The
useful life of an upholstered piece can be increased if the consumer
follows a few simple rules. It is very important that a fabric be
chosen that is appropriate for its intended use.
For example, if velvet covers are available in cotton, nylon, and
olefin, the nylon velvet might be appropriate for a large family
for use in high traffic areas. The olefin velvet could also take
heavy use and would be an excellent choice for humid climates where
mildew could be a problem.
On the other hand, the cotton velvet has less abrasive and soiling
resistance qualities and might therefore be more appropriate for
areas with moderate activity. The appearance of cotton or cotton
blends would most likely be more appealing to the eye.
Vacuuming
Weekly
vacuuming or light brushing helps to remove soil and prevents the
embedding of dirt or grime between fibers which can increase abrasion
and wear.
Cushion
Turning
The
life of upholstered cushions can be increased through periodic turning.
The weekly reversing of loose cushions will allow even distribution
of wear over long periods of time.
Fabric
Protection
Fabric
protectors help to increase the useful life of an upholstered piece
by protecting fabrics from soil and stains.
A protective finish does not eliminate the necessity of properly
caring for fabrics. It modifies the absorbency and soil removal
characteristics of a fabric. It does not put a “plastic cover”
on it. Loose dirt should be vacuumed and brushed away before it
becomes embedded and more difficult to remove. Spills and stains
should be cleaned away quickly following manufacturer’s care
code instructions.
Fabric
Cleaning
Many
furniture fabrics now carry the furniture industry’s cleanability
code adopted in 1969. It gives the consumer information about the
proper methods to clean specific fabrics. There are four letters
in the code, immediately followed by care instruction. The code
letters are W, S, W-S, and X.
Permanent care labels will normally be found under the seat cushion
of new furniture. When selecting fabric for the re-upholstery of
furniture, the cleaning code is generally located on the first or
second page from the back cover, or the back of the fabric swatch.
Interior Decorators or Upholsterers can also assist you with this
information. Contact us if have difficulty in locating the cleaning
code. We can give it to you, but we need the name of the distributor,
and the pattern name. When spot cleaning, it is always a good idea
for consumers to first pretest for discoloration and shrinkage on
an inconspicuous part of the furniture. When overall cleaning is
required, professional cleaning will often achieve the most satisfactory
results. Never remove cushion covers or arm caps for separate cleaning.
This may destroy the backing, cause shrinkage or color changes.
Code
“W”
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to
remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean using a mild water-free
solvent or dry cleaning agent such as a mild detergent or non-solvent
upholstery shampoo product. Apply foam with a soft brush in a circular
motion. Vacuum when dry. Pretest a small area before proceeding.
Use a professional furniture cleaning service when an overall soiled
condition has been reached.
Code
“S”
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to
remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean using a mild water-free
solvent or dry cleaning product containing carbon tetrachloride
which is highly toxic. As an alternative, Energine Cleaning fluid
is recommended. Pretest a small area before proceeding. Use a professional
furniture cleaning service when an overall soiled condition has
been reached.
Code
“W-S”
To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to
remove dust and grime is recommended. Spot clean using a mild solvent,
an upholstery shampoo, or the foam from a mild detergent. When using
a solvent or dry cleaning product, follow instructions carefully
and clean only in a well ventilated room. Avoid any product which
contains carbon tetrachloride which is highly toxic. Energine Cleaning
fluid is recommended as an alternative. With any method, always
pretest a small area before proceeding. Use a professional furniture
cleaning service when an overall soiled condition has been reached.
Code
“X”
Clean this fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to prevent
accumulation of dust or grime. Water-based foam cleaners or solvent
based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking,
staining or distortion of the surface pile and, therefore, should
not be used.
