cleaning
stain repellents
Scotchgard® and Teflon® finishes, also known as fluorochemical applications, provide an invisible shield around a fabric’s surface. These finishes protect fabric from water and oil-based stains and prevent airborne dirt from settling in amidst the fibers. Nano-Tex®, on the other hand, fuses with the fibers on a microscopic level to create a barrier. Below are frequent questions regarding stain repellent finishes:
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HOW DO STAIN REPELLENT FINISHES APPLIED AT THE POST-PROCESSOR’S LOCATION DIFFER FROM A COMMERCIAL SPRAY ONE CAN APPLY IN THE HOME?
The important element provided by a post-processor is heat. When the finish is heat-dried, the molecules melt together making the Scotchgard®/Teflon® less susceptible to abrasion. With an on-site application, the finish is air-dried not heat-dried; consequently, the molecules remain stacked one upon another rather than bonded with the fabric. This allows the finish to be easily and quickly worn.
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CAN TREATED FABRICS BE CLEANED?
Yes. When liquid is spilled on a treated fabric it will bead up. Often immediately blotting will remove all traces of the stain. Below is a guide for removing other types of stains from a fluorochemically treated fabric. Consult the firm from which you purchased the fabric before cleaning it yourself.
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ARE THERE SPECIAL CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FABRICS TREATED WITH NANO-TEX®?
Yes. Dry cleaning is not recommended for Nano-Tex® fabrics. The chemicals found in typical dry cleaning solutions contaminate the fabric and can negatively affect performance and mask the technology. Click here to see the Nano-Tex® care instructions excerpt from our price list. Click here to go directly to the Nano-Tex® website for additional information.
care instructions
In just about every case, it is preferable to have a professional treat stains in order to minimize undesirable consequences. But for those clients who insist on tackling the job themselves, here are some guidelines to follow:
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VACUUM or brush away loose dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric.
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CLEAN UP SPILLS and stains right away. The longer soil and stains stay on the fabric, the harder they are to remove.
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QUICKLY BLOT UP STAINS or spills with an absorbent cloth, facial tissue or sponge. Be careful not to rub the stain deeper into the fabric. If the spill is solid or semi-solid (like butter or catsup), remove the excess by gently lifting it with a dull knife.
Often, gentle blotting will remove all traces; but if the stain cannot be removed completely by blotting, use the appropriate spot cleaning technique.
spot removal chart
The cleaning chart is provided only as a service and should not be interpreted as a warranty. Topical treatment — including water — of any fabric may cause color change and shrinkage. Calvin Fabrics cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by this process. Cleaning and spot-cleaning may vary in individual cases.
| Type of Stain | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Wine, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks | (See cleaning code "W") † |
| Blood | Treat with cold water to which table salt (2 tbsp. to 1 qt. of water) has been added. Rinse and blot with towel. If stain persists, use diluted ammonia. (See cleaning code "W") † |
| Chocolate or Coffee | Sponge with lukewarm water. † |
| Deodorants (cream, stick or spray) | (See cleaning code "S")† |
| Fruit or berry stains | Treat with cold water. † |
| Pencil lead or rubber cement | (See cleaning code "S") Follow with a small amount of ammoniated liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly.† |
| Urine, Mucilage and Perspiration | (See cleaning code "W") Follow with a small amount of ammoniated liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly.† |
| Vomit | Treat with cold water.† Follow with unseasoned meat tenderizer. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse, let dry, vacuum. |
| Grease (motor oil, tar, bacon fat, etc.) | (See cleaning code "S")† |
| Mud | Lift whatever can be removed easily with a dull knife. Let dry, then vacuum. If stain persists, clean with a cloth dampened with an ammonia-water solution. (See cleaning code "W")† |
| Candle wax | Remove surface wax with a dull knife. (See cleaning code "S")† You may also cover the spot with several thicknesses of paper towels and apply a warm iron. |
| Chewing gum | Remove surface gum with a dull knife. (See cleaning code "S")† |
| Ink or ballpoint pen | Use rubbing alcohol. (See cleaning code "W")† |
† NOTE: Always consult care label on the flat area beneath the seating cushion(s) before stain removal. Do not use water or liquid detergent on velvets, dry-clean only fabrics, or fabrics with the cleaning code "S" or "X". Before removing any stain, test the stain removing product (including water, if you plan to use it) on a hidden area to make sure the fabric and color will not be damaged by the remover.
cleaning code
Your furniture may be labeled with the voluntary industry cleanability code. Since the dyes or backings on some upholstery fabrics will be affected by water or spot cleaners, the cleanability code tells which cleaning method is safest for your fabric. If the furniture is not coded, test the fabric for damage or color change on a hidden part of the furniture before spot cleaning. The code is as follows:
(WS): Either of the above methods may be used.
(X): Clean fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to remove soil. Do not use liquid cleaning agents of any type.
The furniture industry recommends professional cleaning when overall cleaning is necessary. The cleanability code should be called to the attention of your professional cleaner.
TIPS FOR VELVET UPHOLSTERY: Spot clean with a water-free dry cleaning product (such as Carbona*), wiping in the direction of the pile (so the pile lays down). When the fabric is dry, brush gently with a suede brush, first against, then with the pile. (See note below.)
NOTE: Before treating any stain, test the appropriate stain-removing product (including water, if you plan to use it) on a hidden area to make certain the fabric and color will not be damaged by the remover.
*This does not constitute an endorsement for these products.