WarGuard and OnGuard: What Warwick's Fabric Protection Means for Your Cushions

Quick answer: WarGuard is Warwick's stain-resistance treatment built into selected upholstery fabrics during manufacturing. OnGuard is a separate Warwick treatment that adds liquid repellency and antimicrobial protection, applied to order. Both are water-based and free of PFOA and PFOS, according to Warwick. Blot spills quickly with a damp white cloth and mild white soap; never rub.

Kids, pets, dinner parties: indoor cushions see a lot of spills. Our fabric partner Warwick, the Australian textile house, offers two kinds of protection on its upholstery fabrics, WarGuard and OnGuard. Here is what each one does, based on Warwick's own guides, and what it means when you order a cushion.

What is WarGuard?

WarGuard is Warwick's stain-resistance treatment. It is built into the fabric during manufacturing and forms an invisible barrier around each fibre, so everyday spills sit on the surface long enough to blot away. Warwick describes it as water-based, solvent-free and free of fluorochemicals including PFOA and PFOS. It is offered on selected Warwick upholstery ranges, and Warwick says the protection lasts through up to five professional cleans when the care label is followed. Read Warwick's full guide: WarGuard Explained.

Warwick lists ranges such as Norden, Delray, Narla and Camber among its WarGuard fabrics. We make cushions in all four: Norden, Delray, Narla and Camber. Protection can vary by range and colour, so check the fabric details or email us before you order if it matters for your project.

What is OnGuard?

OnGuard is a separate Warwick treatment that combines liquid repellency with antimicrobial protection. Liquids bead on the surface instead of soaking through to the foam underneath. Warwick applies it to order on most of its upholstery fabrics, which adds about 15 working days before the fabric is ready. Warwick describes OnGuard as water-based, free of PFOA and PFOS, and OEKO-TEX certified. Read more: OnGuard Explained.

If you want OnGuard on a cushion project, for example a busy café banquette or a holiday rental, email us before ordering so we can confirm availability and timing for your fabric.

WarGuard or OnGuard: quick comparison

How to clean a protected cushion

1. Act quickly, before the spill sets.
2. Blot with a clean, damp white cloth. Don't rub or scrub.
3. For marks, use a little mild white soap and water in gentle circles.
4. Let it air dry, away from direct heat.
5. For stubborn stains, use a professional upholstery cleaner and tell them the fabric is treated.

Protection makes spills easier to deal with, but it doesn't make fabric stain-proof. Oil-based stains are the hardest to shift, so treat them straight away.

Want a wipe-clean surface instead?

For dining chairs and kitchen banquettes that see daily spills, Warwick's Lustrell Charisma faux leather wipes clean with a damp cloth. See our Lustrell Charisma colour ideas, or compare fabrics in our Sunbrella or Warwick guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between WarGuard and OnGuard?

WarGuard is a stain-resistance treatment built into selected Warwick fabrics during manufacturing. OnGuard is applied to order and adds liquid repellency and antimicrobial protection.

Are WarGuard and OnGuard safe?

Warwick describes both as water-based and free of PFOA and PFOS, and says OnGuard is OEKO-TEX certified. Check Warwick's product pages for the full details.

How do I clean a WarGuard fabric cushion?

Blot spills straight away with a damp white cloth, use a little mild white soap for marks, air dry, and use a professional cleaner for stubborn stains.

Which Warwick fabrics have WarGuard?

Warwick lists ranges such as Norden, Delray, Narla and Camber. Protection can vary by range, so check the fabric details or ask us before you order.