DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Microfibers are ultra-fine manufactured fibers with a diameter size of less than 1.0 denier a unit of fineness for yarn about one hundred times finer than a human hair. Over over 200,000 strands of microfiber fit in every square inch.

Fabrics made from these extra-fine fibers have some excellent qualities--they feel smooth, they are incredibly soft, and they are extremely durable. I'll tell you, though, I don't like the way they feel. As soft and as smooth as they are, they still feel like plastic next to my skin. I much prefer natural fibers.

A specific type of microfiber is used for cleaning cloths, which gives it the ability to pick up dust and dirt without use of toxic cleaning products. The fibers are split in such a way as to create microscopic "hooks" which act as claws that scrape up and hold dust, dirt, and grime like a magnet without scratching the surface. They also absorb water--up to seven times their weight. Some consider microfiber cleaning cloths to be better for the environment because they dramatically reduce the use and disposal of toxic chemical cleaning products. And they are so durable, a microfiber cleaning cloth can be rinsed and re-used countless times-- known to still be effective after five hundred uses and washings.

When choosing any product, we always have to weigh the environmental and health benefits against the harm. In this case, the down side is that they are made with synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, which are made from petrochemicals. Microfibers are not made from a renewable resource and they are not biodegradable. They are better than toxic chemical cleaners, but they are still a plastic that persists in our ecosystems.

Whether or not the specific microfibers in sofa materials are treated with chemicals depends on the specific selection of fabric. I wasn't able to find any information on finishes applied specifically to microfibers. There may not be any. One of the characteristics of microfibers is that certain types are water-repllent even without a finish--perfect for resisting spills on upholstery.

Leather alternatives are made out of soft vinyl. In general, soft vinyls will outgas the plasticizers used to make and keep them soft. This is the case with polyester microfibers too.

Regarding your desire to use vegan alternatives, I would suggest cotton or linen upholstery rather than plastic vinyl or microfiber alternatives. I have looked at some of the vegan products and while they are animal-free, they are made from toxic plastic instead. Since the manufacture of toxic products affects the entire ecosystem, animals are being affected as well when we use toxic products.

Debra :-)