Help.. Cleaning code "S" question

[Captain Morgan]

Moving company dropped a couch during delivery. Very light soil, barely noticeable, but client wants it cleaned because it cost $3500 to special order. Spoke to designer and she said it's 90% Cotton 10% Rayon with teflon protector, cleaning code S which is solvent or Dry Cleaning. I don't have a dry cleaning machine...

I've been told that 80% of "dry clean only" pieces can be wet cleaned with no problems. I've got Steam Way fine fabric upholstery cleaner for Cotton & Wool. I only need to clean the side of the arm rest and part of the bottom corner by the leg.

Could I, should I wet clean this piece?
If so, should I clean the entire armrest, side panel so that it will be uniform to reduce and risk of leaving a water ring?
If wet cleaning is not advised, would foam be acceptible? or should I tell them to find someone who can do dry cleaning?

Thanks

 

[Mikey P]

Test it but there is a 90% chance that water will be fine if you can get it out.

Try spraying the area first with your solvent then wet cleaning.

The solvent acts as a moisture barrier.

 

[Pmatte]

Dry Wet Dry,as explained above or just use a dry sponge,(formerly know as a chem-sponge) then vacuum off sponge residue.
Patrick

 

[Captain Morgan]

Mikey,

What solvent are you referring to? I thought Rayon was some form of cellulose fiber and is affected by solvents (solvent spotters to be precise). Because I don't have any dry cleaning chems/solvent or a chem sponge.

Pmatte - Can I get one of those chem sponges or similary at Lowes or Home Cheap-oh?

Would regular upholstery pre-spray be ok provided I towel dry and force dry with a fan?

Thanks for clarifying for me.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Bill

Depending on your skill level, you probably can use some form of moisture in cleaning on 90+% of S code fabrics.

Here are some concerns that I would have:

Remember who has the "problem":
You have a mover who has a customer who is upset about this situation. She has furniture that she knows the specific value
of, and she wants it to be "perfect" now.

His customer is not your typical cleaning customer. Someone who calls you in to clean a dirty white sofa will be thrilled with something you remove 98% of the soil from, and that perhaps has some minor texture distortion based on pre-existing usage, your need to be aggressive to get it clean, or both.

THIS customer will likely want this to look like new. Any agitation that is needed to remove the soil may slightly distort the texture, especially since it has rayon in it. A customer in her state of mind will find that distortion blindfolded.

BE ABSOLUTELY SURE to have a written agreement with the mover that specifically spells out that the problem is HIS, and that if you can't make her happy, or if you make it look WORSE (don't be afraid to say this) that you are not to be held responsible, and you are still to be paid.

Now, once you have that written assurance, vacuum the furniture thoroughly. Inspect the soil, and see if its gritty or oily. If its gritty, the dry cleaning sponge would work great. If its oily, blotting with dry cleaning solvent by hand might work, but be sure to clean the entire panel with it. You might also consider wiping it with a microfiber cloth dampened in cool water only.

The above process works sometimes, and its unlikely to cause texture distortion (which she will be looking for.)

If you must clean with water, apply your shampoo with a natural sea sponge and create a very dry foam, and then wipe it off gently with a clean, white towel. If you decide to rinse the shampoo, use an acidic fabric rinse agent and a tool that minimizes the wetting of the fabric.

Just remember that once you touch this with shampoo, sponge, tools, and any water based rinse, there can be some texture change.

If you keep this monkey on the mover's back, you have little to lose, and much to learn from this kind of job.

Once again, remember that she probably doesn't really want you to be able to fix this, and she wants to find SOMEONE to buy her a new piece of furniture. Maybe this isn't true, but you'll never go wrong thinking that way when you handle moving claims.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Jim saved me a lot of typing.

Remember: Vacuuming is dry cleaning
CC&C insurance...

 

[renegade_cowboy]

Couple of years ago I ran across a sofa and loveseat. They were a matching set. One tag had a "s" code and the other had a "w" code, even though they were the same fabric and design.

 

[John Buxton]

Make note of one of Jims great points;

"be sure to clean the entire panel with it."

In other words clean the entire armrest, or the entire side of a cushion not just where the soil is.

 

[Doug Cox]

Why not just keep it simple and dry clean it by vacuuming off the affected area and then apply solvent with a new white towel followed by a vacuuming. Safest way to be a hero. You put water on a fabric you're not familiar with and you might be buying it.

 

[Captain Morgan]

apply solvent with a new white towel followed by a vacuuming

just grab a bottle of solvent at my disty? don't need the heavy machinery, ventilator mask, haz mat suit, etc. just solvent and white towels..

I guess I can handle that?

I still like the idea of a waiver even if I do get the solvent to clean it. Anyone have a waiver on MS Word they are willing to share with me?

Thanks for the advice everyone..

 

[Doug Cox]

I use DSC (DCS?) Trounce. As long as you vacuum before hand, drycleaning is your safest bet.

 

[Guest]

The sad part is,dry cleaning isnt very effective,but sometimes nessesary

 

[Doug Cox]

It's the safest starting point for him.

 

[Guest]

True

 

[Jose Smith]

Actually, dry cleaning can be more effective than many think if done correctly. If I had to pick one thing that can make dry cleaning more effective, it is PATIENCE!

I know everybody sees different soiling conditions, but the majority of soil I see on fabric is oil based. Dry cleaning solvent is THE MOST EFFECTIVE on these types of soil.

I spent years with a "wet clean everything because I am SuperCleaner" ego. But I have since learned that Dry Solvents are my friend. Using them correctly and when needed can make a more complete Professional Fabric Care Specialist.

Jose Smith

 

[Doug Cox]

It works awesome on dog dirt.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Ok, I just got back from taking a look at the client's couch. There is not much dirt at all, it's mainly grass stains. Will the dry cleaning solvent remove grass stains?

This lady was visibly upset when I told her I could attempt to clean it but I'd have to order the solvent. She is ready to explode she's sooooo pissed! I explained there is not much call for dry cleaning, not in my area anyway.

I'm about ready to call the moving company and tell them to find someone else because I don't think anything will make this lady happy.

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my questions thus far. I appreciate it.. a lot!

 

[Doug Cox]

That'll be a wet clean stain. Don't even try it with solvent.

 

[Captain Morgan]

I guess the moving company just bought the lady a new couch...