Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: david@zap-clean on August 17, 2012, 05:30:54 am

Title: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: david@zap-clean on August 17, 2012, 05:30:54 am

I did a small carpet job in a beautiful £1.5Million house in the Cheshire countryside yesterday. 
The house was immaculate, and the owner obviously very house proud.

While I was there she asked if I might clean her sofa sometime.
It's almost white, cotten like fabric, loose cushioned, buttoned edges, very expensive - and dry clean only!
As a start-up I've very unconfident about tackling this job.

I presume it's a standard dry-clean process: vacuum / apply dry-clean agent / agitate / vacuum clean.

Do you have any tips?

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: Simon Gerrard on August 17, 2012, 07:31:45 am

If it says 'Dry Clean only' leave it well alone.

Simon

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: Tony Gill Carpet Smart on August 17, 2012, 08:05:54 am

I have cleaned many sofas chairs & suite's that say dry clean only with hwe NOT SAYING YOU SHOULD just that it is possible.

Regards Tony

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: Doctor Carpet (Ret'd) on August 17, 2012, 08:16:12 am

David

As Tony said.

Often the labels are there to stop the homeowner trying to clean it themselves either with a DIY machine or by putting the covers in their washing machine. The label is more about the manufacturer protecting themselves rather than being accurate instructions.

BTW white suites/off-white/cream often look worse when you first clean them before they have had a chance to dry out. First few I did I panicked like mad thinking the client was going to call me back. However by sticking to the training I had received I was just methodical in my testing, undertook the cleaning and when there were no phone complaints presumed that all must have worked out fine as per what I was told on my training course.

Rog

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: davep on August 17, 2012, 08:46:53 am

It you've had no training leave it

A lot of times a label may state dry clean only as a wet clean will remove the flame retardant

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: Elfyn on August 17, 2012, 10:11:59 am

David, As davep has said - get yourself trained.
Cleaning carpets are relatively straight forward, but upholstery can be a minefield.

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: david@zap-clean on August 17, 2012, 10:14:04 am

I've had NCCA upholstery training. The theory is one thing....

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: Phillip Mold on August 17, 2012, 03:37:53 pm

I know how you feel, been there myself, but if you never try...

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: Alan falconer on August 17, 2012, 03:51:32 pm

I hate doing upholstery it kills your back and it's nearly always difficult to get good results ...you need to charge accordingly due to the graft required ..

Title: Re: Upholstery cleaning newbie
Post by: garybristow on August 20, 2012, 10:01:22 pm

if they are dry clean only,unzip and take to a dry cleaning shop
if the base does not come off,clean on site ,if done correctly there should be no problem
gary