Sunday, November 1, 2009

Extending the life of your Fine fabrics



How to Care for Your Upholstery & Draperies

Rotate all loose cushions frequently to assure even wear. Vacuum dust & dirt from all fabric, cracks & crevasses. By far, Fabric Protection is the best possible way to extend the life of your upholstery.
- Vacuum often to reduce grit that can cause abrasion.
- Reverse loose cushions weekly for even wear.
- Protect from the sun. Ultraviolet light can cause deterioration.
- Keep Pets off of furniture. Pet's body oils rub off and are very difficult to remove.
- Use caution with clothing such as Blue Jeans. Fabric dyes can transfer onto upholstered furniture.
All upholstered furniture will become soiled through use. Most spills & soil on fabric protection treated upholstery will clean easily and quickly provided that the proper cleaning procedures are followed. A fabric protection application is not an absolute impenetrable barrier and improper cleaning methods can damage both the fabric and the treatment.
Blot (don't rub) spills immediately with a clean absorbent cloth while spill is still fresh. Dried spills are more difficult to remove.
Identify the cleaning code for your type of fabric. This is very important to determine the type of cleaner to use.
Always read & follow the instructions on the cleaning agent.
Use distilled water with the cleaning agent if water is called for (W & WS Codes Only)
Pretest any cleaner on any fabric in a hidden area. Check for Color fastness and fabric compatibility.
Keep a small spill small. Work lightly, blotting from center to the edges. "Feather" the edges by dampening edges irregularly and blotting quickly to avoid rings.
Quickly dry a cleaned spot using a small fan or blow dryer on low.
Professional Fabric Protector After your fabric is cleaned, it will need to be protected. Fabric Protector keeps keep your fabric cleaner longer and helps avoid permanent staining. Don’t leave your fabric unprotected. The protector will be sprayed evenly onto the fabric and brushed in. Your next cleaning will be more effective as the protector will “encapsule” body oils and soils that accumulate on the fabric. When it is cleaned, more soil will be removed as a result of the treatment.