Upholstery Care
Caring for Your Upholstery
Of utmost importance before cleaning any upholstery, one must identify the fabric. This is accomplished with a fiber identification “burn test.” Even though there are labels on the furniture as to fiber, content of stuffing and cleaning recommendations, our experience is the labels are unreliable and for the sake of liability do not recommend proper cleaning methods.
These are the main fabrics used for upholstered furniture:
- Wool
- Cotton
- Linen
- Rayon
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Acrylic
- Olefin
Wool, cotton and linen are natural fibers. Rayon is regenerated cellulose. The remaining fibers are synthetic.
These upholstery fabrics can vary in price, durability, colorfastness, flammability and stain resistance. Some are easy to clean, some are difficult, some require use of solvents to rinse and extract as opposed to water.
As to cleaning, most are best cleaned using hot-water extraction methods.
Of course, a test of the fabric in an inconspicuous area is always warranted and there are some exceptions to using water-based cleaning methods. For instance, Silk which does not tolerate water well has to be cleaned using a solvent extraction method. Haitian cotton, which is typically white, usually browns with the use of water. We use water to clean most natural fabrics like Haitain Cotton but add an additional step to reverse the browning. Some fabrics we do not use water at all especially if we test it and it is not colorfast (bleeds) or if it’s a silk products that does not tolerate water or heat.
After testing the fabric, the upholstered item to be cleaned should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove surface soiling. Also, we remove any loose pillows and use a vacuum attachment to clean cushion crevices. The more dust vacuumed up, the easier it is to clean your upholstery.
The second step to upholstery cleaning is to spray the upholstery with a color setting agent. This prevents any unforeseen bleeding that may occur during the cleaning or drying phase. Once the color setting agent is applied then the upholstery cleaning chemicals can be applied. As with carpet an adequate dwell time is necessary to emulsify oils and soil from the fibers. Agitation is also necessary to help loosen embedded materials followed by thorough hot water extraction. In most cases speed drying is appropriate which cuts the drying time in half and also prevents any bleeding problems from occurring.
Info on our 10 step upholstery cleaning process:
The Clean Living Co. is recognized as one of the most educated and experienced upholstery care companies in the Middle Tennessee area. Upon a thorough inspection, our technicians will determine the proper cleaning procedure for your specific fabric. We can also apply Fine Fabric Protector to ensure your fine fabrics continue to have lasting beauty between cleanings.
From heavily soiled to light cleaning, our 12 step cleaning process is designed to restore your furniture as close to its original condition as possible. We can clean all types of upholstery, even the most delicate of fabrics.
12 step process:
1. Pre-Inspection
Our technician will perform special tests to determine the content of your fabric. The content will determine what type of cleaning solutions and techniques will be used. We will also point out any potential permanent stains or areas of concern.
2. Step 2: Area Preparation
We will prepare the area where the upholstery will be cleaned to protect your surroundings.
3. Step 3: Pre-Vacuum
All fabrics should be vacuumed thoroughly before cleaning. This step will remove dry soil.
4. Step 4: Pre-Treat
After the fabric is tested, a special solution designed for your fabric type and the soiling condition will be applied to emulsify the soil.
5. Step 5: Pre-Spot
Difficult spots will be pre-treated with spotting solutions to increase chances of removal.
6. Step 6: Agitation
The fabric will then be gently agitated using soft terry towels to loosen soils.
7. Step 7: Rinse
The soil is then extracted from the fabric with a gentle, controlled rinse.
8. Step 8: Neutralize
The fabric is then pH balanced to maintain its soft feel.
9. Step 9: Post Spot
Spots remaining will be treated with special stain removal products.
10. Step 10: Post Groom
The upholstery will then be prepared for drying with a gentle combing of the fabric.
11. Step 11: Speed Dry
High velocity air movers will be placed on the upholstery to speed dry the fabric.
12. Step 12: Post Cleaning Inspection
Our technician will review the cleaning results with you to insure that your expectations have been met.