professional could be the best option. But please let me know the construction. Thanks
Hi Marina,
Wow, thank you for all this information!
I moved to a high-rise and I no longer have a den, so the sofa I need to buy will be in the living room, hopefully attractive and durable (elegant contemporary look) I live alone and I tend to lay down on the sofa when watching TV, and when my young granddaughter stays a few days, let me just say she can be a little bit of a whirlwind! I did say durable.:)
I am looking at a Taylor King Cosy Creations sofa. I am trying to decide between two Crypton fabrics, both are light colored and 100% polyester. I have a sample of each, the Bayou Porcelain has a linen look that I like, but the shade is not warm (60,000 rub count) and the sample seems to wrinkle, would it wrinkle on the sofa? The Silex Snow fabric does not seem to wrinkle but it is even lighter (only 50,000 rub count). I was shocked to hear that dye from your clothes transfer to Crypton fabrics (see above)?
Not sure which way to go? Is one fabric better than the other? Thank you for your time and any information you can offer.
Your information is very timely for me. I am having a sofa and chair recovered and decided on crypton fabric as the furniture is moving to the beach. Are all crypton fabrics equal? I’ve noticed significant price ranges in the fabric and am wondering what the difference might be in Mina, Silex, and Graceland fabrics and is one more suitable than the other for reupholstering furniture.
Thank you.
Hi Mary,
Yes, Crypton fabrics are different. Some are more cleanable thanh others. For example, if the fabric is all 100% poly + crypton technology it is more stain resistant than cotton and poly blend. If you are moving to the beach think about moisture and mold. In this case, SUNBRELLA or PERENNIALS are your best bet. These are indoor/outdoor fabrics and they are not afraid of bleach, sun and mold. Just a thought. Are you looking at Callico Corners products? If not then which ones?
Hello,
I purchased a crypton sofa from four seasons. The colour was white’ish (mirina Snow). On the third day of owning the sofa, the colour from my husband‘S black nylon golf slacks transferred to the seat cushion and the skirt of the sofa! (Very upsetting as the sofa is only three days old.)
Fortunately, we are dealing with a good retailer who, I believe will replace the stained pieces of the slip covered sofa.
The retailer tried to remove the stain also, but to NO avail.
Please note, that for all the qualities Crypton has to offer, they do NOT warrant dye transfer (which I was not told when I purchased)! I’ve never seen such a thing happen before. I am now wondering if perhaps paying extra for Crypton is really worth the money!
Laurel,
Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s really very kind of you. Which fabric and which sofa was it? I would like to know for other people as well as do the research. Good luck with the replacement sofa!
Hi. I found your information on Crypton fabric very helpful. I recently purchased a couch from a furniture store in Thomasville, GA. It is made by Four Seasons and I selected one of Four Seasons Life Approved fabrics, Grade 5 that says 100% polyester with Crypton. Cleaning Code PF. The store is asking if I want to pay an extra amount to purchase a fabric protectant application they administer that would then also come with a warranty, etc. if there was a stain that could not be removed by a professional.
My question that I am hoping you can help me with is whether you recommend the additional protection on fabric made with Crypton or is it just a waste of money? It is a lighter color in the white family that is a slip cover design. I have paid so much for the couch already that an extra $300/$400 just adds on to price, but worth it I guess if it protects my couch in the long run. This is in a pool house/guest room that will not be used all the time or by kids, etc. The fabric says it is already made with Crypton; if it can also receive an extra fabric protection application, does it make sense to just buy a recommended brand and do it myself and save a little?
Hi Dawn,
I’m 99% sure that you don’t need to buy anything extra from them. Cleaning code PF? Did you ask them what it stands for? Never heard of it. Especially if this room is not for everyday use. Crypton is not bulletproof just stain resistant, you still need to clean it according to the instructions as soon as possible and not let the stain soak in. Also, READ the actual warranty if you want. Usually, it’s hard to get a store to fulfil what’s on the warranty from my experience but maybe they are different. At least, if you are considering it, read what it says and what kind of PROOF you’ll have to submit in terms of your negligence if it comes to stains. But what’s for sure, you need to know how to clean it.
I am looking to reupholster a beloved chair left to me by my grandmother. I have older kids and dogs (who won’t be allowed on the chair,) but would still like a “sturdier” fabric. I’m looking at Macklemore – Crypton Home Fiesta (91% Polyester, 9% Cotton) but am a little concerned about the dye transfer I’ve read about in the comments. Do you have any suggestions or alternatives? Thanks in advance.
Hi Denise,
The best way to know if the color transfers is to ask for a sample and try it. You can wet it with water, rub it or greece it so that you know for sure.
I am quite interested in color scheme psychology. I am looking to learn the art of color picking
Hi Marina,
I am having my 2 King Hickory sofa’s recovered. I am looking at Crypton fabric B5517 Creme Cleaning Code W, 50,000 Double Rubs, 100% Polyester this is for our great room where we are in this room constantly. My husband, 40 lb dog and myself. Will this fabric hold up? One other ? Could you remove the cushion covers and machine wash on a very gentle cycle with woolite or very little Tyde and air dry to almost dry and then put back on cushion to finish drying?
