Avoid these Four Expensive Mistakes with Upholstery Fabric Protector

While most information shared in our industry about protector has been about carpet, it is very important to note that upholstery fabrics as well as area rugs are far more likely than carpet to be permanently stained by spills.

It's therefore arguably more important to apply protector to upholstery and area rugs than it is to carpet. 

"Fabric Protectors help prevent permanent staining on upholstery and area rugs”                                                                                                                       

With that said, its equally important to know that there are risks in applying protector to upholstery and are rugs, especially fine fabrics made from natural fibers and blends, that you may not have considered:

1. Over Wetting: 
   Every skilled upholstery cleaner knows that the control of moisture during cleaning, and the removal of it afterward with extraction and drying fans is critical. Over wetting and slow drying can cause problems and damage claims, such as bleeding, browning, water marks, shrinkage, and odors.

The application of a water based protector could leave just enough extra moisture to cause these problems. If you choose to apply such a protector, be cautious when the fabric you wish to apply it to is susceptible to any of the above problems from slow drying.

2. Texture Change: 
   Water based protectors may cause stiffening of soft textures, such as chenille or velvet.  The harsh hand may be corrected by brushing the fabric after it dries, but even brushing will not restore a texture change to velvet or chenille made from rayon, viscose, silk, or acetate.
   
   
3. Damage From Solvent Based Protector: 
   Many cleaners avoid the problems listed above by using solvent based protectors.  While most of these problems will not occur when solvent based products are applied, its important to note that some laminated microfiber fabrics can experience delamination from solvent based protectors, and a few print fabrics may bleed when exposed to solvents, whether in cleaning or after the application of protector.

Careful inspection of fabrics before you apply protector will help you to avoid this problem.

4. Color Change and Texture Changes on New Fabrics:
   Many designers are looking for partners to apply protector to new fabric, so you might be asked to apply protector by your customer on their new fabrics.
   
   You should also bring up fabric protection when you notice high value (and likely difficult to clean) furniture in your customer's home. This is usually a very safe procedure, and one that can be good for you and your customer.   

However, it is possible that the application of protector on new upholstery will leave a color or texture change that would not be easily noticed on older, freshly cleaned fabric.  Solvent based protectors may slightly darken fabrics, and water based protectors could cause texture change.  Due to the fact that the furniture is new, your customer is more likely to notice the most subtle changes.

However, protector remains a VERY valuable service for your customers. Preventing unsightly stains that even the best skilled cleaner cannot remove is likely more important to your customers than some of the previously listed issues.

Nevertheless, you must protect yourself and your company's bottom line by understanding the products you apply, following safe and sensible procedures, and giving your customer fair warning of risks that might be involved in having protector applied.

Once your customer is helped to understand why you as the professional will be choosing to clean it in the way your tests, inspection, and experience dictates, you have a far better chance of a successful result, and that your customer will be pleased.