I received a series of emails and calls this week from two different fine fabric specialists about gross contamination of cushions on upholstery. Specifically vomit and urine.

In each case, a guest in the home was the source of the "contamination". The major difference in each was not the contaminant, but the type of fiber in the fabric, the value of the furnishing to the customer, and the risk the cleaners were taking.

In each case a high volume of body discharge saturated into the cushion foam, requiring the recommendation that the cushion foam be replaced. It's the easiest way to solve that part of the problem, more healthful, and the likelihood of success is the best.

However, that leaves the dilemma of how to treat the saturated upholstery fabric which retained absorbed quantities of the discharges without causing fabric damage.

Remember these key points if you are put into this position:

1. Never clean or treat cushion covers off the foam without a written, signed, thorough release that says that the covers WILL shrink and may not fit back onto the cushion foam. If they are synthetic, they may not shrink, but don't put yourself in the position of even saying "might". By saying the cushions WILL shrink, the customer has been told of the issue in the clearest possible fashion, and will only be that much more happy if they don't shrink and still fit!
    
2. Once you've made this clear, you could consider putting them back onto the new cushions before you treat and clean them. There is some risk of contaminating the new cushion foam, but not as much as the risk of shrinkage if the fabric is removed.
   
   In the case of synthetic fiber fabrics, saturate them with an enzyme deodorant, keep them damp for a day or two (in plant of course), then clean, extract, and dry them.
   
   In the case of natural fiber fabrics, the chance of shrinkage is nearly 100% if they are treated off of the cushion.  They might be steamed and stretched back to shape, but that's a lot of work, and the risk further damage (split seams and tearing) is significant.  
3. Remember that vomit often permanently stains natural fiber fabrics, as well as some synthetics, such as nylon.  The acids and proteins in the stomach, as well as the pigment in bile, are notoriously hard to remove from synthetics, yet alone natural fiber fabrics. We are more aware of how urine stains fabric, but vomit may indeed be worse.  
4. Your cleaning process should be as follows:

a. Clean the cushions to remove the loose contaminates.  An alkaline prespray would be best to neutralize the acids, so in the case of natural fiber fabrics, be sure to include risks of browning and fading in your prequalifications as well.
 
b. Next, treat the fabric with an enzyme deodorant, and allow to dry.  

c. After the odor is gone, you can address any remaining stains or browning accordingly

The treatment of furniture fabrics exposed to bodily discharges is time consuming, and very risky based on the "chemistry" of the discharge, and the volume of cleaning and deodorization solutions you'll need to use to treat the fabric. Make sure your customer assumes these risks, not you.

If you would like guidelines on how to communicate the risk of cleaning heavily contaminated fabrics, read the reverse side of our Upholstery Condition Inspection Report.

I have recently completed updating this Upholstery Condition Inspection Report, which since 1987 has been the only comprehensive such form in our industry. If you would like to check out this form, CLICK HERE. You can download a "proof set" as well as find out the price for bundles of 50 of these valuable 2 part NCR forms.

By the way, Friday, March 30th I will be hosting a "Problem & Solutions" workshop dealing with such just such challenges  --  if you are located anywhere near, don't miss it!