Microfiber upholstery is a great choice for the budget conscious, especially in situations where there will be extensive wear and tear. It looks good, wears well, and is relatively easy to maintain. That is probably why it has become so popular now-a-days. Microfiber upholstery cleaning, however, necessitates special care and attention, mainly because of its singular characteristics.
Microfiber is a fabric composed of fibers which are microscopic in dimensions, having a width that is approximately one hundredth the width of a human hair. They are usually made from a combination of polyester with nylon, rayon or acetate. Because the fibers are so tiny, this fabric will have a relatively large surface area, and this factor alone contributes significantly to the special properties of microfiber.
Some of these properties are:
- High resistance to water, aqueous dyes and stains
- High retention of dry soils and detritus
- Great affinity for solvent soluble soils and animal or vegetable oils
- Nice, soft, rich look and feel
- Good durability
In general, upholstery cleaning requires a different approach from carpet cleaning, not only because of the differences in fabric types, but also due to the different kinds of soiling that may be present. Carpets will usually have all different kinds of soiling, while upholstery soiling is mainly limited to soils from humans, animals, insect pests, or airborne contaminants. Upholstered furniture will usually be most heavily soiled with body oils on the arm rests, headrests, or bottom skirting. Dry soils and human or insect detritus may also be found under the cushions or in the crevices around the seating.
Typically, upholstery is not vacuumed as often as carpet, but in order to maintain and clean microfiber properly, it is necessary to vacuum thoroughly. Hair from pets or humans will be difficult to remove from microfiber upholstery, but this task can be made easier by using a lint collector in conjunction with a special upholstery tool, to vacuum properly before each cleaning.
The cleaning process is essentially the same as for carpet cleaning, but with the following precautions:
- Pre-test all cleaning solutions by applying it to an inconspicuous place.
- Pre-treat with a milder pre-conditioner. Avoid highly alkaline solutions that may cause the fabric dyes to bleed or run.
- Agitate gently by brushing the fabric after pre-treatment with a soft bristle horsehair brush. A rough white terry cloth towel may be used also.
- For truck-mounted equipment, use lower solution temperatures and pressures. Normally the pressure should be below 200 p.s.i.g. and the temperature below 150 degrees F.
- Do not over-wet. Use a low moisture upholstery tool. Dry as thoroughly as possible. An air mover or fan will be quite helpful here.
Microfiber is resistant to watery spills and aqueous type soiling, but needs to be protected from oils because of the polyester component. It is therefore very important, although not critical, that a suitable protector should be applied after cleaning. This will ensure that the beauty of your microfiber upholstery will not be quickly marred by solvent soluble oils, like body oils, animal oils, cooking oils, fats, greases, and some inks or other dyes from hair or clothing.
Mark it Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning is your one-stop shop for professional-grade carpet and upholstery cleaning. Our team of experienced professionals use the latest equipment and techniques to get your carpets and furniture looking like new again. We understand that accidents happen, so we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs, including pet stain removal, odor removal, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Mark it Clean Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
520 W Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 726-2929
https://markitcleanusa.com
