Upholstery Care
The proper maintenance of vinyl and fabric will extend the life of the material. Dirt, oil and stains may discolor and damage material over time and the proper cleaning will keep the furniture vibrant and appealing. Not all materials are created equal, but the following is a guide to handling most fabrics and vinyls.
Each manufacturer has specific recommendations for the care and cleaning of their product, but most vinyls are cleanable first with a damp clean sponge, towel or cloth. If there is a stain, a mild household detergent and water solution may be advised. Naugahyde recommends 10% household liquid dishsoap in a water solution, Spradling recommends a mixture of Ivory soap and water, and Boltaflex a mild soap and water mixture.
Crypton vinyls, as supplied by CF Stinson, promotes Crypton labeled cleaners for use on their products. Absecon encourages the use of a water based cleaner, and Morbern, warm soapy water and clean clear water. In all this variety, it seems most vinyls can be cleaned with mild household soap and water solutions. The exception for this approach is listed for blood stains as cited in the Morcare vinyl care instructions as soapy water would set this type of stain. In this stead, the recommendation is ammonia with a water rinse.
Stains that require more than this approach are often approachable with a medium bristle brush. If this does not yield results, a cleaner such as 409 or Fantastik may be used. If this is still not enough, the dilution of bleach, 10%, in water, 90%, is advised for most products. It is important to note that this is not ever recommended for a daily maintenance as repeated use of any disinfectants and cleaning agents will degrade the material and diminish the durability of the vinyl. Often this breakdown is visible as brittle vinyl, the surface having lost plasticizers through long term use of cleaners and solvents.
It is the best course of action to read the care instructions for your vinyl choice, especially if any of these steps do not address the issue. Sometimes naptha, solvents or paint thinners are appropriate, but that is neither the case for all stains, nor all vinyls. It is often recommended that any cleaner or mild detergent is tested on a less visible area first as cleaner formulas may change without notice.
Velvet and fabrics are an entirely different story. Professional upholstery cleaning is available in these instances and sometimes is the best approach to take. As with any stain on vinyl or fabric, it is advisable to address the stain as soon as possible. The daily maintenance of vinyl and fabric should be wiping the surfaces with a clean towel. Vinyl can withstand water, and sometimes mild soapy water, if it is necessary. The prolonged use of detergents or disinfectants can shorten the use of the material, and should be avoided unless addressing stains. Finally, check the vinyl indications before ever disinfecting it with a bleach and water solution. This is often only when absolutely necessary.
Maxsun is concerned with the longevity of the products we sell, and proper maintenance will ensure that long life. We know you will be happy with your furniture, especially with the durability of the booths, banquettes and chairs. This article is intended as a guideline for long lasting furniture.