What is Antimicrobial Fabric?

Antimicrobial fabric is designed to reduce the growth of harmful microorganisms on your furniture. The fabric is treated with a silver-based solution, known for its natural antibacterial properties, which works to prevent the spread of bacteria, mildew, and odour-causing microbes.

The treatment process involves submerging the fabric in a silver ion solution and curing it to lock in the antimicrobial properties. This ensures that the protection remains intact, even after years of regular use and standard cleaning.

But here’s what it doesn’t do:
While antimicrobial fabric effectively prevents bacteria growth on its surface, it does not offer protection against viruses like influenza or COVID-19. It also doesn’t purify the air or eliminate airborne microbes.

However, the antimicrobial benefits are still significant. This fabric inhibits the growth of bacteria that can lead to issues like mildew, mould, and unpleasant odours—making it especially valuable for homes with pets, children, or individuals with allergies.

Antimicrobial Leathers

In addition to fabrics, La-Z-Boy offers antimicrobial leathers. These are treated with an antimicrobial coating that, like the fabric, resists bacteria, mould, and mildew. The treatment won’t wear off with regular use or cleaning, ensuring your leather furniture stays fresh and durable over time.

Is Antimicrobial Fabric Safe?

La-Z-Boy ensures that health-conscious furniture doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Our antimicrobial fabrics are available in a variety of colours, patterns, and textures to complement any home decor.

• 9 Fabric Colours – Ranging from soft neutrals like beige and grey to bold shades like deep blue and forest green.
• 5 Unique Patterns – Including tweeds, geometric prints, polka dots, and subtle textures for layering.
• Antimicrobial Leathers – Available in 10 colours, including classic shades like black, brown, and navy, as well as modern neutrals.

Mary Lee notes her personal favourite, “I love working with the Kaia polka dot fabric. It comes in blue, cream, and brick tones and adds a playful touch to accent chairs or ottomans. Plus, it’s soft to the touch and easy to clean—what more could you ask for?”

Cost of Antimicrobial Upgrade

The antimicrobial fabric is considered a premium upholstery option and, as such, comes with an additional cost. Pricing varies depending on fabric grade, the size of your furniture, and any added performance features.

Additional Performance Features:
Some antimicrobial fabrics also feature iClean technology (for stain resistance) or Pet Friendly attributes, which may increase the overall cost.

Fabric Grades & Pricing:

La-Z-Boy offers antimicrobial fabrics in several grades, from E-grade (basic) to P/S-grade (premium). Here’s a general pricing guide:

Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of February 25, 2025. Contact your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

Antimicrobial Cover Warranty

The Antimicrobial fabric is covered by La-Z-Boy’s manufacturer’s warranty. 

La-Z-Boy’s warranty protects your products from manufacturing defects, not accidents or normal wear associated with everyday use. Although La-Z-Boy upholstery, especially specialty performance covers, is high-quality and durable, nothing lasts forever. With regular use, they are susceptible to normal wear over time.

With this, the Antimicrobial covers are covered for 1 to 3 years. Antimicrobial receives the standard 1-year warranty, while the Antimicrobial iClean combo has a 3-year warranty. 

If you wish to have additional coverage that extends beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, you may consider La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston’s Furniture Protection Plan. At an additional cost, this plan extends your warranty coverage for 5 years. Within these 5 years span, La-Z-Boy will cover the cleaning or repair of accidental damage and stains. 

To learn more, check out Is La-Z-Boy’s Extended Warranty Service Plan Worth it?

Recommended Cleaning & Care Instructions

To avoid calling on the warranty, La-Z-Boy’s Antimicrobial fabric can be maintained with standard cleaning.

Here are some things we recommend doing to keep your antimicrobial covers in tip-top shape:

• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment to remove dust, crumbs, and debris.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a mild soap and distilled water mixture to clean spills. Gently blot with a soft cloth—no harsh scrubbing needed.
• Deep Cleaning: The antimicrobial treatment withstands standard cleaning processes, so you won’t wash away the protective benefits.

The antimicrobial finish resists stains, odours, and mildew, ensuring long-lasting freshness even in high-traffic areas.

Is Antimicrobial Right For You?

Because antimicrobial covers are a newer specialty cover from La-Z-Boy–especially antimicrobial leathers–some individuals may not know of its existence. With that being said, Antimicrobial covers might be something you didn’t know you needed!

Ultimately, Antimicrobial covers are beneficial for everyone. In this day and age, a self-operating technology that combats bacteria in your home is very appealing. 

More specifically, the Antimicrobial upgrade is ideal for the elderly and those with mobility issues or an injury. These clients tend to spend a significant amount of time in their recliner or lift chair in order to rest their joints and recover.  

With such time spent on a piece of furniture, the Antimicrobial upgrade ensures that bacteria and unwanted odour do not accumulate. 

Further, Antimicrobial covers are a great choice for homeowners with small children and animals. The technology will attack whatever bacteria your pup is carrying on his paws or the smell lingering from a smelly diaper. It will also ensure that the crumbs from your children’s snacks don’t turn into mould between your seat cushions. 

Finally, Antimicrobial is also ideal for those who suffer from allergies. Since the covers are non-allergenic, they will act against common allergens such as dust, mildew, and mould.