Upholstery Cleaning Methods

Unlike carpet cleaning where all cleaning methods are “wet” (due to the presence of water in the chemical solutions of each method), it is indeed possible to clean delicate upholstery fabrics using truly “dry” chemicals. In other words, solvent cleaning of upholstery (where no water is present) is akin to the “dry” cleaning provided by the local high street dry cleaning shop.

The NCCA actively support and promote the internationally accepted IICRC S300 Standard for Upholstery Cleaning. This standard sets out the correct practices and procedures consumers should expect from a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner and for each method of cleaning. This is the standard we, at Valetek, work to for upholstery.

» Click here for Leather Cleaning

The methods of upholstery cleaning are:

Wet Methods:

A. Hot Water Extraction

B. Wet Shampoo Method

C. Dry Foam Method

Dry Methods:

D. Dry Cleaning Extraction

E. Hand Dry Method

Combined Methods:

F. Dry-Wet-Dry Method

Wet Methods

A. Hot Water Extraction

This method of cleaning is also referred to as Steam Cleaning. The use of the word "Steam" was initiated as a marketing approach to selling this particular method. The use of live steam at 100 Centigrade (boiling) is never accomplished. For this reason the description is more accurately, hot water extraction.

HWE extraction equipment is designed to spray clean hot water based solutions at pressure and immediately vacuum off, carrying away the solution and the soil into a separate waste tank or waste point.

^ top

Hot water extraction has evolved over the past few years, now using better equipment, techniques, and chemicals than in the early years. While there has been progress, the basic system remains the same ranging in size from small suitcase size machines to huge petrol driven compressor machines permanently built in to a large van.

B. Wet Shampoo Method

This is a method that is usually reserved for very soiled furniture. It is similar to hot water extraction except that the preconditioning step is much more aggressive.

A shampoo solution is worked into the fabric with a brush or sponge, by hand. There are also mechanical devices available. The chemicals are generally foamy type shampoos to lubricate and allow the more aggressive action.

Controlling the moisture is generally not a major concern here.

^ top

This method is usually followed by extraction as above.

C. Dry Foam Method

Dry foam machine in use

This is a method that is used when other wet methods may cause damage. Its strongest point is the control of moisture, and it is most simply stated as hand shampooing, although mechanical brushes and foam machines may be used.

Where moisture control is essential the best tool is the natural ocean sponge. It will hold the shampoo solution and the moisture and foam levels can be accurately controlled by working the sponge with your hands. It also applies a non-aggressive agitation for delicate fabrics.

The foam solution and suspended soil are then vacuumed from the fabric and/or dried off using white cotton towels.

^ top

Dry Cleaning Methods

Similar principles apply to dry cleaning as well as wet cleaning. Chemical, heat, agitation, and time are all important. The chemistry, however, changes with the absence of water. Dry cleaning is very important to a complete upholstery and curtain cleaning operation. There may be times when it is the only safe method on a certain fabric.
 

D. Dry Cleaning Extraction

This is accomplished using dry solvent chemical formulas and equipment specifically designed for these volatile chemicals.

 
 
 
Dry solvent extraction machine in action »

^ top

E. Hand Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning by hand is possible with a fair degree of success.

F. Dry-Wet-Dry

There are several variations of this method, but the general idea is this: Water and dry solvents don't mix. A protective barrier can be set up by saturating the fabric with solvent, then using a water-based preconditioning formula to attach the water-based soils and rinse with dry solvent. The solvent barrier will keep the water from penetrating the fabric to a large degree, increasing fabric safety while still using water in your cleaning.

^ top

Leather Cleaning

Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your leather furniture. It not only removes dirt and oils (which can, over time, break down the leathers protective coating) but will also help to maintain the moisture balance in the leather. This is important for keeping the leather supple and makes it less likely to absorb spillages.

A wipe over with a damp cloth on a regular basis (every week/two weeks) is recommended to remove surface dust and dirt and add moisture to the leather.

Valetek offers a leather cleaning and advice service but when we are uncertain we refer our enquiries to The Leather Training & Technical Dept. Ltd. contactable at www.lttsolutions.net.

^ top