 |
 |
| Fabric |
Fabrics can be made with either natural, man-made, or a combination of fibers. Because of the great variations in types of fabrics, special cleaning codes are used. To help insure your fabric last as long as possible, keep the fabric away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and be careful not to pull on or puncture the fabric. Vacuuming or light brushing weekly will help remove soil and protect fabric from the embedding of dirt or grime between fibers.
The Furniture Industry Cleanability Code was adopted in 1969. The code gives consumers information about proper cleaning methods for specific fabrics. There are four letters to the code: W, S, W-S, X. The following is the fabric cleaning code for proper care of that fabric.
W - Vacuum or light brushing to remove dust and grime. Spot clean using the foam only from a water-based cleaning agent such as a mild detergent or non-solvent upholstery shampoo. Apply foam in a circular motion with a soft brush. Vacuum when spot is dry. Always pretest a small area before applying any product to the spot. Use a professional cleaning service to clean the entire furniture or large spots.
S - Vacuum or light brushing to remove dust and grime. Spot clean using a mild water-free solvent or dry cleaning product containing carbon tetrachloride. Use these products in a well ventilated room as they are highly toxic. Always pretest a small area before applying any product to the spot. Use a professional cleaning service to clean the entire furniture or large spots.
W-S - Vacuum or light brushing to remove dust and grime. Spot clean using a mild solvent, upholstery shampoo, or foam from a mild detergent. When using a solvent or dry cleaning product, follow instructions carefully and be in a well ventilated room. Avoid any product with carbon tetrachloride which is highly toxic. Always pretest a small area before applying any product to the spot. Use a professional cleaning service to clean the entire furniture or large spots.
X - Only vacuum or light brushing to remove dust and grime. Shrinking, staining, or distortion of the surface pile could take place when using water-based foam cleaner or solvent based cleaning agent.
|
| Leather |
Leather is made by splitting the hide to create two forms - Top Layer (hair side) and Under Layer (cow side). The Under Layer is also called Split Grain. The Under Layer is stiffer, less durable, heavily embossed, and surface treated. The Under Layer is usually used to cover non-wear surfaces such as sides and backs. The Top Layer is also called Top Grain. The Top Grain leather is grouped in to two types - Full Grain Leather and Corrected Grain Leather. Full Grain Leather does not require any surface work like buffing or sanding. Corrected Grain Leather needs surface work done to make it more acceptable to the consumer.
Some of the different types of leathers are:
- Top Grain is the most flexible and durable of the leathers. Top grain shows more of the natural markings to make the leather more unique - i.e. branding marks, stretch marks, scars.
- Bi-cast leather has an application of polyurethane on to a split or top grain leather. Bi-cast leather is very shiny and similar to Patent leather.
- Nubuck is a top grain that is aniline dyed and has been buffed to create a "suede like" nap effect.
- Suede is a split grain that has been processed to create a velvet-like nap effect. Suede is not as durable as Nubuck because of it being a split grain leather.
Leather requires more care given to it than any fabrics. Leather needs to be kept away from heat source like radiator, fireplace, and heater vent; avoid direct sunlight; and place away from high traffic areas to reduce being rubbed by people. When hair and skin repeatedly touch leather, this causes the leather to darken. No cleaning product will stop this but can reduce how fast it builds. Heavy use or exposure to large amount of perspiration or oily skin will accelerate the darkening process.
Basic care for leather includes:
- New leather should have a high quality leather conditioner/preservative applied.
- Weekly dusting with soft cloth will help keep the leather pores free from dust.
- Quarterly clean the entire leather paying special attention to wear surfaces, arms, backs, and seats. Then reapply a high quality leather conditioner/protectant to the leather.
- Spots should be taken care of as quickly as possible. Food and beverage spills should be wiped up using a damp cloth with a light detergent soap. All other stains like ink, grease wax, or gum should be removed using a professional leather cleaner.
|
|
