What You Can Do
Maintaining Your Fine Fabrics
Nearly 80% of soils on upholstered furniture are insoluble, which means that they do not dissolve in water or solvents. The reason that fabrics, especially pile fabrics, have so much dry particulate soil is because furniture fabric is rarely vacuumed. The best way to remove insoluble soils is by thoroughly vacuuming the furniture. Keeping your fabric clean will lengthen the life of your upholstered furniture.
Normal cleaning would encompass periodic cleaning (12-24 months) done by a trained technician using methods outlined in the IICRC S-300 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning. In between professional cleanings, we recommend vacuuming (every 2-6 weeks) of all upholstered surfaces to prevent dust and damaging soil build-up.
Spot Cleaning Your Upholstery Fabric
- Spot Cleaning should be done by blotting with a clean, warm, damp towel.
- Avoid over wetting natural fibers. It may cause yellowing or browning.
- Be very cautious using "Box Store" stain removers. They are often misused and can cause permanent damage. Always test color fastness in an inconspicuous area before using any stain removal product.
- NEVER SCRUB FABRIC with a towel, it may cause shading in the pile that is irreversible.
How To Clean Urine & Large Spill Accidents
- In the case of a large spill or urine accident, fold a full-size towel into a square and apply heavy pressure with your knees or knuckles to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Use as many fresh clean towels as needed until there is no transfer of moisture to the clean dry towel.
- Allow the fabric to completely dry before attempting to spot clean or applying any urine or odor treatments. Removing the cushion cover is not necessary.
- Use floor fans, ceiling fans, and/or anything available to accelerate the drying process.
How To Clean Ink Stains On Fabric
An ink line across the surface of fabric from a pen or marker will most likely be able to be 100% removed. Ink drip spots and larger quantity stains that have had a chance penetrate into the fabric are less likely to be completely removed.
- Use a cotton swab or a dry cloth towel to dab the ink spot to remove any excess liquid ink.
- Always use a new cotton swab or section of the towel after each blot. The ink can transfer back onto the fabric and make an even bigger mess.
- Use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to wet the cotton swab or cloth towel. Lightly blot the spot always using a new swab or a clean section of the towel.
- Do Not over wet the spot with the Isopropyl Alcohol. It will dilute the ink and make the stain larger and harder to remove.
- NEVER SCRUB FABRIC with a towel, it may cause shading in the pile that is irreversible.