How-To Wednesday: Decorator Fabrics – How to keep them clean

by / Tuesday, 13 May 2014 / Published in How To, INSPIRATION STATION

What do those fabric cleaning codes actually mean anyway and why should we care???

After you find the perfect fabric, for the perfect project, it’s important to know how you can maintain it’s beautiful look.

When deciding on a fabric, it’s super important to decide how the fabric will be used.

Draperies? Upholstery? Bedding? Multipurpose? Will it be in direct sunlight or indirect sunlight?

I have found that the majority of fabrics seem to have a cleaning code “S”, below you will find cleaning codes and a few examples of fabric types.

Cleaning Code: DC

  • Dry Clean ONLY

Cleaning Code: S

  • Spot clean only with a water-free dry cleaning solvent.
  • Do not saturate or use water.
  • When cleaning a spill, blot immediately to remove spilled material.

soil and stain repellentRayon/Linen soil and stain repellentA7788

Poly/Cotton

Cleaning Code: W/S

  • Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent.
  • Do not saturate.

99182

100% Cotton99191

Rayon/Linen99198

Rayon/Linen

Cleaning Code: W

  • Spot clean only with a water based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.
  • Do not oversaturate or use water, or use solvents to spot clean.
  • Blot immediately to remove any spilled material.

chenillered cheneille

These plush chenilles require cleaning code W

Cleaning Code: X

  • Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush.
  • Do not use water or solvent based cleaner.

Flock Fabrics

  • Spot clean only with a water based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.
  • Do not over wet, or use solvents to spot clean.
  • Use cautious agitation or rubbing while fabric is damp, as flock fabrics are sensitive to pile distortion and texture change with too much agitation.
  • Use extreme caution if using a professional cleaning service.
  • Allow to dry at least 24 hours before use after cleaning.

Note:  Pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with any cleaning step.

Clean spots or stains from the outside to the middle of the affected area, to prevent circling.

Cushion covers should not be removed for laundering or dry cleaning. Hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not a recommended method of cleaning.

Pile fabrics may require brushing with a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush to restore appearance. To prevent overall soiling, frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, stiff brush to remove dust and grime is recommended. Overall cleaning by a professional furniture cleaning service only is recommended.

Cleaning codes are established by the Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee

Information resource from Greenhousefabrics.com

Do you need help getting  a jump start on a project?

Does the process seem a bit overwhelming?

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Refresh Your Space The “DIY Plan” A Total Redesign Contact us to see which plan is right for you; our one hour consultation, can help get you started in the right direction. Ricci Jackson is a Certified Interior Decorator and founder of Your Design Partner. The goal of Ydp is to meet you where you are In your design process. Reserve your appointment today by calling (217) 722-4806 or email us at rjackson@yourdesignpartner.com

Inspiring creativity,

Ricci

 

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