FABRICS FAQ : antibacterial fabrics


Mold and mildew are fungi, and the stains we associate with them, typically pink, yellow, purple, or black, are byproducts of their digestive process. The compounds they produce can diffuse into a textile and discolor it in a way that can't be removed simply by washing it.

Fungal spores will grow in any warm, moist location where they can find a food source. Keeping a fabric clean and removing any mold or mildew with diluted household bleach (only for bleach cleanable fabrics and only in the recommended ratio) will reduce the number of spores and food sources available to cause problems. Choosing designs that allow water to run off of a surface or escape from inside of a cushion will also help prevent mold and mildew from growing.


A mildew resistant fabric has not necessarily undergone any specific chemical treatments. The fibers themselves may inherently resist mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Unlike natural cellulose and protein fibers, petroleum-based products (polyester, nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene, for example) create environments that do not encourage the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria. Although a resistant fabric will not prevent such growth in the right conditions, it can minimize the severity of potential problems in hot and humid locations.


Fabrics treated with an antibacterial finish offer additional protection against bacteria and mold. These chemical finishes are designed to tackle the most persistent and resilient threats, but they are effective in combatting a wide range of microbes. Fabrics with antibacterial finishes may find purpose in all sorts of applications, including both indoor and outdoor environments, in hospitals and in homes.

Brentano's polyurethane faux leathers include an antibacterial finish that is added to the polyurethane compound before it is poured. The active component of the treatment is a silver ion that bonds to the substances bacteria need for respiration. This form of antibacterial finish is widely recognized as one of the least harmful for human health.


5710 Al Fresco

01 Crème Fraiche
02
Silverware
03
Agave
04
Champagne
05
Cappuccino
06
Mousse
07
Popsicle
08
Key Lime
7447 Apex

01 Alpine
02
Mogul
03
Freestyle
04
Black Diamond
05
Slalom
5700 Basketry

01 Cottonwood
02
River Cane
03
Raffia
04
Sweetgrass
05
Goldenseal
06
Blue Spruce
11
Black Ash
3966 Filigree

01 Lucite
02
Bakelite
03
Frosted Glass
04
Pearl
05
Lapis
06
Red Lacquer
07
Smoky Quartz
08
Onyx
7480 Flora

01 Strawflower
02
Gardenia
03
Waterlily
04
Chrysanthemum
05
Periwinkle
5711 Plein Air

01 Snow
02
Granite
03
Morning Sky
04
Sand
05
Riverstone
06
Potting Soil
07
Lagoon
7482 Rajah

01 Rattan
02
Rice Field
03
Borneo
04
Fire Dancer
05
Shadows
06
Sumatra
07
Batik
08
Nutmeg
3940 Scuba

01 Shell
02
Surf
03
Angelfish
04
Reef
05
Eel
06
Shrimp
07
Seaweed
08
Saltwater
09
Octopus
10
Stingray
11
Shipwreck
3901 Varsity

01 Dolphin
02
Hornet
03
Tiger
04
Devil
05
Bulldog
06
Dragon
07
Hawk
08
Shamrock
09
Bear
10
Comet
11
Panther
6105 Zinnia

01 Dreamland
02
Sunshine
03
Art Deco
04
Aztec
05
State Fair
06
Peppermint Stick
07
Profusion
08
Zowie
09
Sunbow