This outlines general steps for cleaning furniture that has fabric on it. Pre-testing prior to full cleaning is crucial to avoid/mitigate damage to the furniture. It is important to note that even when following recommended techniques, damage can still occur to the fabric during the cleaning process.
1. Start with a proper pre-inspection
See KnowHow process How to Complete Furniture Pre-Cleaning Inspection.
A proper pre-inspection will allow you to be aware of any potential issues that may arise during the cleaning process.
- It will allow for plans to be created for any special cleaning processes or treatments that may be required.
- It will mitigate potential damages from occurring and lead to better customer satisfaction.
2. Test all fabrics for colorfastness
See KnowHow process How to Test for Colorfastness.
Testing colorfastness determines how fabrics and the dyes within them will react to the cleaning products.
- It is important to test for colorfastness as if colors bleed it is almost impossible to correct the issue.
- Treatments can be applied to the fabric before cleaning process to minimize color damage if bleeding is detected during testing.
3. Select cleaning products
Based on the results of the pre-inspection and colorfastness tests, select the proper cleaning products to complete the job.
Make a plan for heavily soiled/stained areas.
4. Obtain customer consent
Obtain the customer's consent to proceed with the cleaning. Ensure the client is aware of the potential for damages caused by the cleaning process, and manage expectations for the results in heavily soiled/stained areas.
5. Vacuum area to be cleaned
This will remove loose materials, dirt, dust, crumbs etc.
6. Complete initial treatments
Apply any predetermined pretreatments. Spot treat areas that are heavily soiled/stained.
7. Proceed with deep cleaning
Usually this includes using the water extraction upholstery cleaning machine.
- Machine injects hot water and cleaning solution into the furniture releasing deeply inset dirt.
- Machine then extracts the water allowing for a faster drying process.
If specific plans were made for the cleaning process, follow these plans (this may include different cleaning techniques).
8. Clean the cushions first
Cushions tend to contain the most dirt/stains. Cleaning them first allows time to perform a second cleaning after the body of the furniture is complete.
- Ensure cushions are placed on a clean/safe surface
- drop cloth, colorfast paper, portable work table, etc.
- Move the extractor wand over the cushion, in overlapping gentle strokes
- Stronger scrubbing strokes can be used on dirtier areas/stains
- Beware of texture damage and over wetting
- Clean piping/welt cords with towel dampened in detergent
- Place cushions together in inverted "v" frame (see below)
- Set carpet dryer to blow through them to speed up drying process
- Never place cushions on wet platform
- Platform colors tend to bleed on to cushions
9. Clean main body of furniture
- Clean outside back and outside arms of the furniture.
- If these areas are relatively clean, simply mist and vacuum.
- If areas appear soiled, use standard cleaning strokes with upholstery cleaning machine.
- Clean remainder of the body, starting from the bottom up
- If possible. clean furniture in a horizontal position.
- Lay furniture on its outside back
- Clean the kick board and/or front skirt
- Clean inside back
- Place furniture upright and clean inside arms and top arms from bottom up.
10. Inspect furniture
Review the results and ensure maximum cleanliness has been achieved. Repeat cleaning process on any areas where additional dirt/stains can be removed.
Remain vigilant of not over-wetting.
11. Review work with customer
Note any issues that may have arose during cleaning process. Review any areas that have incurred damage, or stains that could not be removed.
