There are four primary professional methods of cleaning upholstery. There are variations of these methods, but from the consumers perspective it is only important to understand the primary methods, as this is what determines what results the consumer might expect and what the cleaning cost will be. All four methods are beneficial in the removal of allergens and require extensive knowledge of how to use the right tool for the method. Using all 4 methods and many variations and combinations customers get the best possible result, which they deserve.
Steam Cleaning/Hot Water Extraction - Steam cleaning or hot water extraction are one and the same thing. This is a process which hot water (not steam), detergents, and/or rinsing agents are injected (sprayed) into the fabric and simultaneously extracted from the fabric for maximum soil, stain, and allergen removal. When the steam cleaning process was first invented some 25 or 30 years ago, live steam was used. It was later realized that live steam (250 degrees or higher) was not effective or safe as hot water. Through the years the name steam cleaning was kept for easy consumer identification. If this method is applicable for the fabric you select (example: oliphin), you can get good constant cleaning results as seen in the picture below.
Low Moisture/Shampoo/Dry Foam - This procedure can be done with the use of special dry foam extraction machinery or just as effectively by hand. This type of cleaning is used on delicate fabrics (example: cotton chintz). The shampoo is applied to the fabric, and then it is lightly agitated with a special soft brush or natural sponge to gently work the detergent into the fabric to loosen the soils. This method is quite effective on certain fine fabrics. The visual cleaning effects are not as dramatic as steam cleaning, but in most cases are acceptable. The cost is similar to steam cleaning. Due to the nature of the fabric, this process may be the only safe option. The other option is to use a low moisture dry foam-cleaning machine. This machine has a built-in vacuum system for very effective fine fabric cleaning. Either of these two methods will work well on these specialty fabrics.
Very Low Moisture For Cleaning Delicate Fabrics - This type of cleaning is for a select group of highly moisture sensitive fabrics. Haitian Cotton would be one of these fabrics. These are fabrics that need a water base procedure with almost no moisture. This process is used on certain natural fibers. No machine should be used in this case. The driest part of the foam is applied by hand with a natural sponges and dried by hand with a white cotton towel. Due to the nature of such fabrics, it is extremely critical that the fabric be dry when the technician has completed the cleaning. If left at all wet, damage can occur as it finishes drying. The results of this method can be rather poor and quite costly. Only an I.I.C.R.C. certified professional cleaner should attempt this procedure. Another method of cleaning this type of fabric is Solvent Dry Cleaning. This technique still must be done by hand with no machine. Most soils on upholstery are water based soils. In many cases these soils cannot be completely removed, leaving the fabric clean but still with a dark soiled appearance. The end result of this procedure might be less than acceptable to you. Any cleaning process can only go as far as the fabric allows. Go further and damage can occur.
Solvent Dry Cleaning - Solvent Dry Cleaning is exactly what the name implies. It is cleaning done with a dry solvent. The solvent used is Odorless Mineral Spirits which can applied using two methods. The first is with a special solvent extraction machine. This technique works extremely well for cleaning all types of drapery treatments right on the wall. With this procedure, there is never any shrinkage or damage, no matter how old or sun faded they are. Much like steam cleaning, the solvent is mixed with different additives and detergents and injected (sprayed) into the fabric and immediately extracted out into a self-contained tank in the machine. These solvent base additives aid in the removal of a wide variety of allergens and solvent based soils. The second procedure involves applying the solvent by hand. Some fabrics may be too fragile for the suction from the vacuum part of the machine. When properly performed, the results can be fair to excellent with both methods dependent on the type and severity of the soils.
My name is Bruce Jackson. I have been in the fabric care industry for over 35 years. My company, Jolly Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners, Inc. cleans all types of surfaces. Please visit our website for a wealth of information http://www.jollycarpetcleaners.com
Velvet, Linen & Tweed Fabrics : Fabrics: Vintage Upholstery Fabric
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Clear Vinyl Chair Protectors - Set of 2 (Clear) Fits Chairs up to 21" x 21" (Actual Size 26" X 25 3/4")
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Mighty Mendit
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Multi-Purpose Sanitizing Portable Steamer with Attachments (BLUE)
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Christopher Lowell's Seven Layers of Design [VHS]
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Wagner 915 1,500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer and Cleaner
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3m Scotchgard? Fabric Protector 4101D
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OLFA 9654 RTY-2/DX 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
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Textile Mills and Cotton Plants Illuminated in Vintage Movie: The Greater Goal DVD (1953)
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Textiles and Fabrics in Historical Manufacturing Movie: How Textile Mills are Modernizing DVD (1958)
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