Common upholstery cleaning questions answered
We have been asked many different questions over the years. Following are some of the more common upholstery cleaning questions that have arisen.
Cleaning Method
Q: How do you clean Upholstery? (What sort of cleaning method do you use?)
A: Firstly , we use the Hot water Extraction (HWE) method. This is often called ‘Steam Cleaning’. However, it isn’t really ‘steam’ but instead very hot water. This hot water is used in a rinse cycle to remove soil and stains after a soil emulsifier (such as an upholstery cleaning detergent) is applied. The upholstery cleaning detergent releases the soil away from the carpet fiber and holds it in suspension. After the application of the upholstery cleaning detergent and some dwell time, the rinse cycle removes the soiling. The cleaning of upholstered furniture is very similar to the wash cycle of a washing machine. Think of a rinse cycle of a washing machine. Care is of course taken when cleaning upholstered furniture.
Micro-fiber will normally clean very well in most circumstances. Regular cleaning is recommended if the furniture is used often.
Drying
Q: Because you are using water, does the upholstery get very wet? (How long does the upholstered furniture take to dry?)
A: Interestingly, HWE does not use as much water as you would think. As the water is hot and under some pressure when applied, much less water is needed. The material is not left very wet at all. It is if anything barely damp. This is also because our Truck-Mounted machine has considerable vacuum. On a good day in Brisbane and depending on the fiber, we are able to get a upholstered furniture dry in under 2 hours. And even quicker with ceiling fans and if the furniture is not very soiled.
Q: Am I able to use the furniture straight away?
A: The material will be damp for a few hours. If necessary, we will clean both sides of the cushions. This means the cushions will need to be given time to dry on both sides. As can be seen below, a couple of hours drying time and the Lounge Suite can be put back together.
This wool-based material was in good condition and cleaned very nicely.
Stains
Q: How easy is it to remove stains? (Do all the stains come out with cleaning?)
A: It is important to remember that cleaning up of spots and spills straight away from upholstered furniture is very important. Firstly it can be difficult to remove stains from natural fibers. Due to man-made fibers such as micro-fiber being not very absorbent, they are normally quite good for removing stains. Furthermore time can be a factor in this. Prompt attention is still needed. It is important to attend to stains as soon as possible. This makes removing the stain much easier. Stains left for too long may well ‘set’ in the material and be very difficult to remove. If you have any questions regarding stain removal, please give us a call. We are happy to offer advice over the phone. Also, our stain removal chart is well worth a look for general stain removal and techniques.
Removing stains from Cotton materials can be quite difficult. Prompt attention is needed.
Questions regarding time
Q: How long will it take to clean our upholstery?
A: Another one of the more common upholstery cleaning questions. It is normally possible to clean a 5 seat lounge suite in around an hour or so depending on the size and degree of soiling.
Q: How often should I clean my Lounge Suite?
A: We normally recommend a maximum of two years between cleans. However if the furniture is heavily used it may well need a clean once a year. Perspiration can permanently discolour materials. It is important to not allow this to happen.
Are all materials able to be cleaned?
A: Yes, for the most part. Some materials clean more successfully than others. Man-made fibers tend to clean much better if they are soiled. Cotton materials can be quite difficult to clean if heavily soiled. And it can be quite difficult to remove stains from Cotton. Also badly worn or damaged material could be quite difficult to get completely clean depending on the amount of soiling. When materials are damp during the cleaning process they are much weaker so care must be taken whilst cleaning worn or damaged material.
This Morningside upholstery cleaning job was made more difficult because of the ultra-violet degradation from the furniture sitting in a very bright sunroom. Care really needs to be taken in this instance.
Q: Do you clean Leather?
A: Unfortunately not. Though we do recommend Bulls Leather Care.
Q: Do you clean Mattresses?
A: Yes we do. Removal of dust mites and allergens is very important.
Are your chemicals safe for all fabrics?
A: Yes. Firstly, we only use good quality upholstery cleaning detergent. But not only that, we also pre-spray the material and then clean with only clean hot water. This removes the soiling and also the residue detergent as well.
Cheaper chemicals really are self-defeating. It will take longer to clean the upholstery and the result will not be as good.
For any further upholstery cleaning questions, please contact us.
Finally, if you have any further upholstery cleaning questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to offer advice with regards any issues you may be having with the care of the upholstered furniture in your home. Good quality upholstery cleaning is only a phone call away.
