More Claims are Paid Because of Texture Distortion than other Reason

[Jim Pemberton]

The Number One Upholstery Cleaning Problem Today: Remains "Texture Distortion"!
by Jim Pemberton - Fabric Pro Specialist
Texture distortion continues as the leading cause of costly damage claims paid by todays cleaning professionals!

While many cleaners focus their efforts on preventing browning and color damage when they clean, far too few worry at all about how textured fabrics (chenille, velvet, microfiber, etc) look and feel after cleaning, and that oversight costs the cleaners in both lost money and lost reputation.

In discussions that I have had with leading furniture manufacturers, the individuals with whom I spoke did not complain about cleaners damaging dyes or causing browning, they instead spoke about the incredible amount of texture damage done during the cleaning process!

Today's fine fabric specialist must recognize that some of the delicate textures that they encounter are not just velvets, which have for years been the fabric most concentrated on in cleaning classes.

Today's delicate textures now also include such varied products as chenille and microfibers. While the difference between a rayon chenille and a polyester microfiber may seem to be worlds apart, both can be easily (and perhaps irreparably) damaged by a careless cleaner.

"YOU MUST CAREFULLY GROOM MARKS FROM YOUR CLEANING TOOL OUT OF FABRICS AFTER CLEANING"

Use this quick checklist to help to prevent damaging the furniture your customer has entrusted you to care for:

#1. PreInspect and PreQualify your work: Many of these fabrics have already been damaged by abuse from your customer, their children and/or their pets. Make sure you discuss pre-existing problems before you start to clean.

#2. Precondition using a soft brush. Brush in the direction of the lay of the nap, if any. Use only a horsehair brush or a clean, white, folded towel for this step.

#3. Extract using the 'Upholstery Pro' upholstery cleaning tool.There are plenty of good “cleaning tools”, but there is no tool I have ever used that creates as little distortion during the cleaning process as this tool. The 'Upholstery Pro' cleans and extracts as well as any tool available, but most importantly it does not leave jet streaks, and creates only occasional, easy to remove lines at the edges of the tool. Post grooming of fabric is far easier and less time consuming when you use the 'Upholstery Pro'.

#4. Use as little cleaning or rinsing agent as possible: Most alkaline cleaning agents leave residues that stiffen the fabric. Never use carpet cleaning detergent in your “rinse”. Use an acidic rinse agent that has been formulated to neutralize cleaning agents, stabilize dyes, and leave fabrics soft and bright.

#5. Groom the fabric. Grooming techniques for velvet, chenille, and microfibers are all somewhat different, but all should be groomed immediately after extraction, then again after drying with fans.


Follow these steps and you will have far better results as well as happier customers who will appreciate your efforts as a fine fabric specialist who cares.

eCleanAdvisor.com - Members message from Jim P:
"For more information on texture restoration
and the one tool EVERY fine fabric specialist
must have, Click on the link below:
http://www.ecleanadvisor.com/members/810.cfm

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My concerns about these all too common texture related problems as well as other issues that face today's fine fabric care technician are so strong that I've designed a special workshop to address issues that I am positive are not being adequately discussed anywhere else.

 

[D Luke]

Far be it from me to argue with Jim Pemberton about upholstery cleaning, but the Upholstery Pro is actually the only tool I have ever caused fiber distortion with.

Not that it's a real problem, just something I need to be mindful of. It's still my favorite tool.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

Argue me every time you can Derek.

No one I agreed with ever taught me anything. I live by that rule.

I'd like to understand what experience you had, and what might help others not go through it themselves. Post it here, or email me at jimscleanchat@gmail.com, or call me at 412-751-3700, extension 107.

 

[Larry Cobb]

Jim;

I had a customer ruin some upholstery with the "Upholstery Pro" tool.

The preset solution metering valve changed it's setting and overapplied solution to a delicate fabric.

The tech should have noticed it, but since he preset it carefully and it had the blue top, he assumed it would stay set.

We do like the clear tops on several of the newer uphol. tools (from $115 up)

 

[Jim Pemberton]

The purpose of my article wasn't to promote the tool, but I understand why my endorsement has brought about these responses.

Thank you Larry, I can see why that part of the tool's design could cause that particular issue.

 

[Desk Jockey]

It is a common sight to see stroke marks left in fabric with any pile to it. Its as if the cleaner gave it the "once over" with no care or concern to grooming the texture to an even appearance.

It does take more time and that time should be factored into the cleaning price of the piece. Upholstery cleaning should not be approached in the same slam bam carpet cleaning mentality unless you plan on buying that piece. Upholstery can be unforgiving and should be treated as such during cleaning and grooming.

The preset solution metering valve changed it's setting and overapplied solution to a delicate fabric.

What was he metering though that would cause damage? Are saying he over wet it or used too high a PH?

 

[D Luke]

Argue me every time you can Derek.

No one I agreed with ever taught me anything. I live by that rule.

I'd like to understand what experience you had, and what might help others not go through it themselves. Post it here, or email me at jimscleanchat@gmail.com, or call me at 412-751-3700, extension 107.

I'm sure it can all be attributed to operator error.

I have caused distortion at the top portion of stroke when a back and forth "scrub" action is used in conjunction with relatively hot water. Not a technique you would teach, I'm sure, but often what it takes to get that soiled Lazy Boy clean in the real world.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

The only place we clean is in the real world...so more often than not we're given things that are abusively soiled

Synthetic fiber fabrics hold onto oily soils stubbornly, and there is nothing like heat and agitation to break oil bonds. That combination is hard on synthetic fiber fabrics, such as is used by Lazy Boy and others, but sometimes you have to break out the nuclear weapons.

I can't blame or correct you for doing something I've done often myself. A fellow MB friend suggested I try an orbital buffer some years back, and since it didn't have heat, I found my work had better results.

Thanks for your feedback Derek. I am here on MB to learn to teach better, and to come up with better ideas in the future.

 

[DAT]

Gonna be using these with my OP... looking forward to it..

This is my current tool..

 

[Cleanworks]

I use to have a old von Schrader upholstery machine. That thing was great on all types of upholstery till it shorted out and nearly electrocuted me in the process. Love to get a new one one day.