Everyone has that favorite couch or reading chair that gets daily use and may have even moved with you from one house to another. Unfortunately, that also means it is probably dirtier than you realize. Hiring an upholstery cleaner is one of the best ways to restore your furniture to its former beauty, but before scheduling an appointment, there are some important things you should know.
What To Consider Before Hiring a Professional Upholstery Cleaner
Identify the Type of Soil - Understanding what is on your furniture helps the technician choose the right treatment. Food stains, grease, dirt, and pet accidents all require different cleaning solutions and methods.
Know the Type of Fabric - There are many types of upholstery fabric, and knowing which ones you own can mean the difference between success and disaster. Different types of fabric include:
- Polyester
- Polypropylene
- Chenille
- Tapestry fabric
- Cotton
- Microsuede
- Microfiber
- Rayon
- Olefin
- Velvet
- Nylon
- Linen
Under your couch cushions, there is usually a manufacturer's tag with care instructions. The tag should also identify the type and percentage of each fabric used in the construction of the item.
Cotton & Synthetic Fabrics Require Different Care
Cotton and synthetic fabrics are two fabrics that should be handled with exceptional care. Haitian and Egyptian cotton are very fragile and can easily be destroyed by an untrained or unattentive technician. Cotton, particularly white cotton, should never be cleaned with a wet cleaning method. The moment water or any water-based cleaner touches that fabric, it will turn brown. Additionally, small black specks will appear. Those specks are tiny bits of chopped-up cotton seeds that are otherwise not visible. The upholstered item is essentially ruined and the chance of restoring the item to its previous condition is virtually impossible.
Synthetic fabrics are more resilient and much easier and safer to clean than natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk. Microfiber and microsuede are very comfortable but will tend to show water marks when wet cleaned. To avoid watermarks, your cleaning technician should buff the freshly cleaned fabric with a white towel and then brush the couch with a soft horsehair brush before it dries.
Other Upholstery Cleaning Specifics
- Water pressure: If the pressure is too high, cushions can become soaked and take too long to dry. Professionals use tools that allow pressure to be adjusted during the cleaning process for safer, faster results.
- Drying time: Proper equipment, such as air-moving fans, reduces drying time. Opening windows or turning on ceiling fans can also speed the process.
At HydroClean Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning in Colorado Springs, we use the Sapphire Scientific upholstery tool, which has a pressure adjustment valve built in. This allows our technicians to fine-tune the cleaning process without running back and forth to the van.
How to Prepare for Upholstery Cleaning
When calling for quotes, be ready with:
- Information about the type of soil and fabric
- The approximate size of the furniture
- Questions about cleaning methods, drying times, and water pressure
Having these details will help you get a more accurate estimate and set the right expectations before the technician arrives.
Upholstery Cleaning in Colorado Springs
If you are ready to freshen up your favorite sofa or chair, contact HydroClean Carpet Cleaning today. Our experienced technicians know how to treat delicate fabrics, tackle stubborn stains, and extend the life of your upholstery. With professional equipment and years of expertise, we will restore your furniture so it looks and feels like new.
