Jan

Avoid these Four Expensive Mistakes with Upholstery Fabric Protector

While most information shared in our industry about protector has been about carpet, it is important to note that upholstery fabrics are far more likely that carpet to be permanently stained by spills.

Its therefore arguably more important to apply protector to upholstery than it is to carpet.

With that said, its important to know that there are risks in applying protector to upholstery, especially fine fabrics made from natural fibers and blends, (that most cleaners fail to think about).

Overwetting: Every skilled upholstery cleaner knows that the control of moisture during cleaning, and the removal of it afterward with extraction and drying fans is critical. Overwetting and slow drying can cause problems (and damage claims), such as bleeding, browning, water marks, shrinkage, and odor
problems.

The application of a water based protector could leave just enough extra moisture to contribute to these problems. If you choose to apply such a protector, be cautious when the fabric you wish to apply it to is susceptible to any of the above problems from slow drying.
Texture Changes: Water based protectors may cause stiffening of soft textures, such as chenille or velvet. The harsh hand may be corrected by brushing the fabric after it dries, but even brushing will not restore a texture change in velvet or chenille made from rayon, silk, or acetate.
Damage from Solvent Based Protector:Many cleaners avoid the problems listed above by using solvent based protectors. While most of these problems will not occur when solvent based products are applied, it is important to note that some laminated microfiber fabrics can experience delamination from solvent based protectors, and a few print fabrics may bleed when exposed to solvents, whether in cleaning or after the application of a solvent based protector.
Careful inspection of fabrics before you apply protector will help you to avoid this problem.
Color Change and Texture Changes on New Fabrics:Furniture stores no longer promote the application of fabric protector as aggressively as they once did, so you might be asked to apply protector by your customer on their new fabrics. This is usually a very safe procedure, and one that can be good for you and your customer.
However, it is possible that the application of protector on new upholstery will leave a color or texture change that would not be easily noticed on older, freshly cleaned fabric. Solvent based protectors may slightly darken fabrics, and water based protectors can often cause texture change. Due to the fact that the furniture is new, your customer is more likely to notice the most subtle changes.

Even though these warnings might seem to be something that limits an otherwise easy sales process, its important to warn your customer that protector application may cause color or texture changes that they would not have noticed had the protector been applied at the store.

Protector remains a VERY valuable service for your customers. Preventing unsightly stains that even the best skilled cleaner cannot remove is likely more important to your customers than some of the above listed issues.

Nevertheless, you must protect yourself as well as your company’s bottom line by understanding the products you apply, following safe and sensible procedures, and giving your customer fair warning of risks that might be involved in having protector applied.

Lisa Wagner and I have developed a serious training program for those who want to become specialists in rug and fine fabric care.This is 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 are currently finalizing the companies we will work with in 2012, so if you are interested in more details, please fill out the form below and we will email you more info.