UPHOLSTERY CARE

To get an idea of just how much soil your furniture is exposed to, move a chair or desk and examine how fresh and new the carpet appears underneath.

As with carpets, regular maintenance is the key to a longer upholstery life.

Typically, most furniture and drapery fabric is synthetic. Detergents can vary in acidity, with those with a pH level of 8 being the most recommended. For fabrics which are prone to shrinkage, dry foams and evaporating solvents are available. The higher the cleaning solutions’ acidity level is, the more effective the detergent is. This holds true for a higher water temperature and moisture level as well.

Upholstery Maintenance

  • keep a regular cleaning program, as with carpet care

  • equipment should include a vacuum, wet/dry vac, cloths and detergents

  • attend to spills/spots right away

  • spot-test your fabric first, check with manufacturers’ instructions for cleaning

  • prevent stains before they happen

  • deep-clean at least twice a year, using a hot water extractor; fans or blowers can assist in the drying time

  • use an enzyme odor counteractant on mildew or smoke odor, as this approach can actually destroy the bacteria trapped in fabric