Micro fiber question...

[Walrus Gumboot]

Hate to sound like a hack, but, I haven't cleaned any micro fiber upholstery. It became popular around here at about the time I got out of the business in 2008. Anyway, since we added cleaning to our restoration company (2 months ago) I've been getting some calls for this service.
My question is: How do you clean it? Which chemicals (I've been using Mark's stuff) and what about heat, pressure, etc.? I have the SS upholstery tool.
Thanks in advance,
Your humble colleague.

 

[Dolly Llama]

unless it's flocked (most isn't) it doesn't get much easier
you can bomb it with draino and pressure wash it in the drive (not really) but close
it's easy to clean, cleans up wonderfully and hard to mess up

I'm not familiar with Mark's stuff, but sure it's more than fine

brush/groom to set pile
(we always hack that out with a rolled up microfiber towel)

..L.T.A.

 

[Hack Attack]

Yep it can look like hell on earth and you look a hero bringing it back

dont forget a brush to scrub any black greasy seams before you extract

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

So, heat won't damage it? That was kinda what I was afraid of.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[Dolly Llama]

heat won't damage it?

donno
Only once have we used mega heat (240+) on upl (trashed theater seats)
Generally run 160ish on upl

..L.T.A.

 

[Mark Saiger]

Microfiber probably the most forgiving of fabrics to clean....

As mentioned, you can pretty much nuke it and will do well.

They are oil loving so they love body oils...and they will look trashed and come back to life a lot....but they are a soiling mess sometimes too.

 

[Bob Pruitt]

Even though we all think we know you are asking about polyester Micro fiber... I think this is one better answered by @jimpemberton
There are other things out there that could fool you into thinking you are looking at polyester when you are actually looking at viscose rayon...is rare but... could get expensive.
The SS tool should keep you out of trouble...and a blower to dry it quickly.
My 2 cents.

 

[Old Coastie]

I cleaned a sofa once with water vapor, roughly 360F.

Totally reset the nap. Then reset it again with the brush attatchment.
Then reset it again with the steam mop attachment to groom it all the same direction. Three visits.

But wow was that a clean sofa! Then the cabrona wanted me to explain the sun fade on her sofa. To be fair, it was hard to see under all the dirt.

 

[Mikey P]

Don't use solvents that are thin and will absorb down into the glue'd backing, you'll create air bubbles.

Use a clear head tool. Coffee and drink puddles will take lots of passes that an opaque head wont show you.

Towel dry head rest and arm rest areas to remove soil that you cant see when it's wet.

Dont use water based protectors, they dry funky.

Not all Micros are alike, most clean great but some are blends of rayon and other natural fibers that will kick your ass.

Dont promise anything.

 

[J Scott W]

Polyester or polyester and olefin clean up fine. This is the large majority of microfiber. The natural material like rayon is more sensitive to heat.

Flocked microfiber (as opposed to woven) has fibers held on by adhesive and not securely woven into the backing material. Solvent s can loosen these flocked fibers and leave you with a bald spot. Be sparing in the use if solvents on flocked microfiber.

Some will hide extreme wear under a layer of skin oils and other soils. Remove the soil and you reveal the fabric is half gone. Watch for this on the arms of pieces that get heavy use and minimum care.

Most clean pretty easily.