This fabric sounds very durable but NO, NO for putting it through the washing machine, please. It will lose its shape and get destroyed.
My sofa in my family room was reupholstered in white crypton fabric. I have easily been able to get the occasional spill up with no problem using the crypton fabric cleaners that we purchased. My question is how do you do a general all over cleaning of the sofa. The white is looking a little overall dingy and I feel it needs a good cleaning. What do you recommend for an overall cleaning. Someone said that Crypton says to use Stanley Steamer. Is this correct?
Gay,
What is the construction of the sofa fabric? For example, 50% cotton 50% poly? Depending on construction they recommend the cleaning method. If it is totally white and you want it whiter, a cleaning professional could be the best option. But please let me know the construction. Thanks
Hi Marina,
Wow, thank you for all this information!
I moved to a high-rise and I no longer have a den, so the sofa I need to buy will be in the living room, hopefully attractive and durable (elegant contemporary look) I live alone and I tend to lay down on the sofa when watching TV, and when my young granddaughter stays a few days, let me just say she can be a little bit of a whirlwind! I did say durable.:)
I am looking at a Taylor King Cosy Creations sofa. I am trying to decide between two Crypton fabrics, both are light colored and 100% polyester. I have a sample of each, the Bayou Porcelain has a linen look that I like, but the shade is not warm (60,000 rub count) and the sample seems to wrinkle, would it wrinkle on the sofa? The Silex Snow fabric does not seem to wrinkle but it is even lighter (only 50,000 rub count). I was shocked to hear that dye from your clothes transfer to Crypton fabrics (see above)?
Not sure which way to go? Is one fabric better than the other? Thank you for your time and any information you can offer.
Hello,
Your information is very timely for me. I am having a sofa and chair recovered and decided on crypton fabric as the furniture is moving to the beach. Are all crypton fabrics equal? I’ve noticed significant price ranges in the fabric and am wondering what the difference might be in Mina, Silex, and Graceland fabrics and is one more suitable than the other for reupholstering furniture.
Thank you.
Hi Mary,
Yes, Crypton fabrics are different. Some are more cleanable thanh others. For example, if the fabric is all 100% poly + crypton technology it is more stain resistant than cotton and poly blend. If you are moving to the beach think about moisture and mold. In this case, SUNBRELLA or PERENNIALS are your best bet. These are indoor/outdoor fabrics and they are not afraid of bleach, sun and mold. Just a thought. Are you looking at Callico Corners products? If not then which ones?
Hello,
I purchased a crypton sofa from four seasons. The colour was white’ish (mirina Snow). On the third day of owning the sofa, the colour from my husband‘S black nylon golf slacks transferred to the seat cushion and the skirt of the sofa! (Very upsetting as the sofa is only three days old.)
Fortunately, we are dealing with a good retailer who, I believe will replace the stained pieces of the slip covered sofa.
The retailer tried to remove the stain also, but to NO avail.
Please note, that for all the qualities Crypton has to offer, they do NOT warrant dye transfer (which I was not told when I purchased)! I’ve never seen such a thing happen before. I am now wondering if perhaps paying extra for Crypton is really worth the money!
Laurel,
Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s really very kind of you. Which fabric and which sofa was it? I would like to know for other people as well as do the research. Good luck with the replacement sofa!
Hi. I found your information on Crypton fabric very helpful. I recently purchased a couch from a furniture store in Thomasville, GA. It is made by Four Seasons and I selected one of Four Seasons Life Approved fabrics, Grade 5 that says 100% polyester with Crypton. Cleaning Code PF. The store is asking if I want to pay an extra amount to purchase a fabric protectant application they administer that would then also come with a warranty, etc. if there was a stain that could not be removed by a professional.
My question that I am hoping you can help me with is whether you recommend the additional protection on fabric made with Crypton or is it just a waste of money? It is a lighter color in the white family that is a slip cover design. I have paid so much for the couch already that an extra $300/$400 just adds on to price, but worth it I guess if it protects my couch in the long run. This is in a pool house/guest room that will not be used all the time or by kids, etc. The fabric says it is already made with Crypton; if it can also receive an extra fabric protection application, does it make sense to just buy a recommended brand and do it myself and save a little?
Hi Dawn,
I’m 99% sure that you don’t need to buy anything extra from them. Cleaning code PF? Did you ask them what it stands for? Never heard of it. Especially if this room is not for everyday use. Crypton is not bulletproof just stain resistant, you still need to clean it according to the instructions as soon as possible and not let the stain soak in. Also, READ the actual warranty if you want. Usually, it’s hard to get a store to fulfil what’s on the warranty from my experience but maybe they are different. At least, if you are considering it, read what it says and what kind of PROOF you’ll have to submit in terms of your negligence if it comes to stains. But what’s for sure, you need to know how to clean it.