Upholstery fabrics often have coatings of various materials applied to the backing by the manufacturer. This material is used to ensure a supple hand to some fabrics, provide weave stabilization to other fabrics, or to prevent raveling or fraying problems.

Regardless of the weave that these coatings are applied to, it is crucial that the cleaning technician test and inspect these coatings carefully. Some back coating materials are soluble in dry solvents, others in wet cleaning detergents, and some crumble with age and may be affected by excessive pressure or vacuum. If back materials are damaged during cleaning, the fabric may be stained yellow with the backing material. This type of staining is difficult, if not impossible to remove.

Follow these steps to avoid costly problems with fabric back coatings:

1. Inspect all furniture to be cleaned to determine if there is a back coating present. This can most easily be done by unzipping a cushion and looking for what appears to be a latex-like material coating the entire back side of the fabric. Be suspicious of any backing that is crumbling or yellowish in appearance.
   
   If the back coating is beginning to crumble, avoid high vacuum/high pressure cleaning methods, such as using truck mount upholstery tools. If the backing is severely deteriorated, DO NOT use any spray and extract method, but use only dry foam and towel extraction.
    

2. Test the back coating for solubility in your wet or dry cleaning material. Avoid using any product that makes the back coating begin to dissolve or feel sticky. This is especially important when heavy preconditioning or spotting is necessary, or when using a solvent barrier method that requires saturating the fabric with solvent before wet cleaning.

If you are already in the habit of carefully testing and inspecting the fabrics that you clean, this will become simply another area to consider before cleaning. This issue also reinforces the importance of knowing alternate cleaning methods in order to safely and effectively clean your customers' fabrics.