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derek west

suite filled with feathers
« on: November 11, 2008, 07:57:13 pm »
just had a call from a custy, 3 piece suite filled with feathers, i presume they just mean the cushions.will i have any problems using a dry master hand tool?
shouldn't think so but just thought i'd ask, better safe than sorry.
derek

Jim_77

Re: suite filled with feathers
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2008, 08:25:14 pm »
Doesn't really need treating any differently cleaning-wise, you should attempt not to get the filling wet whatever you're cleaning ;)  Feathers take longer to dry than foam, and might smell a bit funny whilst damp, that's the only difference I can think of although I'm sure one of the old guard may be able to add something to that :)

I should think with the drimaster and truck you won't have any problems.

One thing to check though is that the cushions should be properly lined.  Someone will have to fill in the blanks here but I think it should be some sort of fabric with a waxy inner, to stop the feathers from poking through.

Might be calico, or it might be that they then need an additional calico lining on the outside of the wax one.  My friendly local upholsterer has moved to France the inconsiderate git, otherwise I'd have given him a quick ring to straighten that up.

The bottom line is that these linings only have a shelf life of a certain number of years, so if they're knackered the feathers will be starting to poke through.  You need to just inform the customer of this and mention that there may be a few feathers poking through after cleaning, you'll make your nest attempts to minimise this but can't guarantee it not to happen.

Jim_77

Re: suite filled with feathers
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2008, 08:25:47 pm »
"nest attempt" haha freudian slip there? :)

Jim_77

Re: suite filled with feathers
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2008, 08:28:55 pm »
Oh and if this is a very traditionally made piece of upholstery, the carcasses may be stuffed with horsehair.  Same principles as feathers really, regarding moisture retention and smell.  Again, someone may have some other gems of wisdom about horsehair.