Microfiber Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Microfiber Tricks, Tips, and Tools

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1 Special Subject e-books Microfiber Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Microfiber Tricks, Tips, and Tools Brought To You Courtesy Of: Click here to visit pembertons.com Page 1

2 Introduction This Report may not be freely distributed. Version 1.0 Copyright 2011 Pembertons Learning Center All rights reserved worldwide. No portion of this book, in any format, may be reproduced or translated without the expressed written consent of the author and Pembertons Learning Center Pembertons Learning Center 5825 Smithfield St. McKeesport, PA This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or any other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of Publishers. Page 2

3 Legal Disclaimers All contents copyright 2014 by Pembertons Learning Center, All rights reserved. No part of this document or accompanying files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise, by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. This ebook is presented to you for informational purposes only and is not a substitution for any professional advice. The contents herein are based on the views and opinions of the author and all associated contributors. While every effort has been made by the author and all associated contributors to present accurate and up to date information within this document, it is apparent technologies rapidly change. Therefore, the author and all associated contributors reserve the right to update the contents and information provided herein as these changes progress. The author and/or all associated contributors take no responsibility for any errors or omissions if such discrepancies exist within this document. The author and all other contributors accept no responsibility for any consequential actions taken, whether monetary, legal, or otherwise, by any and all readers of the materials provided. It is the readers sole responsibility to seek professional advice before taking any action on their part. Readers results will vary based on their skill level and individual perception of the contents herein, and thusly no guarantees, monetarily or otherwise, can be made accurately. Therefore, no guarantees are made. Page 3

4 Table of Contents Introduction... 2 Legal Disclaimers... 3 Microfiber Upholstery Fabric Cleaning... 5 More questions?... 9 Page 4

5 Microfiber Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Microfiber Tricks, Tips, and Tools Microfibers have been a part of upholstery cleaning services for around 30 years. The first microfiber fabrics our industry encountered were Ultrasuede, which is a well made imitation suede that was often moderately expensive. During those early days, many cleaners thought this material was actual suede leather, and refused to clean it. Cleaners who knew better and tested the material were happy to clean it and results were often great. In the past decade microfiber popularity increased exponentially, but just as with so many things that become popular, some fabric manufacturers introduced fabrics that used microfibers, but not in the original durable design of the first Ultrasuede fabric. Today, microfibers have been used in laminated fabrics that can separate (delaminate), chenille yarns, and other fabrics that are not nearly as durable as the original Ultrasuede. Also, unlike Ultrasuede, which is made from polyester, some microfibers are made from nylon (a good thing) or rayon (a VERY bad thing!) With all of these new variables, you can no longer trust microfiber fabrics as easy to clean, problem free fabrics. Here are a set of tricks, tips, and tools to help you get better and safer results when cleaning the wide variety of microfiber fabrics that are out there today: Page 5

6 1. Test For Fiber Family: Because of the variables described above, test microfibers to confirm they are of a thermoplastic synthetic fiber. I use the term thermoplastic to differentiate nylon and polyester from the regenerated cellulose synthetics like rayon. It's simpler just to treat rayon as a natural fiber. You simply need to do a burn test that tells you if the fiber melts (thermoplastic polyester or nylon) or crumbles and leaves a soft ash (regenerated cellulose rayon.) 2. Inspect Thoroughly: Pre-existing damage, especially to laminated fabrics, should be pointed out to the customer. Some microfibers are flocked and held together by adhesives. Such adhesives break down in heavy wear areas, or areas that have been exposed to oily soils. Be sure to note any preexisting delamination or missing fibers. 3. Choose The Right Tools: The following tools and cleaning products will make your microfiber cleaning more effective and safer: a. White Pad: A white polishing pad, such as is used for high speed buffing of vct flooring, is an ideal preconditioning tool for microfibers. Cut the pad into a size easy to hold in your hand, such as a dog bone or kidney shape, or even a simple rectangle, and use it rather than conventional brushes to agitate your preconditioner. b. White Towels: Use clean white towels for gentle preconditioning (if the microfiber is delaminating) and for final grooming. c. Alkaline Upholstery Preconditioner: The majority of microfiber fabrics are made from oil loving polyester fibers. To break down hair and body oil, alkaline preconditioners work the most efficiently. Avoid using traffic lane cleaners that are designed for carpet cleaning, as such products are risky to use in many situations. Page 6

7 ALWAYS do a fiber family test. While rayon microfibers are very new and not yet often encountered, such fabrics would require special care and may not be colorfast! d. Rinse/Extraction Agent: Soft fabrics are left With a better hand or feel when rinsed on the acid side with a true fabric rinse. However, oil loving polyester fiber fabrics sometimes respond better to a secondary alkaline cleaner in the extraction solution. e. Upholstery Tool: Many microfiber fabrics, as well as other delicate textures, are harmed by many metal tools that may create permanent marks from vacuum, solution pressure, or heat. The Sapphire Scientific Upholstery Pro has proven to be the safest tool to use on delicate fabrics. The rounded edges and special solution flow design of the Upholstery Pro leaves the least marks on the most delicate of fabrics, making post cleaning texture restoration a far easier task than with any other tool. 4. Cleaning Tips a. Brush and Vacuum: Microfibers hold onto particulate soil and pet hair more than many other fabrics. This step will save you time and fatigue if you remove these stubborn soils now. Precondition Thoroughly: Your alkaline upholstery preconditioner* will rapidly attack grease, oils, and most food spots. The White Pad is the ideal product for safely agitating the slick greasy areas that are otherwise difficult to attack. You ll find that any animal hair that was not removed with during the brushing and vacuuming step will cling to your White Pad as well. Rinse or replace this tool as you work if heavy build ups of hair occur. *Again test! Page 7

8 b. Rinse/Extract: Use acidic rinse agent whenever possible, as people buy microfiber fabrics to feel soft, and it leaves them the softest. c. Towel Dry: Wiping the fabric with clean, white cotton towels will remove residual soil and moisture, and also help to set the nap. Microfibers do not have a specific nap lay as do velvets, but instead a random series of high and low points that are best restored by toweling. d. Dry With Airflow: Use fans to speed dry the fabric. Synthetic fiber fabrics rarely experience slow drying issues, but fast drying prevents post cleaning odors and is a good final line of defense against any color or browning related problems that might otherwise occur should you have a natural fiber fabric instead. 5. Don t Forget To Protect! There are some that do not believe that it is useful to protect synthetic microfiber fabrics. This belief seems to exist because of the fact that polyester fibers are fairly stain resistant. However, this neglects the fact that microfibers, based on their very fine denier, are very adsorbent (as their usefulness as cleaning cloths prove) and also polyester, while water resistant, is very oil loving. If your customer has a high value fabric that uses microfibers, they should appreciate the value of keeping their microfiber fabrics clean longer between professional cleanings. Microfibers, whether made as a durable Ultrasuede fabric or a poorly made flocked, laminated fabric, will be in most homes you clean for many years to come. Use these tips and stay ahead of your competition who likely grossly misunderstand this family of fibers and fabrics. Page 8

9 More questions? Contact me at: Resource List: Feel free to check for updated information at the following sites. Also register for our weekly newsletter, the CleanTip at one of the following sites: ecleanadvisor.com Pembertons.com Page 9