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Methods Currently Used by Cleaning Professionals
Jim Pemberton
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING ANY CLEANING METHODS:
Because of the inconsistency in soiling, age and manufacturing of upholstery fabric, as well as the inconsistancy of equipment, tools, cleaning agents and skill level of cleaning technicians, none of the listed methods can be considered fool proof or safe at all times.
Even the most experienced cleaning professional is vulnerable to new fabircs which may look great in the showroom, but may be easily damaged by usually reliable tools and cleaning systems!
Every fabric being cleaned should be tested with the products you intend to use. Practice these methods on cushions that have been discarded by an upholsterer and continue to practice until you feel skilled. Then still test!
Jim Pemberton is an authority on upholstery cleaning topics and has contributed numerous articles on the subject to publications industry wide.
The following guidelines are offered by Jim as a basic overview of the many skills required of a truly professional "Fine Fabric Cleaning Professional". CLICK FOR METHODS
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When Dark Colored Fabrics "Water Mark"
Jim Pemberton
Most articles about water marks ("water stains" "rings") discuss how sizing that is dissolved by spills or spotting creates stains in the form of a ring that can be challenging to remove. Most water stains of this type encountered by cleaners are seen on white and light colored fabric. . . .
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Urine Treatment on Fine Fabrics: What Defines Success?
Jim Pemberton
I had an exchange of emails and phone calls with a fine fabric specialist from California last week regarding urine damage on a high end natural fiber chenille fabric. The way that he handled it was so instructive that I would like to share it step by step with you. . . .
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Upholstery Spot Removal Warnings
Jim Pemberton
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!) . . .
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"Suede? UltraSuede? Nubuck?"
Jim Pemberton, Textile Pro
Consumers are in love with soft textures today. Upscale consumers purchase chenille to such a large extent that some designers recommend some type of it exclusively. However, for many people there are other alternatives in upholstery fabric to give the "soft texture" that is so much in demand today. . . .
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"Oh, I Washed The Cushions Already!"
Jim Pemberton
I am often contacted by cleaners who are frustrated when their customer washes a cushion cover (after removing it from the cushion foam) in the wash and expecting them to match the results on the body of the furniture. This is especially difficult with off white fabrics made from natural fibers. Here are some of the issues that the customer MUST understand. . . .
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Four Challenges Faced by Fine Fabric Restoration Specialists
Jim Pemberton
In this article, I point out some unique challenges that fire and water create, and that must be understood before you take your fine fabric cleaning skills and expand them into fine fabric restoration skills. While the scope of this article cannot make anyone an expert at restoring smoke damaged fabrics, here are a few tips that should help. . . .
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Opportunities for Fine Fabric Restoration Specialists
Jim Pemberton
The restoration of soft content items after smoke damage is an art that is not well understood by most fire damage restoration contractors today. Years back, when the restoration industry was served mostly by cleaning companies that grew into the restoration business, the cleaning and restoration of soft content items, specifically upholstered fabrics, was often done successfully. . . .
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To Bleach or Not To Bleach?
Jim Pemberton
The ideal situation to be in is where you educate your customer to have white and dye sensitive natural fiber fabrics cleaned BEFORE abusive conditions make the use of a bleach additive desirable. Remind them that using a method that uses mild detergents and low moisture will preserve colors and texture and leave their furniture as close to "new condition" as is possible. . . .
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Beware of Down Filled Cushions!
Jim Pemberton
They may harbor hidden color change challenges for you. This an another "unintended consequences" issue. Because of new consumer safety laws, the use of flame retardants in residential upholstery fabrics is becoming more widespread, which is a good thing. . . .
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Removing Spots Can Cost You Big Money!
Jim Pemberton
Cleaners who become respected as Fine Fabric Specialists will invariably be asked by furniture stores, designers, fabric protection companies, and of course by their customers to "just take the spot out". . . .
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It's Not Your Problem!
Jim Pemberton
STOP RIGHT NOW! Graveyards are full of heroes! Before you let your emotions lead you down some very dangerous paths, think about what you are about to do. Most of the problems listed require strong chemicals, aggressive mechanical action, and somewhat risky procedures that could cause even more damage than the original problem. . . .
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Upholstery Pet Odor Removal Challenges
Jim Pemberton
The challenge to the upholstery cleaner is that most carpet deodorization processes require a great deal of water to remove the source of the odor and to deliver the deodorizing treatment to the contaminated area. To prevent these problems in treating upholstery fabrics... . . .
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Spot Cleaning Silk Fabric Wall Covering
Jim Pemberton
As a Fine Fabric Specialist, you will find opportunities to clean or spot clean fabric covered walls in both homes and commercial establishments. In many cases, the fiber commonly used in such fabrics is silk, and such wall coverings can be found anywhere from homes to professional offices to resorts. . . .
keep reading
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February 2012
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Clean Tip Archives
