When an appointment is scheduled for a particular time please allow a margin of delay. When the temps reach upper 80's and certainly the 90's fatigue sets in quickly so a slower pace is a must. I will almost always call to tell you I am behind schedule. Of course it is also possible to be ahead of schedule.
Non soluble soils include particulates that do not dissolve in either water or solvent. Simple dirt, skin flakes, potato chips, crackers parts etc. These will vacuum out. Vacuum once a month the arm rest, cushions and deck for maintenance.
Water soluble soils are just that. Candy, spills, foods etc. While the main body of these soils are removable, food dyes often remain and require a delicate approach. Removal of dyes is a chemistry reaction. The same reaction can remove dye from the fabric also. A dyeless spot remains. The many types of fabrics and blends of fabrics pose a challenge so keep expectations low when faced with dye based spots. If the dye is removed you can celebrate.
Solvent soluble soils are oils of all types, inks, gum and there are many more. These soils will not dissolve in water, but, with an additive like a cleaning agent much as we do already for washing dishes these soils become dissolvable. In this fashion upholstery can be cleaned with moisture. Cont' on next blog.
Some afterthoughts to my earlier blog: In fairness to this fabrics care needs, should you decide that a pattern or weave strikes your favor. I suggest that when cleaning is needed, go with a carefully selected technician from a well researched upholstery cleaner using a dryclean method. It is rare that I make this recomendation. Cleaners work to remove three types of soils. 1) water soluble soils, 2) solvent soluble soils and 3) non soluble soils. My next blog will describe these and why I firmly believe in low moisture (water) cleaning.
Faux Suede sofas etc should be regularly cleaned. This material holds an enormous amount of soils before it even starts to look dirty. Regular vacuuming is a big help followed with annual professional cleaning to remove oils and spills. Do not use commercial spotters, instead use a tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup of water. Spray on and blot out , do not rub.
Over the past couple of years a few new fabrics have been showing up. One in particular called "Chenelle" has been a problem in that the cleaning of this fabric can leave trace marks from the low moisture cleaning tool. Removal of the mark requires hours of steam treatment and brushing. Chenelle feels wonderful and comes in a number of attractive weaves. It is a natural fiber blend of cotton and rayon, and features small "hairs" similar to a pipe cleaner. These hairs will distort, crush, and lay over which causes light to reflect differently from the material at the areas affected. This is especially true where your back and the back of your head rest against it. Obviously this can be unsightly. Beware of sales people pushing this fabric as it can cost hundreds of $'s to clean and will never look for long after use again like it did in the showroom.
