Fabric Care/Cleaning

FABRIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS

In just about every case, it is professional treat stains in order to minimize undesirable consequences. But for those clients who insist on tackling the job themselves, here are some general guidelines to follow:

Vacuum or brush away loose dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric.
Clean up spills and stains right away. The longer soil and stains stay on the fabric, the harder they are to remove.
Quickly blot up stains or spills with an absorbent cloth, facial tissue or sponge. Be careful not to rub the stain deeper into the fabric. If the spill is solid or semi-solid (like butter or ketchup), remove the excess by gently lifting it with a dull knife.
Often, gentle blotting will remove all traces, but if the stain cannot be removed completely by blotting, use the appropriate spot cleaning technique.

CLEANING:

Stain Repellents

Scotchgard and Teflon finishes, also known as flurochemical applications, provide an invisible shield around a fabric's surface. These finishes protect fabric from water and oil based stains and prevents airborne dirt from settling in amidst the fibers. Nano Tex, on the other hand, fuses with the fibers on a microscopic level to create a barrier. Below are frequent questions regarding stain repellent finishes:

How to stain repellent finishes applied at the post processor's location differ from a commercial spray one can apply in the home?

The important element provided by a post processor is heat. When the finish is heat dried, the molecules melt together making the Scotchgard/Teflon less susceptible to abrasion. With an on-site application, the finish is air-dried not heat-dried; consequently, the molecules remain stacked one upon another rather than bonded with the fabric. This allows the finish to be easily and quickly worn.

Can treated fabrics be cleaned?

Yes. When liquid is spilled on a treated fabric it will bead up. Often immediately blotting will remove all traces of the stain. Below is a guide for removing other types of stains from a flurochemically treated fabric. Consult the firm from which you purchased the fabric before cleaning it yourself.

Are there special cleaning instructions for fabrics treated with Nano-Tex?

Yes. Dry cleaning is not recommended for Nano Tex fabrics. The chemicals found in typical dry cleaning solutions contaminate the fabric and can negatively affect performance and mask the technology.

LEATHER CARE:

Under normal usage conditions, regular dusting and vacuum cleaning in crevices is all that is necessary to clean your furniture. Remember that exposure to excessive sunlight and heat may cause the leather to fade or lose its soft, supple hand. Try to avoid these conditions and remember to add humidity in dry conditions.

Spots & Spills

Wipe excess liquid up immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge. If necessary, use clean, lukewarm water only and let air dry naturally. If water is used, clean the entire area where the spot occurred. Do not dry wet areas with hair dryers or artificial heat.

Stubborn Spots & Stains

Use a mild Non Detergent soap solution. Apply soap to a clean, wet sponge and wash, then rinse well. Let the area air dry.

Butter, Oil or Grease

Wipe excess butter, oil or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth. Leave the area alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water or try to wash such spots.

DO NOT USE

Saddle soap, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, varnish, abrasive cleaners, detergent soaps or ammonia water.

NOTE: These are only suggested methods of cleaning, and the manufacturer is not responsible for damages incurred while cleaning. You may want to consult a professional before attempting to clean leather. Leather is a product of nature, so markings in the hide may include healed scars and scratches. These are characteristics of full top grain hides and do not lessen the wearing quality or beauty of the leather.

CLEANING CODES:

Note: Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with any step below. Clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle of the affected area, to prevent circling. Cushion covers should not be removed for laundering or dry cleaning. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not a recommended method of cleaning. Pile fabrics may require brushing with a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush to restore appearance. To prevent overall soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, stiff brush to remove dust and grime is recommended. Overall cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service only is recommended.

Cleaning code: DC – Dry Clean only
Cleaning Code: S- Spot clean only with a water free dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate or use water. When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material.
Cleaning Code: SIB- See Inside Back Cover of sample book for detailed cleaning instructions
Cleaning Code: W/S- Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate.
Cleaning Code: W – Spot clean only with a water based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not over saturate or use water, or use solvents to spot clean. Blot immediately to remove any spilled material.
Cleaning Code X: - Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush. Do not use water or solvent based cleaner.

Flock Fabrics

Spot clean only with a water based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not over wet, or use solvents to spot clean. Use cautious agitation or rubbing while fabric is damp, as flock fabrics are sensitive to pile distortion and texture change with too much agitation. Use extreme caution if using a professional cleaning service. Allow to dry at least 24 hours before use after cleaning.