FABRIC MAINTENANCE
CARE AND CLEANING
With proper care and cleaning, wool upholstery fabrics will maintain their appearance for many years. Wool is a natural biodegrdable fibre, shedding of excess fibres in the first weeks of use has no effect on the life of the fabric or its long-term appearance. To remove any excess wool fibre simply brush with a soft clothing brush in one direction using short strokes.
Regular vacuuming on low suction with an upholstery attachment, will quickly remove dust and fluff, reducing the need for exposure to dangerous chemicals used in professional dry cleaning, which are bad for the environment and may leave a residue on your fabric.
Synthetics tend to hold the dirt more and may require more frequent cleaning. The general rule is the longer it’s been there the harder it is to remove. For more intensive cleaning which will be required from time to time, dry cleaning is recommended. Call in the professionals or, if the covers are removable send them out to the dry cleaners. Stains can be treated according to the type of stain. Speed is essential for best results.
GREENSEAL COMMERCIAL TREATED FABRICS
Fabric treated by the textile manufacturer with special chemicals to impart a soil resistance quality will generally require a modification of the care instructions. The labels 3 and 4 cover fabrics treated with soil resistant finishes.
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ULTIMATE TREATED FABRICS
Fabrics treated with ULTIMATE for high use applications are fully immersed in nanoparticle treatment which reduces adhesion, minimising staining by providing an extremely high level of water repellency. Blot spills immediately with a clean absorbent cloth, do not rub, change towel surface frequently until the spot is removed, and try to avoid pressing the spill or spreading the stain. Wipe off with clean water and a clean, dry cloth if needed. If the spill does not come off with water a mild detergent If the stain resists cleaning, contact a professional cleaner.
The information in this manual is provided in good faith. Sustainable Living Fabrics accepts no responsibility for any claims arising from the treatments proposed.
CARE LABELS
CLEANING METHODS
SHAMPOO CLEANING
Shampoo cleaning can generally be a DIY hand process. Shampoos may be purchased as spray bottle or are available as a concentrated detergent, which is diluted with water. In this case, the detergent solution is applied to the upholstery by means of a clean cloth or sponge. It is essential that only upholstery shampoos be used. Non-alkaline upholstery shampoos are ideal for wool fabrics. Biodegradable products are preferable. Always follow the instructions listed on the product label.
Detergents formulated for other purposes (e.g. dishwashing) often produce sticky residues, which may lead to acceleration of soiling. Excess water must be avoided, otherwise the interior of the furniture will become wet. This causes excess drying times, mildew and odours and may lift soil from the interior of the furniture to stain the surface of the fabric. Finally, heavy scrubbing should be avoided is it can change the look and feel of the fabric.
HOT WATER EXTRACTION
One of the many benefits of hot water extraction is that it can effectively clean without using a lot of detergent. Heavy use of detergents can actually cause re-soiling more quickly. This is also a more environmentally friendly option as the cleaning process is centred around the use of hot water not excess chemicals. There is also the option for lower energy consumption cold water extraction if that is more suitable for your needs. Hot water extraction machines are also available for hire by consumers. However, this relatively simple process has several potential pitfalls for inexperienced users. Of chief concern is the risk of over wetting. For this reason alone, consumers may be well advised to have this process performed by an experienced tradesperson.
ON-SITE DRY-CLEANING
On-site dry-cleaning is generally the most common option and many local businesses now offer environmentally conscious dry cleaning. Please take the time to research sustainable options to ensure you’re making the right choice. It is essential that the machine operator be properly trained and that they ensure that the any residues in the fabric are minimised. Because many stains are water soluble, it is often necessary to pre spot fabrics with special water-based cleaning agents. This is similar to the general procedure used by dry-cleaners when dealing with clothing.