Silk Fabric Upholstery

Introduction

Silk is a very expensive and luxurious fiber and is typically found in upholstery of higher-end homes and hotels. By cleaning silk upholstery you are taking additional risk just by the value of the product, however the cleaning procedures are really no more complicated than for other fabrics.

Cleaning problems to watch out for in silk:

 

• Fiber damage from long term alkaline exposure
• Fiber distortion The texture of the fiber can change with water-based cleaning.
• Rings can result from cleaning of some silk fabrics with a satin finish. To avoid this scenario always clean an entire panel of satin silk rather than just spots.

 

 

Most silk fabric should be dry-cleaned, but some fabrics made of raw silk can be wet cleaned.

 

Cleaning Procedures – 

Dry-Cleaning

Step 1 – Vacuum the fabric thoroughly. It is important to remove as much dry soil as possible.

Step 2 – Mist fabric with extraction solution using your tool

Step 3 – Agitate with a clean, white terry cloth towel. This will loosen the soil allowing absorption into the towel

Step 4 – Extract with POWer Rinse

Step 5 – Agitate fabric with a dry towel to aid in drying and further soil removal

Step 6 – Protect with Maxim Fine Fabric

Step 7 – Dry with air movers

Note : You cannot perform a solvent extraction process with standard portables or truckmounted units. You must have a machine that is capable of running solvents through it.

 

Cleaning Procedures – 

Wet-Cleaning

Step 1 – Test for shrinkage, color loss & cleaning effectiveness by cleaning a small test area

Step 2 – Vacuum the fabric thoroughly

Step 3 – Pre-spray with POWer “O”

Step 4 – Extract with POWer Rinse

Step 5 – Protect with Maxim Fine Fabric

Step 6 – Dry with air movers

HELPFUL HINTS – 

1. Boost your customer satisfaction and your profits by applying Maxim Fine Fabric Protector after cleaning.
2. Cleaning of silk and other natural fabrics should be priced higher than synthetic cleaning due to the additional risk, value of the item, and the expertise necessary to process the work.
3. Fiber identification is not difficult if you ask the customer. If the have spent the money to purchase silk, the will usually know what it is.

Caution –

When Dry-Cleaning you should be aware that while dry-cleaning is very safe for fabrics, it might only be marginally effective at soil removal when the fabric is heavily soiled. Dry-cleaning fluids are considered toxic & flammable. Be sure to follow these procedures to protect you,your tech,and your customers.

1. Turn off pilot lights and all other sources of flame or spark.
2. Provide adequate ventilation and be sure that your machine is outside or that the fumes are ventilated to the outdoors.
3. Wear personal, protective equipment such as a respirator, gloves, and safety glasses
4. Pets and people should not be exposed to dry-cleaning fumes 

OVERVIEW

Procedure:

1. Test the fabric for colorfastness
2. Test for shrinkage 
3. Pre-spray with POWer ”O”
4. Extract with POWer Rinse
5. Quickly dry with air movers

PRODUCTS NEEDED

DRI POD

Description:  High volume air mover

Purpose: Dries carpet, upholstery & structures quickly 

 

POWER “O”

Type: Prespray

Highlights: Perconditions fine fabrics or upholstery

 

POWER RINSE

Type: Conditioner/ Neutralizer 

Highlights: Prevents wicking, browning and yellowing. Removes alkaline residue. 

 

MAXIM FINE FABRIC

Type: Fabric Protector  

Highlights: Dries quickly with excellent wicking action

 

TRUCKMOUNT

Description: Hot water extraction machine 

Purpose: All purpose prespray for residential & commercial carpets and for oriental rugs. 

 

PORTABLE

Description: Portable extractor

Purpose: Portable unit that extracts water and chemical from carpet or upholstery.