Holiday gatherings always increase the likelihood of spills in the home. At these times its vitally important to remember that fine fabric upholstery cannot be treated like carpet or clothing, and that more damage is caused by attempts to remove spots than the spots themselves.

Here are a few tips to share with your customers (and to remember yourself!)

1. IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS CRITICAL! Spots that are taken care of within seconds or minutes are far more likely to be removed than those that are attempted within hours or days (or weeks!)
2. ABSORBTION FIRST! Gently (GENTLY!) blot any spill, of any sort, with a clean, white absorbent cloth immediately.  If the fabric is made of synthetic fibers or if its natural fiber fabric that has been treated with a high quality fabric protector, the entire spot may be completely removed by this process.
3. WATER IS THE BEST SOLVENT! Most spot removers are needed for spots that have been allowed to dry and have absorbed deeply into the fabric.  After blotting, using a cloth dampened with clear, cool water will often be very effective in removing spots that have been left behind after the use of dry, absorbent towels.
4. USE A SPOTTER MADE FOR FABRICS: Resist the urge to use (or recommend the use of) “over the counter” household spotters and cleaners.  Such products may be safe for carpet, but rarely for fine fabrics.  If your customer is not sure that their fabric will not be harmed by any detergent, they should await your visit.  It would be best if they have on a hand a spotter that you have provided them previous to the accident, and that you've already showed them how to use it.

When in doubt, if your customer simply stops after attempting to just absorb the spot or at most use cool water, they will do nothing to make your job more difficult when you arrive to follow whichever spotting and cleaning procedures are safe for the fabric.

If you noticed, the two most important parts of successful removal of spots from fine fabrics are:

1. Fabric Protector
2. Professional Quality Spotter

Cleaning professionals who care about their customers make sure to recommend fabric protector to their customers.  The profit you are allowed to make by this application is only a fraction of the value the protector offers your customer if it saves them costly replacement because of unsightly stains.

Just as important, you should always take the time to show your customer how to use a spotter that is safe for their fabric, and that you have provided them free of charge as a gesture of good will (and good business).

Never overlook the fact that a few moments of explanation along with a  demonstration of such a product will not only help your customer protect their investment but also remind them that you are a service professional who has their interests at heart, and whom they should continue to call for their future cleaning needs.

P.S. If you're not aware already, Lisa Wagner and I have developed a serious training program for those who want to become specialists in rug and fine fabric care. It's not the typical sit in a classroom and get powerpointed to death course. It's limited to those who want to be the best in the craft in their region. We have just begun choosing the companies we will work with in 2012, so if any of my CleanTip readers are interested in more details, please send an email to textilepros@gmail.com with "more information" in the subject line. Have a wonderful holiday, and perhaps we will be working together in the new year.