[jonparry]

I have only been a carpet and upholstery cleaner for a short while but have had a fantastic response from advertising so have cleaned my fair share of sofas with great results.

I use a steameasy 400 machine and on this occasion just used standard prochem extraction fluid in the machine and prochem solvex.

The sofa was beige and seemed to clean like every other sofa in the past. After i finished the first sofa and went to attack the other, dark marks started to appear around the piping and arms that werent there before!!!!

I was advised to buy some prochem dry upholstery cleaning fluid but have not yet tried it.

Any ideas?

[woodman]

where are you located in the country?

[Mark Roberts]

Was the piping a different colour and have you seen it dry?
Did you wipe a clean cloth over the arms to see if there was more dirt to be removed?
Did you check inside a cushion and see the backing? What was it like?
Mark

[jonparry]

Thanks for replies,

Sorry it took a while to get back,

Mark - The piping is the same colour but we didnt see it dry, unfortunately i didnt have the presence of mind to check with a cleen cloth however there was no more dirt visible through the upholstery wand (not sure if that is the right terminolgy.) The backing is sponge.

Woodman - I am located in Bucks.


Regards...

[Len Gribble]

Jonparry

My first question, who trained you

2nd define standard Prochem extraction fluid

3rd why were you using Solvex

4th If you used another product before, why change if you had great results

Len

[jonparry]

Len,

I purchased a van and equipment from a friend of the family who has been in the business for 20+years. I paid over the odds for what I got on the understanding I would get the benefit of some of his hard earnt knowledge , he has now moved overseas.

He gave us full training on how to use the equipment and which chemicals should be used and when. He has also been on standby for the past 6 months incase of any problems like we have now!!! I am also going to attend the ncca courses in the future as i do appreciate that there is a lot more to be learnt

As I said in my first posting I am new to cc and am unfamiliar with all the chemicals available on the market.  The extraction liquid i use i buy from the shelf in our local prochem stockist, it is my understanding this is the everyday stuff to buy for this type of job however there are different types of different strengths if nercessary?

I was using solvex as the guy that gave me training advised me this could cope with most unwanted blemishes and marks in upholstery. He also talked me through all the spot removers and when they should be used, in this instance i didnt feel it necessary to use them.

Finally - this is how I have cleaned all of the sofas i have done so far, as I said I am really impressed with the end result.

Any ideas?

[Chris R]

Have you had a complaint from the customer?

Have you heard from them since?

Sometimes all manner of alarming marks and stains can just "appear" when cleaning a suite. They disappear when the fabric is dry (usually ! )

Chris

[jonparry]

Chris,

I havent heard back from the customer despite leaving a message.

Maybe the marks have dissapeared since it is dryed.

I appreciate your input, I have heard a lot of unwanted marks do dissapear when dry, lets hope this is the case!!!

You must all remember quiting your steady 9-5 job that pays the mortgage and keeps the shopping happy other half in clothes.........a daunting prospect, especially when your faced with paying for a new beige sofa out of your hard earnt money!!!!!

Never mind Rodders - One day we will be millionaires!!!!!

Thanks

Jon

[woodman]

Jonparry

You may be worrying needlessly as sometimes on upholstery when it's damp and especially on light colours,you will see where the piping (as its a diffirent colour) has been stitched into the the body of the frame and shows through the lighter coloured material.This usualy dries back ok.

What I would be concerned about is if you are overwetting as at some point you are going to come un-stuck when this piping bleeds.Do you know how long it took for the furniture to dry?

I am in Bucks aswell so if a re-call is required let me know

[Ken Wainwright]

Hi Jonparry and welcome to Cleanitup.

I fear for the quality and standard of the training you have received, and urge you to attend the training course you have mentioned ASAP. The experience and knowledged gained will prove to be invaluable.

As for the unknown black marks, I would ask "Do you have black rubber water hoses on your machine?"  These are notorius for leaving marks on damp upholstery and carpets. There is also the possibility that they may be identification marks left by the upholsterer on the cushioning or reverse of the fabric. If this is the case DO NOTHING as you will only make it worse. I don't think I want to think of any other possibilities without more information.

Safe and happy cleaning

Ken

[Ian Gourlay]

You appear to be worried about paying for the sofa.

Have you got insurance that covers you for damage to sofas or carpets that you work on or other property that you damage while in customers home.

Once I thought I had damaged a £500 wax pine indian book case.

Fortuantley it only cost £20 to re wax.  But I took out full insurance after that.

[jonparry]

Thanks a lot for all your input,

Woodman - I was also concerned i may be overwetting - lesson learnt! I apreciate your offer to help if a re-visit is necessary....still no reply to message (no news is good news?!)

Ken - I am beginning to fear for the quality of my training so i will definately be attending the next course or 2. I do have a black rubber water hose on my machine and will certainly be changing that to prevent any further cries for help - thanks.

Ian - I do have public liability insurance but I foolishly decided that insurance to cover this type of accident was an unnecesary expence, I now share your view and have today rang around a few places to get quotes.

Peter - Thanks for the good advise lets hope the bleach doesnt have to leave the van, but a good tip to know anyway.

Its great that everyone is keen to help, really apreciate it - lets hope one day i can too!!

[Dennis]

Do you work for Peter?

Don't worry the staff are very helpful at the job centre