Cleaning Your Custom Sofa

Cleaning Your Custom Sofa

Purchasing one of our sofas is an investment into your home that can last a very long time with the proper care. When accidents and stains occur figuring out proper cleaning methods can be intimidating. Even I have to admit that fabric cleaning and understanding the codes can be tricky. Therefore, it is important to consider daily lifestyle, wear and tear regarding cleaning when selecting a fabric. We ask clients about their furniture usage and whether they have pets and or children in the household to determine our clients’ need for durability.

All sofas can be cleaned but distinct fabrics have different codes that define the best cleaning method. The selections will vary between water-based methods, at-home cleaning products, professional solvents, and or oil-based methods.

Code W 

“W” stands for ‘Water-based cleaner’ and these are the easiest fabrics to clean.  The W   is not the same as being machine washable. 

We tried a few cleaning agents and focused on natural products as we support a chemical-free sofa. In addition, we consulted with a professional, Kevin from The Upholstery Cleaners, who we have worked with for over a decade.

We were able to narrow down the cleaning products to two of our favorite remedies. For really tough stains or even light stains, a layering of products is the most effective. 

1. The first layer is the combination of Castille soap and vinegar in a spray bottle or the Howards Organic Upholstery cleaning line which is coconut water-based. Once this base cleaning layer dries the process should be repeated
2.  For the second layer (if/when a stain persists) we use a professionally recommended product Folex. Folex is an enzyme cleaner that typically uses natural enzymatic bacteria that break up urine, feces, and vomit stains. Additionally, Folex contains a component that deodorizes to freshen the area up again. https://folexcompany.com/

We highly recommend purchasing Bissell Green Pro (portable) not only is this helpful in the cleaning of the sofa but is amazing for getting out stains in carpets as well. This machine uses warm water (with solvent or no solvent if you are pretreating) and suction to penetrate and remove stains by breaking down the dirt and bacteria stored deep within.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Tip is to always spray/mist and never spot wash or rub and use a water-based vacuum for deeper cleaning. 

• Vacuum for dust and andy dirt
•  Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap into a spray bottle and mist the soiled area.
• Use the bristle water vacuum to spray and suction dirt out of the area in a linear motion
• Let dry
• Mist Spray the surface again with Folex (if the stain persists)
• Use the bristle water-based vacuum to spray and suction dirt out of the area in a linear motion
• Let dry

Before and After Images

 

Code WS

“WS” stands for  Wet and Solvent.  These fabrics are very versatile as they can be cleaned with both water-based and water-free cleaning agents.

Use the exact cleaning instructions for the “W” fabric we outlined above

Code S 

“S” stands for “Solvent”. This is the upholstery equivalent of a “dry clean only” garment. Cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service or dry cleaning is recommended for Code S. If cleaned at home these fabrics should be cleaned with solvent-based cleaners. Water-based cleaners can permanently damage these types of fabric. Fabrics include organic fibers such as cotton, rayon, linen, wool, silk, velour, damask, etc.

Kevin from The Upholstery Cleaners and or your favorite dry cleaner should be used.