Furnature cleaning: what you should know

When it comes to furniture cleaning, there are many factors to consider, such as different fabrics, patterns, colors, sizes, and more. This complexity makes furniture cleaning more challenging than carpet cleaning. Unfortunately, many carpet cleaners either don't offer furniture cleaning or only provide services for a limited range of fabrics. In some cases, inexperienced cleaners may even worsen the appearance of furniture. Fortunately, the problems caused by inexperienced cleaners can often be reversed by an expert.

I have invested time and effort in acquiring the necessary training and certifications through the Carpet Cleaning Association (CCA). This enables me to provide various methods of cleaning that are tailored to different fabrics and materials. In this article, I hope to share my expertise and help homeowners and carpet cleaners understand the risks involved in cleaning furniture without proper knowledge of fabrics.

The four most common cleaning codes found on fabric furniture are W, S, WS, and X. These codes represent Wet, Solvent, Wet/Solvent, or Dry Clean Only, respectively.

Wet (W) cleaning means that steam cleaning or hot water extraction can be used to clean the furniture. Water-based cleaning agents and a clean towel can also be used to dab out spots. When cleaning, it is best to use plain white towels to avoid transferring any color dye onto the furniture.

Solvent (S) cleaning indicates that the fabric is sensitive to water, and wetting it may lead to permanent water rings or shrinkage. In such cases, it is recommended to use solvent-based cleaners. Solvents help break down oily spots and subsequently dry the area. Vacuuming the fabric after applying solvents will remove the separated soil.

Driclean (X) is designated for furniture that should only be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning involves vacuuming and brushing to remove dry soils. If your furniture is marked as driclean, you may try cleaning a small, unexposed area to test the effect on the material. However, it should be noted that shrinking, staining, or distortion of the surface pile may occur. While the manufacturer may not recommend it, the decision proceed with dry cleaning is at your own risk Sometimes, the damage by the is less noticeable than stubborn stain.

Fabric labeled WetW) and SolventS) (WS requires the use of both methods on different spots For oily areas, use solvents, while water-based cleaners are suitable for water-based spots. The recommended procedure is to start with wet cleaning methods as they tend to be effective against most stains. If that fails, resort to solvents. Alternatively, if you find solvent cleaning easier, you can prioritize it. Having options is always beneficial.

Unmarked fabrics are also common. If your furniture lacks a cleaning code marking or information, always test cleaning agents before using them. If you can identify the manufacturer, reach out to them for proper cleaning procedures. Most likely, they will provide the necessary guidance.

In all cases, my team at Axiom Floor Care possesses the knowledge and equipment to clean furniture of all classifications. Whether the fabric is natural, synthetic, or contains down filling, we have the expertise to handle the job effectively and safely.

How I got my start in the cleaning industry

This is a subject well over due for an article on this post. It all started many many years ago as. As a little boy I can remember being excited and fascinated in three things: rocks, vacuuming, and computers. So it would be no big surprise that I went to school for geology. After a while I found myself changing my major to computer cyber security. As time passed I realized that, while I did have a passion for rocks and computers, I was bored easily with both. At the same time I was also attempting to run a computer company and giving a hand to my father-in-laws friend, who happened to be a carpet cleaner. I realized my full passion for cleaning working for that friend of the family. It was a comfortable environment for me that allowed my mind to be fully engaged in the task at hand with the ability to freely thing about any subject I desired.

Though the part-time job with the friend didn’t last very long, I couldn’t stop thinking about how fulfilled I was with that line of work. As friends and family would ask me what I was doing for work, I started to tell them that I cleaned carpet. Eventually, I started to get inquiries to come and clean homes of those friends. I used the money I made from my first few jobs to buy the cheapest portable extractor I could afford and I set off on a path to clean. It was almost 2 months before I received my second inquiry to clean, my dream of being a cleaner almost lost, and a new job on the horizon I gave it one more shot. That same week I received a third job, making my total earnings for the three jobs more than I was making at my $12 an hour desk job— I was hooked.

With all the money I had earned, I called a local advertising agency and placed the larges add my money could buy. I remember my father chastising me immediately after giving my card information over the phone. “You’ll never make back that money” was the chastisement. I didn’t think I would either, but I had to try. I had just had a baby and my wife was working full time raising our daughter, finishing her CNA certification, and assisting my grandfather who had recently become unable to care for himself. I was soon blessed with more business than I or my father expected. I then made the sacrifice to sell my grandfathers old Mercedes he had left me and my other grandfathers truck that I had bought from him long before his passing.With the money I bought an ugly, rickety old van and a truck mounted carpet cleaning machine. I was ready! Going to work was a joy and I loved seeing the look on my clients faces every time I cleaned their carpet. Soon my aunt asked me if I wanted to take over some janitorial contracts from some of the sites where their janitor was retiring. I was now in business with a monthly income from the janitorial cleaning and daily jobs cleaning carpet and all the equipment I needed to do the job.

Mistakes were made, there were bumps along the path, and almost a decade has passed now. I have a thriving carpet cleaning and janitorial business that I am proud of with employees who I enjoy working with. I thank the Lord every day for the blessings he has given me and the opportunities to serve my customers and make smiles happen.