Upholstery?

[EcoPure]

Need some help from the pros... and thank you to everyone who has given us advice since we started!

Since we're new, we've only done a few pieces of upholstery. All we have is stair tool and portable extractor - and then Encap Green and / or spot n boost.

Haven't gotten a CYCLO or any kind of Steam Machine yet.

What do you guys recommend in terms of MACHINE and CLEANING AGENT?

Have an attorney customer with a white couch that is really old and has yellowish / light brown stains from people's greasy skin. I think that's all the stains are. Tried stair tool + encap green + portable extractor. Didn't really do much.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Kevin Downey

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[ChemBright]

Kevin- Be real careful when you see any "whitish" upholstery. You need to test the fabric as well as try to find any cleaning instructions on it or what type of fabric it is. If it is 100% cotton you have a high chance of turning it yellow or shrinking the fabric if you use the wrong method of cleaning.
If it is cotton don't expect the same results you would get with a synthetic.

[jeffvanburen]

I like ReleaseIT DS, on sensative fabric lather in a bucket and use the suds and sponge Low Moisture is the key.

[micky navarro]

low moisture is key like jeff sez. cotton has a terrible habit of showing water rings however, it can be safely HWE'd.

i've done hundreds using o'so'clean from cleancraft using jeff's method, followed by HWE rinse with cleancrafts fiber max.
speed dry is a must   

[EcoPure]

I should have posted this in the right forum I guess, huh? sorry...

well , I worked on the couch without asking first, using stair tool, micro bonnet and encap green. that didn't do a thing.

I'm looking hard at getting a cyclo, the brushes, and then figuring out what chem. would love to use something from vacaway.

Kevin

[Andy McFadden]

I use a  VS dry foam machine, with DS as the cleaning agent. (basically the same method as Jeff) I like it because it's dummy proof. Alaways dose a great job, and dries very fast. The key with this method is a very good pre vac, when you think you vaced enough , then vac somemore.  I might be selling this machine soon if any one here is interested . I don't do much upholstery.

[EcoPure]

Okay... got a Cyclo machine and brushes. Used at home on pee stains in carpet. Wow... those went away quickly.

LOVE the machine. Gotta figure out what chem to use for upholstery. I know some have said Encap green, but wouldn't a "foam" be better? I don't know what to use.

Any suggestions?


Kevin

[ChemBright]

Gotta figure out what chem to use for upholstery. I know some have said Encap green, but wouldn't a "foam" be better? I don't know what to use.

Any suggestions?


Kevin

I use Encap Green on everything but delicate fibers. Then I use Masterblends fine fabric prespray.

[EcoPure]

jon,

Tried it on a really old white-ish couch and it didn't do a thing. so frustrating.

Hmmm.... gotta take your word for it.

KD

[jeffvanburen]

Today-Did 3 chairs and ottoman at one location then a mile down the road a couch and chair. All vapor steam in just under 2 hours total including travel from one to the other. Used ReleaseIt DS -Odorcide mix on stains, both customers very happy.

[ChemBright]

jon,

Tried it on a really old white-ish couch and it didn't do a thing. so frustrating.

Hmmm.... gotta take your word for it.

KD

Don't expect good results on any upholstery fabric that is white.

[John Bolton]

jon,

Tried it on a really old white-ish couch and it didn't do a thing. so frustrating.

Hmmm.... gotta take your word for it.

KD

Don't expect good results on any upholstery fabric that is white.

Why the devil not?

I clean a lot of white/cream cotton and linen upholstery and whilst it is difficult to remove the last remnants of certain stains without spending a lot of time on them, general results are good!




PS.

The final photo was taken immediately on completion - the result when dry was much improved. all cleaned by spray/extraction

PPS.

I do not normally work in such mess. The job was an end-of tenancy clean clean with a plumber working in the kitchen and a decorator working upstairs!

[Mike M]

I've had some decent results with white fabrics in the past. Depends on the soil and fabric.

I think the key is agitation? A cyclo or drill driver really helps if you can use it. Not all upholstery can take a lot of agitation but if it can you will get better results.

Extraction of some sort is also helpful. This could be as simple as a cotton towel/bonnet. On really dirty stuff I like to use HWE if the fabric can take it. Finish off with a towel to help dry and get further soil removal.

Don't forget if you have to take more steps make sure you are charging accordingly.

[ChemBright]

Yeah..Ok Kevin. Disregard what I said. I don't know what the hell I am talking about.

I have cleaned a TON of white fabric as well with great results but it is also the color that shows more wear and discoloration.

So yeah.....those yellowish/brown stains should have come out. 

Thanks Mr. Bolton for correcting me.

[Mo]

On the heavily soiled furniture rinsing makes all the difference.

[Mike M]

Not every piece you clean will turn out great.

We would all like to think we can clean anything but ...........Not everything will look new again.

[ChemBright]

Not every piece you clean will turn out great.

We would all like to think we can clean anything but ...........Not everything will look new again.

Exactly!!!