Why Can't We Find an Upholstery Cleaning Specialist?

I received a call this week that made me ponder the question “Where have all the upholstery specialists gone?”

A representative of a large and well respected moving claims repair business contacted me to ask where they could find a cleaner who could handle fine fabric upholstery cleaning requests.  This company handles claims when moving companies damage furnishings during pick up, transportation, or delivery of those items.  What is usually needed is someone who can remove soiling from items brushing against dirty door jambs, water stains from leaks in storage areas or trucks, or crushing of soft textures.

What this company, and companies like them, find is that most cleaning companies only want to clean “safe and easy to clean” fabrics, and so they turn down most of the work they are called upon to do.

In this specific case, I struggled to find someone who could fit their needs in the major metropolitan area that they service.  The individual I did find is nearing retirement age, with no one prepared to replace him once he leaves the industry.

So I asked my self again: “Why?”

  Through the 1970's and into the 1980's every community had a cleaner (or two) who specialized in higher value, delicate fabrics. These cleaners were paid very well for their work, and had constant referrals from furniture stores, designers, fabric protection specialists and upholsterers.

In the years since, however, there are fewer and fewer cleaners willing (or even capable) to clean high value, or sensitive, delicate textiles.

Why has this occurred?

In my opinion, there are 3 key reasons why this situation exists today, and this is how I see them:

#1 - Carpet  and hard surface cleaning has become comparatively easy, especially when compared with upholstery cleaning! The time, effort, and risks involved in cleaning delicate upholstery fabrics are such that many cleaners just don't want to bother with fine fabrics when there is so much easier work that they can do.  

#2 - Upholstery cleaning professionals are faced with fewer "Problem Fabrics" than in the past! Synthetic fabric upholstered furniture is predominately preferred by consumers when furnishing homes with kids, pets, and seniors. This means that there is enough “easy to clean” upholstery that a company might be willing to do so that when “problem fabrics” arise, its just easier to say “no”.
  
#3 – Our Industry wide focus & growth of certification courses that tend to be lecture and demonstration oriented in a classroom setting. There is no question that the focus of the professional cleaning industry on certification classes has helped a wide variety of cleaners become competent in upholstery care. However, these courses are designed for ”line technicians only, with the focus on “why” and "the test", rather than the “How to” and "Hands-on" of craftmanship training! 

In addition, the necessary structural requirements of the certification course allows little to no time for any true hands-on training in the standard two day format. Certification training structure rarely contain in depth hands on cleaning soiled and stained natural fiber fabrics and problem solving techniques that will make certain the attendees business stand out as a fine fabric cleaning specialist  in their marketplace.

How Can You Benefit From This ?

Moving companies, interior designers, fabric protection applicators and furniture stores need a “go to person” to help them when things go wrong.  NOTE: They aren't interested in finding someone to refer cleaning work to! What they DO need the person who can make an irate customer happy again when delivery or storage issues cause marks or stains. 

You must know, not just how to clean these fabrics, but how to remove stains, restore texture, and bring the fabric back to “pre-accident/damage” condition.

     “Would you be afraid to clean these chairs?”                           

These trends mean that, in your market place, once again there exists a great opportunity for a cleaning company who wants to be a specialist in high value and/or delicate, hard to clean fabrics.

Additionally, if they can trust you with their high value pieces, they certainly will look to you when they need a professional to provide needed services for the rest of their valued household assets.

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Cam Mayville's Intensive Hands On Rug Training

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Hosted by Michael Mussallem in Jacksonville, FL

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Contact to Register: Cam Mayville 402-510-0775

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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.

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