In my newsletter article I mainly talked about general guidelines and background information for cleaning upholstery. In this article I want to talk about specific cleaning techniques. But first, here are some more general remarks:

What upholstery cleaning process you use is determined by the results of your inspection and pretesting. The correct method directly relates to the type of cleaning agent that can be safely used on the piece, as well as the type of equipment that should be used.

You will generally want to vacuum the fabric first to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. Vacuuming makes the cleaning job easier and faster. Also consider that the faster the fabric dries, the less likely dyes will bleed or migrate. When choosing the process that will best clean the piece, it is important to remember that not testing your cleaning compound, overcleaning the fabric (getting it too wet, over agitating (scrubbing or brushing), or over rinsing) will lead to severe problems.

 Towel Process 

Mist your cleaning agent onto soft white towels or natural sponges (non-dyed) and gently wipe the fabric in the warp (lengthwise) direction , turning the towel to a clean face with every stroke. Use uniform strokes, and move across the weft (widthwise) direction of the fabric with each stroke. Repeat this process until you no longer have soil transfer from the fabric to the towel or sponge. If the fabric has no adverse reactions to a neutral pH prespray, it may be lightly sprayed directly onto the fabric then any excess moisture left and allowed to dry. Hand misting onto a towel provides the least amount of moisture to be placed on the fabric, and the fastest dry time. Towel cleaning a fabric is a procedure one step above dry vacuuming and solvent cleaning in cleaning effectiveness.

 Towel Process - When to Use 

Towel process cleaning is used on very delicate weaves or weaves where long floats are present. Hand processes use very little moisture, and are recommended where possible wicking of latex backings can occur. It is also recommended when the fabric has the affinity to water mark or brown, or when the fabric covers another fabric or material that could wick color, and when upholsterer's marks are found during inspection. This method may also be the only method you can use when it is determined that the stains from the wood frame easily bleed into the fabric, or dye bleeding / migration is a concern.

 Dry Foams 

For shampoo cleaning only. The shampoo is turned into a foam using a shampoo foamer or a bucket and horse hair brush. Only the foam is used in the cleaning process. The foam is picked up onto clean white towels or natural sponges and is wiped over the fabric in warp direction. This process uses slightly higher moisture than a towel process and takes a little longer to dry.

 Dry Foam - When to Use 

For the same reasons as the towel process, but where it is found that a shampoo is safe to clean the fabric. This method allows for higher productivity, and is especially effective on fine weave Haitian Cottons or coarser weave fabrics that have a soluble latex backing (stabilizer).

 Light Mist Process 

Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the fabric holding the bottle 12" to 14" away from the fabric. Towel off all moisture using the same methods as described in the Hand Process. Light agitation may be used with some fabrics. This method applies more moisture to the fabric, increasing dry time and cleaning effectiveness.

 Light Mist Process - When to Use 

Use this method for the same reasons you would in the above processes, but where the amount of moisture used is not as critical.

 Dry Brush Wet Shampoo 

Using a soft bristle brush and a bucket, the brush is placed in the bucket to pick up the cleaning agent. You then knock the brush on the side of the bucket to remove as much moisture as possible and apply the "dry" brush to the fabric, agitating in the warp direction. After agitation, the fabric may be toweled or wet vacuumed off.

 Dry Brush Wet Shampoo - When to Use 

This process is used where there is a concern about the amount of moisture being used, but where agitation is a must to clean the fabric properly. Jacquard weaves or coarsely woven fabrics require agitation, but may not be able to withstand high moisture cleaning. CAUTION: agitation must be used with a "soft touch" so as not to abrade the fabric or floats. DO NOT SCRUB FABRICS.

 Machine Mist and Vacuum 

This process involves holding the upholstery tool 6-8 inches from the fabric, misting the cleaning solution on with the tool, and then applying the tool directly to the fabric with moderate lifting pressure to vacuum off the fabric. Higher moisture and longer dry times are involved as well as greater productivity.

 Machine Mist and Vacuum - When to Use 

This process "wets" down the fabric more than the previously described towel processes and is designed for fabrics that can accept higher moisture, but no agitation.

 Direct Extraction by Machine 

Placing the hand tool lightly onto the fabric, draw the tool in the warp direction overlapping each stroke. As you draw the tool gently lift the tool so that the fabric is lifted off of the cushion but vacuum is not broken.

 Direct Extraction by Machine - When to Use 

This process is the fastest and can be used on all durable tight weave fabrics where cleaning agent penetration will not affect any backing or under covering. This method provides the greatest amount of suspended soil removal, along with the greatest wetting effect.

 Final Remarks, or I Confess 

I confess - I copied or borrowed, shall we say, the above remarks from a professional article on cleaning upholstery.

If you don't know what terms like warp, weft or long floats mean then use it with discression. As I said earlier the people who manufacture upholstered furniture know better than anyone how to clean their products, they should be your first source for cleaning information.

I searched around online for upholstery cleaning seminars and videos but haven't found any solid information. A guy from one website I found said he would get back to me with information on their seminars and videos about upholstery cleaning. When I hear back from him, I'll let you know.