Microfiber Fabric is NOT Bullet Proof!

Microfiber fabrics are usually safe and relatively easy to clean if you know how to remove oily residues from polyester fibers.

However, as with so many “good things” that become popular with consumers, fabric manufacturers seem to find ways to make things cheaper and less serviceable.

Translated into “Western Pennsylvania Vernacular” — They are making “Junk”!

Over the past few years, more and more microfiber fabrics are being laminated onto other fabrics. The problem with laminated fabrics is that normal use causes a breakdown of the adhesive that holds the fabrics together, and delamination results.

Carpet cleaners are familiar with the condition in carpet, but rarely inspect for it in upholstery fabrics. Now it is an absolute MUST that you do such inspections. What might appear to be a very small problem that appears like a few wrinkles or bubbles on a top arm or cushion will spread and look much worse after an extraction tool pulls the already delaminated fabric away from the base fabric, as you can see in this picture.

Once this condition is revealed, there is nothing you can do to correct it.

Always be sure to do a thorough inspection of any fabric you clean, even supposedly “easy and safe ones” like microfibers. Any small delamination must not just be noted, but the customer must be warned that the problem can look MUCH worse after cleaning.

P.S. If you’re not aware already, Lisa Wagner and I have developed a serious training program for those who want to become specialists in rug and fine fabric care.It’s not the typical sit in a classroom and get powerpointed to death course. It’s limited to those who want to be the best in the craft in their region.

We have just begun choosing the companies we will work with in 2012, so if any of my CleanTip readers are interested in more details, please send an email to: textilepros@gmail.com

Type the copy “more information” in the subject line. Have a wonderful holiday, and perhaps we will be working together in the new year.

Article source: http://www.jimscleanchat.com/microfiber-fabric-is-not-bullet-proof/