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Ask Cleanfax!
October 13, 2010
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Q: I have been asked to clean a microfiber sofa. The customer has spot cleaned it with a grocery store product and the areas she cleaned now look shiny and matted down. She thinks there is permanent damage. What can I do?
— Kevin, Las Vegas
A: The fiber content is probably polyester, which is a fairly non-absorbent synthetic fiber, but do a burn test to make sure.
Most likely, there is not permanent damage to the piece, if it is indeed a polyester microfiber sofa; some microfibers can be natural material, so the burn test is essential.
Odds are that the problem is residue from the cleaning solution. Some residues can matt down the fibers and the shine that you see can be light reflection. When fibers are matted down, the appearance is often brighter.
The solution is simple. You need to clean the sofa and remove those residues.
Use a detergent preconditioner safe for the fiber and, especially in the areas that look damaged, gently work the cleaning solution into the fabric with a soft brush. Allow about 10 minutes of dwell time and then extract with a low-moisture upholstery cleaning tool and an acid-side rinse.
Go over the piece with multiple dry passes and then use a carding brush or even a white cotton towel to set the nap.
Of course, the problem could be physical damage to the piece. Your customer may have used excessive agitation and that can cause fabric to have this unwanted appearance.
Remember that you didn''t cause the problem. Don''t make any promises. You don''t want to inherit your customer''s mistakes.
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Q: I am looking for any information on mold and mold remediation and how to get restoration work in this field. What do you recommend?
— Tony, Greenville, NC
A: This is a big step. You don''t indicate that you already do any form of restoration, such as water damage, so I''ll assume that your specialty is in carpet cleaning.
The first thing is a formal education, such as that found at your local distributor or supplier. Most host or sponsor certification seminars in a variety of restoration categories that you must have, especially if you do not have on-the-job experience.
Those seminars will bring you up to date on practical and legal issues involved in restoration. You will learn about the equipment, methods, science and much more that is part of the restoration field.
You should network with your peers. You can do this many ways, such as on industry bulletin boards or by contacting them in person.
A great way to learn is to find a mentor — someone not in your serviceable area that would enjoy a free "helper" on restoration jobs, such as mold work that you wish to engage in. If you partner up with a reputable restoration company, you can obtain all kinds of valuable information. Otherwise, you may learn by trial and error — and that is expensive.
Think about the marketing of your company and perhaps networking with the insurance industry, especially adjusters.
There is money to be made in restoration, especially mold work, but you must have a complete education before starting.
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Ask Cleanfax! is a monthly feature of questions from readers and answers that work. If you have cleaning and restoration questions, Cleanfax® magazine will find the solution for you. Send your questions, challenges or concerns to Jeff Cross, senior editor of Cleanfax magazine, at jcross@ntpmedia.com.
