We are having furniture issues too...

Brian H

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We used a low moisture tool to clean this fabric. The crew did not groom it properly and left it "nappy". The customer also claims that the color is wrong and that it is supposed to be the darker color you would see when you brush the nap up.

We have tried to brush the nap all up and it looks wrong. Any thoughts on how we deal with this?
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Jim Pemberton

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The first part is too late: Anyone owning a natural fiber velvet or chenille needs to be advised of the fact that there will be some texture change after cleaning. Grooming during the drying process minimizes the appearance of texture change.

With what you have now, the use of a steamer and grooming should restore the velvet to nearly the condition that they expect.

What they will accept will have a lot to do with their own nature and reasonableness.

Give me a call and I'll walk you through what to do.

800-342-2297, extension 107
412-414-9129 cell
 

Desk Jockey

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Anyone owning a natural fiber velvet or chenille needs to be advised of the fact that there will be some texture change after cleaning.
He took the words right out of my mouth. :winky:

When wet you control the pile direction so its very easy to make it lay wrong (a different direction than it was prior to cleaning) in the clients opinion.

I think I'd rewet the panel and try grooming it to the side towards the front. Some pieces down all ways look right up or down but have abetter look and lay when groomed across.
 
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Desk Jockey

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Double secret.

Zee send me $200.00 cash and I'll tell you what he is telling Brian.


Do it now, don't take time to think about it. Cash! Send it now you won't regret it.

WELL maybe you will but send it anyway! :pig:
 

Spurlington

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Its looking like a small bit of color sepatation due to sun fading, age, harsh chems, germs from sick person living on the chair (bacteria burn)
 

Papa John

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I get tired of explaining to customers That the "color" of something is also determined by the angle at which light hits it. The "hairs"/fibers are just laying in different directions. The shiny areas are where the fibers are laying flat away from the viewers eyes and have less shadows viewed from That direction.. Stand on the other side of the pieces and the Shine will disappear. If the fibers are brush up, then the natural "crush" and randomness of the fiber lay will return with everyday use.. Our process, even the grooming is a "mechanical" process such as combing your hair and will leave some "lines" which are unavoidable.
 

Desk Jockey

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I get tired of explaining to customers That the "color" of something is also determined by the angle at which light hits it. The "hairs"/fibers are just laying in different directions. The shiny areas are where the fibers are laying flat away from the viewers eyes and have less shadows viewed from That direction.. Stand on the other side of the pieces and the Shine will disappear. If the fibers are brush up, then the natural "crush" and randomness of the fiber lay will return with everyday use.. Our process, even the grooming is a "mechanical" process such as combing your hair and will leave some "lines" which are unavoidable.
But just as Jim mentioned it is never exactly as as it was prior to cleaning. It will be acceptable 95 percent of the time but those 5% could sting you if they are picky and are not understanding. That's why qualifying spots on new upholstery is so important.

Cover all base...then cover yor ass! :winky:
 

Jim Pemberton

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Secret info, or just don't have time to type it and share with all of us?

1. Secret information? No

2. No time to type it out. Yes with this thought in mind: The use of a steamer is a bit of an art, and is difficult enough to "say" instead of show; nearly impossible to type out and say it all completely right.

I need some conversation and a knowledge of what the party I'm helping already knows, what he has at his disposal in the way of tools, and some more about how it was cleaned.

I'm also not going to be on line much in an hour or so, then only for a few hours at a time till Tuesday.

I don't mean to come across as unhelpful Zee.
 

Zee

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1. Secret information? No

2. No time to type it out. Yes with this thought in mind: The use of a steamer is a bit of an art, and is difficult enough to "say" instead of show; nearly impossible to type out and say it all completely right.

I need some conversation and a knowledge of what the party I'm helping already knows, what he has at his disposal in the way of tools, and some more about how it was cleaned.

I'm also not going to be on line much in an hour or so, then only for a few hours at a time till Tuesday.

I don't mean to come across as unhelpful Zee.



I know Jim, it was more of a poking fun type post, than being serious.
 
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Brian H

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Thanks for the advice Jim!!

Now it's just a matter of picking up the chair and getting it in to work on it!! They are in Europe for a few weeks, so it will be a little time until we can get it.
 

Jim Pemberton

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Grab some rayon velvet fabric, repeat the damage process, and let your specialist who will be doing the repair practice on it first.
 
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Able 1

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I did it many times.

I'm no dummie, after about 40-times I learnt not to do it. ;)
;)
I avoid some stuff, and have taught my guy's what to avoid.. and left a LOT of money along the way.. But never have I had a complaint, or bought a piece..
 

Desk Jockey

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Seriously what learned was to qualify the piece. If its heavily soiled its not my fault that oils boke down dyes and cleaning exposes that. or that they bought "Dry Clean Only" but soiled it to a point that only wet cleaning could make a dent in it.
I've always felt the most experienced cleaners ruined the most pieces.In my case I took risks and chances trying to be the hero. Instead I was the goat.

Those with less experience tend to be careful and pass on anything risky. My ego gets me in trouble.: )
 
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Able 1

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I really should push it and learn more.. We really don't have much fancy upholstery that I run into..

but..

For instance: If I go into a house and they have a white cotton couch that is as soiled as it is worn I will decline because I will not meet their expectations, and I know I will not be happy with it either(so why do it money?) . Same sofa that was water stained by the last guy, not happening.. The problem could be I just hate cleaning upholstery!! :)
 

Mark Saiger

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I really should push it and learn more.. We really don't have much fancy upholstery that I run into..

but..

For instance: If I go into a house and they have a white cotton couch that is as soiled as it is worn I will decline because I will not meet their expectations, and I know I will not be happy with it either(so why do it money?) . Same sofa that was water stained by the last guy, not happening.. The problem could be I just hate cleaning upholstery!! :)

Your probably see a lot like us Keith up here in the North....

For fine furniture, it seems Microfiber is the fine fabric of choice.... :lol:
 

Brian H

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;)
I avoid some stuff, and have taught my guy's what to avoid.. and left a LOT of money along the way.. But never have I had a complaint, or bought a piece..

That's the key!! I can't tell you how many times we have gone in after another company said they can't clean a particular item. When that happens, we just gained a customer!!

As long as we properly qualify a job, I'll clean just about anything!
 
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