Upholstery Cleaning

Amazingly most owners of upholstery do not realize how soiled there furniture really is. Today’s furniture is manufactured to hide dirt, hence, furniture tends to be far more polluted then we think.

“It doesn’t look dirty”

If my furniture is dirty how come I do not see it?

The reason that furniture does not appear to be dirty is due to the fact that dust particles are microscopic. Just as we do not see all the pollutants and dust in the air we breathe so to we are unable to see the millions of dust particles collecting on your furniture. In addition, much of the dust and pollutants are small enough to slip through the upholstered fabric on furniture. Larger dust molecules collect on the seats and cushions themselves, these larger pieces are gritty and sharp. When you sit on the furniture the compression combined with human secreted oils makes a sticky residue that is almost impossible to remove with just simple vacuuming.
If these conditions persist unchecked over time these gritty, sticky pieces combined with the abrasive action of everyday use CUTS into the carpet fibers. This accounts for that dull look some furniture begins to get. Other signs of abrasion are heavy wear patterns and dark areas. At this point you notice that the furniture looks dirty, however the damage is many times permanent and cleaning will not always make it LOOK better. That is why it is important to regularly have your furniture professionally cleaned! Furniture is an expensive and timely investment that you will want to protect and avoid furniture from ever looking dirty. Remember, when your furniture begins to look dirty it is already starting to become too late!!

“So there’s some dust and dirt that I can’t remove by vacuuming, it still looks alright, what’s the big deal?”

Bacteria, dust mite and their fecal matter, germs and allergens will make their abode with your furniture. Dust mites and allergens are treated in another chronicle in much more detail see chronicle #5. Bacteria and germs feed and grow on soils that are not removed on a regular basis. “The byproduct of decaying living materials decomposing is a foul smell that characterizes furniture that has not been professionally cleaned regularly.”

Isn’t vacuuming on a regular basis enough?

Vacuuming on a regular basis is great; essential really. However, yearly professional cleaning is absolutely necessary. In fact, manufacture’s warranties require it for validation. Manufacturers know that by the use of colors, patterns and fibers dirt is hidden from view; hidden, but there. Hence warranties require regular professional steam cleaning to prevent wear and other permanent damage.

How often is a regular cleaning?

Typical in a home of 1-4 people with no pets once a year is sufficient, if you are a retired couple that only inhabits your home 6 months a year every 2-3 years will do. However, a family of 5 or more or if you have pets you will want to have a professional cleaning twice a year.

What exactly is “professional cleaning?”

A professional cleaning is a hot water extraction cleaning by an IICRC Certified Firm like New Dimension. We use a combination of detergents, surfactants, 240 degree hot water, specialty tools and professional techniques. We also use a truck mounted system that incorporates an extremely powerful vacuum lift of 850 CFM. Compare that to the best upright commercial vacuums most with a lift of less than 150 CFM.

Can I Just Spot Clean Myself?

Furniture spot cleaning is a great risk to try yourself. Due to the delicate nature of the fibers if you do not wet an area evenly, too wet, or use too high of an alkaline cleaner you may PERMANENTLY DAMAGE it.

Is it expensive to have furniture cleaned?

Protector is a product that forms a shield after cleaning that repels oil and water based stains, repels dry soil, and stands up against heavy use and frequent vacuuming. Protector enables regular vacuuming to be more effective as well as helps prevent spills, accidents, and stains from permanently changing fibers colors.

What is the easiest way to tell if my furniture would benefit from a thorough Professional Cleaning?

There are four ways to do a Self-Inspection to determine whether it is time to get your furniture professionally cleaned.

1st Probe:
Dust “The Slap Shot”: Using a bright light, take one of your cushions and slap 3-4 times w/ a wooden spoon. If you see a dust cloud in the bright light, its time for a cleaning.

2nd Probe:
embedded particulate “Curtain Call”: Using your vacuum cleaner nozzle attachment take a black cloth and rubber band it to the end of the vacuum hose—let it drape into the hose a little way. Put the upholstery tool attachment onto the end of the vacuum, turn on vacuum and run it across one of the cushions. Take off tool and observe cloth piece. If the cloth has dander, dead skin, and other particles on it; its time for a cleaning.

3rd Probe:
protein soils “Swab Test”: Take a white towel/cloth, spray Windex on towel and briskly rub over seat or arm rest cover. Look at white cloth. Enough said.

4th Probe:
malodors “Nose Job”: Exhale as much air as possible. Then inhale 3” above cushions fanning air toward your nose. If you smell a funky odor it is most likely from bacterial growth and you need to get your furniture cleaned ASAP!