Upholstery Care Guidelines

Regular Care of Your Upholstery

Regular care is necessary to remove abrasive soils, which can adversely affect the performance of your upholstery. A tank type or upright vacuum with the appropriate attachments will usually be the most satisfactory choice for your weekly vacuuming.

Cleaning Up Upholstery Spills

Immediate attention to spills is necessary in order to reduce the possibility of permanent stain. First remove excess material from the area of the spill. Any remaining liquid should be immediately blotted up. Colorfast paper towels are excellent absorbing agents for this. Do not add water. Place multiple layers of the paper towels on the spill and press on them. DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB-BLOT, continue changing layers of towels until the towel picks up no trace of the spill.

Spot Cleaning Upholstery

Because of the variety of fabrics used in upholstery we do not recommend that you attempt to remove a spot yourself until you have asked a qualified upholstery cleaner, such as myself. Permanent damage can occur if the wrong solution is used on certain fabrics. Please call us for a free consultation @ (503) 246-3090 for various cleaning procedures based on your type of fabric.

Upholstery Cleaning

Your upholstery needs periodic cleaning when the wear areas become noticeably soiled. Color and use will determine how soon this will occur. In order to avoid potential problems, it is best not to postpone cleaning.

Do-It-Yourself Upholstery Cleaning

Various methods of cleaning are offered. I recommend that a consultation with us takes place to discuss the best method for your fabric. These can vary from aerosol foams to portable equipment. If you should attempt to use any of these methods, be as selective of them as you would in choosing your professional cleaner. Follow directions carefully in order to avoid permanent injury to your fabric. Over-brushing, over-wetting, or excess cleaning agent applied, may cause loss of texture, seam failure, delamination, rapid resoiling, or other structural damage.

Professional Upholstery Cleaning

Periodically, your upholstery should be professionally cleaned. The abrasive and greasy soil that settles deeply into the fabric over a period of time can only be loosened and removed by expert cleaning. We recommend that you use the services of Dick Freer. Do not delay cleaning when it is needed. Modern, professional upholstery cleaning will not increase your upholstery's rate of soiling. If you delay, you will only complicate the cleaner's job and possibly shorten the potential life of your upholstery.

Upholstery Drying Time

Cushions are usually stacked style to dry. These may be rotated bottom to top every 2 to 3 hours to aid the drying process. Allow enough time for thorough drying before replacing cushions or sitting on your furniture.

Upholstery Fabric Protector

Professional application of an approved protectant is recommended. If your upholstery has been treated, it may require additional drying time. Such protective treatments have a 24-hour minimum curing time and may feel slightly tacky during this period.

Velvet Upholstery Needs Special Care

When we have finished cleaning, the "pile" of the velvet was brushed in one direction. If must dry in this position to retain its appearance. Do not touch it while wet! After drying, it may have a stiff feel. This is removed by brushing in the same direction in which it was left to dry. This action may loosen a slight residue of cleaning material as a fine dust. Vacuuming may enhance the beautifying process. Occasional brushing and vacuuming is essential for velvet maintenance.