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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

    Care Instructions for Nano-Tex® Enhanced Fabrics

    Spills and stains should be removed from fabrics as soon as possible. While staining will be minimized on Nano-Tex® enhanced fabrics, cleaning may still be necessary. If spills are removed immediately, there will be minimal to no staining on the fabric. If spills go unnoticed for a period of time and staining occurs, the Nano-Tex® enhanced fabric will clean easily and quickly with proper cleaning procedures.

    Upholstery Fabrics

    • Clean liquid spills quickly with a clean, dry cloth.

      • For liquid spills, gently blot (don’t rub) spill immediately with an absorbent cloth while spill is still fresh.
      • Wipe off with clean water and a clean, dry cloth if needed.

    • For semi-solid spills, try to lift the spot off of the fabric.

      • Working in a circular motion or removing the spill from the side is often the best way to lift a spill from the fabric.
      • Change towel surface frequently until spot has been transferred off of the fabric and onto the absorbent cleaning cloth. (Try to avoid pressing the spill or spreading the stain.).
      • Wipe off with clean water and a clean, dry cloth if needed.

    • For stubborn spills:

      • If a spill does not come off with water and a clean, dry cloth, add a mild detergent mixed with water and repeat circular motion. (Mild detergents such as Sport Wash®, Tide® Free, or Cheer® Free are recommended.).
      • If a stain remains, a solvent may be needed to remove the stubborn stain. It is recommended to use odorless mineral spirits, dry cleaning fluid (Perchloroethylene) or Fantastik® Orange Action™ All Purpose Cleaner.
      • Wipe off with water and a clean, dry cloth. (Do not rub harshly. The harder you rub when cleaning a spill, the deeper the soil can penetrate between the fibers.).
      • Remove all soap residue from the surface with clean water.

    Use a professional furniture cleaning service when an overall soiled condition has been reached.

    Direct Link to Nano-Tex® Spec Sheets

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    general 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:

    1. VACUUM or brush away loose dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric.

    2. CLEAN UP SPILLS and stains right away. The longer soil and stains stay on the fabric, the harder they are to remove.

    3. 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.

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    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.

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    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:

    (W): Use only water-based cleaning agents or foam. Mix 2 tablespoons ammonia or ammoniated detergent, such as Ajax Liquid,* to a quart of water. Wipe the stain gently with a cloth dampened with this solution. Continue, turning the cloth so you're always using a clean portion.

     

    (S): Use only mild, pure water-free dry cleaning solvents, such as Carbona.* Wet a cloth with the spot cleaner and follow the same procedure as described above.

     

    (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.

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