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The Secret to Solving This Most Common Upholstery Stain Problem!
One of the more common questions that I receive about upholstery cleaning is the appearance of yellow or brown discolorations on the headrests, arms, and cushions of synthetic fiber fabrics. This discoloration often remains after cleaning, and many cleaners are puzzled as to the nature of these stains.
What cleaners are often observing is staining from body oils that have oxidized and are stubbornly bound to the oil loving polyester and olefin fibers most often used in synthetic fabrics, such as microfibers.
This type of staining has been noticed by cleaners for years, but has become more common because of the explosion of microfibers into the marketplace. You might have also seen this yellow/brown discoloration in the traffic areas of olefin carpet where oily soils are tracked in from the outside.
In all such cases, this oily staining is not easily removable with most upholstery cleaning products.
There are two types of additives that have been helpful in removing the staining when used as boosters in upholstery preconditioning agents.
1. Solvent Boosters.
Most such products are made from d-limonene; often called "Citrus Solvents" or "Citrus Boosters". These products help to dissolve the oils that have bonded to fabric. Citrus solvents will not alter the pH of your preconditioning formula, but will increase its wetting potential, so be careful not to over apply.
2. Oxidizing Agents:
Powdered, non chlorine bleaches are commonly sold as cleaning boosters, and will help decolorize any remaining oily residues that have stained the fabric. These are also designed to be added to upholstery preconditioning products, and may also be compatible with solvent boosters so that both may be added together.
NOTE:
Never mix products together that are not formulated to be used in such a fashion, and always follow label directions! Do not attempt to be your own chemist!
After the mixture of your upholstery preconditioner and one or both additives have been applied, agitate gently and allow a few minutes of dwell time before extracting with an upholstery cleaning rinse agent.
This method should reduce the intensity of the yellow/brown stain, if not completely remove it. Your degree of success will be directly related to how long your customer has waited to have their furniture cleaned.
Encouraging your customer to have their furniture cleaned on a regular basis, instead of waiting until oils have bonded and perhaps permanently stained their valued belongings, is always recommended.
Coming Soon . . .
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Jim Pemberton's
Fabric Pro Upholstery Specialist Workshop
"Specialist" Course With Extensive "Hands On" Training
Class size is very limited for personal attention purposes, so register today.
Please Join Us Here - December 4 - 5, 2025 in McKeesport, PA
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