Proper maintenance and cleaning of upholstery fabrics are essential to prolong the life of furniture and keep it looking its best. But it can be daunting for homeowners to know where to start! A great resource Regal offers is this fabric care instructions page where you’ll find info on how your customers can care for everything from natural fibers to performance fabrics to outdoor fabrics.
In general, here are helpful tips on steps your customers can take when cleaning & maintaining their upholstery and soft home fabrics.
1. Understand Your Fabric
- Fabric Types: Common upholstery fabrics include natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool), synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, acrylic), and blends.
- Fabric Properties: Each type of fabric has unique properties that influence its durability, stain resistance, and cleaning requirements.
2. Perform Regular Maintenance
- Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming prevents dirt and debris from becoming embedded in the fabric. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damage.
- Rotation: Rotate and flip cushions regularly to ensure even wear and tear.
- Sunlight Protection: Keep furniture out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration of non-outdoor fabric.
3. Quickly Spot Clean Spills
- Immediate Action: Address spills and stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting.
- Blotting: Blot (don’t rub) the spill with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Mild Solutions: Use a mild detergent solution (1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 1 cup of water) for most fabrics. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
4. Maintain Fabric with Deep Cleaning
- Professional Cleaning: For a thorough clean, consider professional upholstery cleaning services, especially for delicate or heavily soiled fabrics.
- Steam Cleaning: Some synthetic fabrics can be cleaned using a steam cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test a small area first.
- Dry Cleaning: Fabrics like silk or those labeled “S” for solvent-based cleaning should be dry-cleaned. Avoid water-based cleaning solutions for these materials.
5. Specific Fabric Care Tips
- Pure Solvents Dry Cleaning:
- Clean this fabric with pure solvents (petroleum distillate-based products). Professional dry cleaning is recommended.
- Caution: Use of water-based or detergent-based solvent cleaners may cause excessive shrinking. Water stains may become permanent and unable to be removed with solvent cleaning agents.
- To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing, to remove dust and grime, is recommended.
- Regal outshine Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics (RAY COLLECTION ONLY):
- Remove any loose debris and blot the stain.
- Prepare a bleach-based cleaning solution: Bleach should be diluted with water on a 1:4 ratio.
- Apply the bleach-based cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle and allow for the solution to soak into fabric.
- Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.
- Blot and thoroughly rinse fabric with water until the stain is cleaned, making sure all bleach is rinsed off the surface of the fabric.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
- Regal Performance Fabrics:
- No harsh cleaners like bleach are required. Liquids will bead up without penetrating the fabric and can be removed by blotting as quickly as possible with a clean, absorbent cloth.
- Any residual discoloration can be removed by gently rubbing the area with a damp cloth.
- For more difficult stains like ground-in dirt or food, brush off any dried residue with a soft brush and then gently clean the area with a mixture of water and mild detergent, followed by lightly rinsing with clean water.
- Kindred Line Washed & Washable Fabrics:
- The best care instructions are still “S – Pure Solvents Dry Cleaning” but the major difference with Washed & Washable fabrics is that you can gently wash these in cold water and air dry without worrying about shrinkage.
- Faux Leathers & Foil-Stamped Fabrics:
- Clean this fabric with water-based cleaning agents or water-based foam to remove overall soil. Many household cleaning agents are harmful to the color and life of a fabric, spot test before cleaning.
- Dry cleaning is not recommended, it may damage the unique finish of this fabric.
- To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing, to remove dust and grime, is recommended.
6. When to Choose DIY vs. Professional Fabric Cleaning:
- DIY Cleaning: Suitable for regular maintenance and minor stains. Ensure you follow fabric-specific guidelines to avoid damage.
- Professional Cleaning: Recommended for deep cleaning, delicate fabrics, and persistent stains. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle complex cleaning tasks.
Maintaining and cleaning upholstery fabrics properly ensures your customers’ investment remains attractive and comfortable for years – educate them with these guidelines to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty!
