Quick answer
Pilling is caused by friction lifting short or loose fibers into little balls; stains set when liquids absorb into the fiber; and fading comes from UV breaking down dye. The most reliable fix for all three is the fabric itself. Revolution's inherently stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable performance fabrics don't absorb water-based spills, resist pilling through tight construction, and — in solution-dyed and outdoor lines — hold color against sun exposure. This guide covers how to remove pills, lift stains, and protect fabric from UV.
How to remove and prevent fabric pilling
Pilling happens when friction works short, loose, or broken fibers free from the weave and tangles them into small balls on the surface. It is most common in high-contact seating zones. To remove pills safely:
- Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to gently lift and cut pills from the surface. Work in one direction.
- For light pilling, a fine-tooth comb or a pumice fabric stone also works.
- Vacuum afterward to remove the loosened pills — but never use a vacuum's powered brush attachment on performance fabric, as it can pull at the yarn. Use plain suction only.
To prevent pilling, choose tightly woven fabrics with a high double-rub rating (Revolution fabrics run from 30,000 to 50,000+ double rubs) and avoid abrasive cleaning tools. Performance fabrics with continuous-filament yarns pill far less than loosely spun staple-fiber fabrics.
How to remove stains from upholstery
On Revolution performance fabric, most stains lift with a simple routine because the fiber doesn't absorb water-based liquids:
- Remove loose debris and blot the stain — don't rub.
- Spray a solution of about 2 oz bleach to 30 oz water (a standard 32 oz spray bottle) over the stained area. Revolution fabric is bleach-cleanable and will not discolor, even in dark colors.
- Place a clean towel between the cover and the foam to absorb excess moisture if you can.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, wipe with a clean cloth, and air dry (a hairdryer speeds this up).
For oily stains — salad dressing, sunblock, mustard — try a baby wipe first, or a solution of mild Dawn dish soap and water, then rinse. Avoid solvent-based or flammable cleaners and never apply an after-market fabric protector: on Revolution fabric these void the warranty because their solvents can degrade the yarns and backing.
How to protect fabric from UV and fading
Fading is UV light breaking down the dye molecules in a fabric. Two factors determine how well a fabric resists it:
- How it's dyed. Solution-dyed fabrics carry pigment all the way through each fiber, so there's far more color to lose before fading shows — the reason solution-dyed acrylics and performance olefins are used outdoors.
- Where it's placed. Even fade-resistant fabric lasts longer out of direct, all-day sun. For sun-drenched rooms or patios, choose fabrics rated for UV resistance and rotate cushions periodically so exposure is even.
For outdoor and high-sun applications, see Revolution's guidance on choosing the best outdoor fabric for cushions.
General care to keep upholstery looking new
- Vacuum regularly with plain suction (no power brush) to prevent soil buildup.
- Treat spills promptly — performance fabric gives you time, but sooner is easier.
- Don't use dry-cleaning solvents or flammable cleaners.
- Skip after-market stain treatments; the fabric's performance is already built in.
Full step-by-step videos and stain-specific instructions are on the Revolution cleaning instructions page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get pills off my couch?
Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to gently lift and cut the pills, working in one direction, then vacuum the surface with plain suction. Do not use a vacuum power-brush attachment on performance fabric, as it can pull at the yarn.
Why is my upholstery pilling?
Pilling is caused by friction lifting short or loose fibers into small balls, most often in high-contact seating areas. Tightly woven fabrics with high double-rub ratings, like Revolution's 30,000-50,000+ double-rub fabrics, pill far less than loosely spun fabrics.
How do you get stains out of performance fabric?
Blot the stain, spray a solution of about 2 oz bleach to 30 oz water, let it soak, rinse with clean water, and air dry. Revolution fabric is bleach-cleanable and will not discolor, even in dark colors. For oily stains, use a baby wipe or mild dish soap and water first.
How do I stop my sofa fabric from fading in the sun?
Choose a solution-dyed or UV-rated fabric, since pigment that runs through the fiber resists fading far better than surface dye. Keep furniture out of constant direct sun where possible and rotate cushions so any exposure is even.
Can I use a fabric protector spray on my Revolution sofa?
No. After-market fabric protectors void the Revolution warranty because their solvents can break down the performance yarns and backing. The stain resistance is already built into the fiber, so no topical treatment is needed.