Environmentally-Friendly Upholstery
Cleaning
Environmentally-Friendly Upholstery
Cleaning
Benefits of Green Cleaning For Your Furniture
So, you’re looking for professional cleaning for your furniture and you’ve heard about an alternative to the regular carpet or furniture cleaning, offered by professionals: green cleaning. Is green cleaning worth it? Just what does it do to make your furniture better?
There are many reasons why you should choose green cleaning for the furniture, carpets and upholstery in your home or office that warrant the extra few dollars you might be shelling out. Green upholstery cleaning is a safe, non-toxic way to get your home (or business space) fresh and clean. No more strong bleach stenches that run all your pets out-of-doors the minute our van arrives at your door. Instead, you’ll enjoy clean furniture that not only smells fresh and looks new, but is 100% toxic cleaner solution free. Non toxic upholstery cleaning solutions, or “green cleaning”, are also less harmful to your fabrics and cause less damage. You’ll have clean furniture that lasts longer and isn’t damaged by the heavy cleaning process.
“Green” Sofa Cleaning
Some of our competitors will use professional
grade chemicals to clean your sofa. But when we hear “professional grade” we cringe just a little more. That’s just a fancy way of saying that they’re even harsher than the stuff you can buy at the supermarket. Think about the difference between “prescription” and “over-the-counter.” It’s a similar situation. Here at Evergreen, we don’t want any part of that. That’s why we’ll always use eco-friendly products and methods. We’re sofa steam cleaners, not sofa chemical bath givers.
Special Care for Special Fabrics
In addition to being “green,” we take couch cleaning very seriously. At Evergreen, we understand that each fabric is different, so it should be handled that way. When you’re looking for furniture cleaners, it’s really important that you find someone who understands various different fabrics. If you have a special fabric, such as silk or satin, you want someone who specializes in special fabric cleaning. That’s a whole lot of special that you shouldn’t trust to just anyone.
But just because a company works with silks and satins doesn’t mean they are necessarily good with microfiber couch cleaning. Since Evergreen has been in the business for so long (10+ years), we’ve had the opportunity to work with and study various fabrics, so we know exactly how to clean each one in a way that is gentle, effective and eco-friendly.
Your Mattress Deserves to be Clean Too
When it comes to where you lay your head, there are just a few things that are important. You want it to be comfortable, of course. We can’t help with that, but we can help with the other two things. You also want it to be clean and chemical-free.
Here at Evergreen, we take care to clean your mattress by the same standards as we use when cleaning your carpets and upholstery. That means it’s eco-friendly and effective. Call us today for a free estimate and get your home in a “green” clean state.
Do You Really Need Professional Upholstery Cleaning Services?
You have likely heard of upholstery cleaning services, even if you have never used them yourself. Perhaps you have recently noticed that your furniture is starting to look aged, despite the fact that it is only a few years old. An investment like furniture is meant to last several years or even decades, but it is up to you to keep your upholstery in tip top condition so as to keep your furniture from looking like it needs to be replaced. You can maintain your furniture by not only regularly cleaning it yourself, but by also using the aid of a professional upholstery cleaning service.
Why Do I need a Professional Cleaning Service?
Over time, you will discover that dirt and grime builds up on your furniture. This is especially true when you have a house that is full of kids, pets or both. To maintain your furniture regular vacuuming and spot treating can help it from getting too dirty. However, the consistent build up of dirt, dust and other particles can become a vast breeding ground for bacteria and mold as well as allergens. Since these are not visible to the eye, it can cause illness without you ever suspecting the upholstery as the cause.
Manufacturers will recommend that you have your upholstery professionally cleaned at least once a year. This prevents stains and particles from getting into the padding of the furniture, which can cause damage. Only commercial equipment is strong enough to deal with these types of elements. Upholstery cleaners are strong enough to restore your furniture to its original luster without sacrificing the fabrics and fibers involved. In addition, you will not run the risk of damaging the fibers if you have them cleaned by specially trained technicians. These technicians are trained and knowledgeable in all fabric types and are able to determine the best cleaning method after examining your upholstery.
Preventative Maintenance
There is no getting around the fact that your upholstery – especially on frequently used furniture – will eventually need to be cleaned. In the meantime, however, you can try to prevent damage in several ways.
* Clean the surface regularly – this means vacuuming the fibers and in the instance of couches and loveseats removing the cushions and vacuuming in the crevices. If you have removable upholstery – such as on couch cushions – you may be able to wash them in the washing machine. Some materials, however, may require dry cleaning so be sure to read the cleaning instructions prior to attempting to clean them yourself.
* Spot Treat Immediately – if you spill food or drinks on the fabric, the best bet to save your upholstery is to treat it immediately. Specialized spot
treatment cleansers are available in stores, but be careful to test the cleanser on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it will not damage the fibers. By treating the stain right away, you are lessening its staying power and thus, lessening the overall damage.
Take preventative measures in between professional upholstery cleanings, but remember that to truly protect your furniture and ensure it has a long life, regular professional cleanings are a must.
Top Five Reasons to Hire Professional Upholstery Cleaners
Like anything else, cleaning your upholstery is important to its longevity. Furniture is designed to last years, but without the proper care and maintenance, it is likely to look worn and aged in a relatively short time. For this reason, amongst many others, it is necessary to hire professional upholstery cleaners – skilled technicians who know how to identify your upholstery type and apply the perfect cleaning solution. In addition to the necessary cleaning, there are five top reasons why you should hire professional upholstery cleaner to keep your furniture in good shape.
1. Lack of Time – many people who hire a professional upholstery cleaning company are pressed for time. They do not have the time to do it themselves and rely on the professionals with their expertise to carry out the task. In addition, the technicians are skilled and able to carry out the task with the proper equipment and with ease, allowing for quicker cleansing techniques.
2. Speedier Drying Times – commercial equipment outshines rentals and those for purchase in retail stores in many different ways. One of the reasons why commercial equipment is superior is that it is better at water extraction meaning you are not left waiting for days to sit on your couch or chairs. With a rental, it can take several hours up to several days for your upholstery to dry depending upon the humidity levels.
3. Effectiveness – anyone who has ever had a professional cleaner come in after using a rental was probably blown away by the vast difference in how clean their upholstery appears. The fact is rental machines, in addition to those that you can buy in a store, are not up to par with commercial equipment. A professional upholstery cleaning company will buy the best equipment available to them because they know that appearances are everything. If your upholstery is not looking fantastic after your cleaning, chances are you will not be using that company again. Thus, investing in top notch equipment is in the company’s best interest.
4. More Thorough Cleaning – cleaning solutions are diluted when you purchase them in the store. Moreover, you are likely to miss a great deal of cleanser if you clean your own carpets. This leaves a filmy residue behind and attracts even more particles, resulting in your furniture looking worse than you expected. Commercial cleaners are able to remove the cleaning solutions with ease, ensuring that you are not left with that filmy residue.
5. Saving Money – in the long run, after paying for rental fees, cleaning solutions and other necessities, you are not saving very much money. Then, when things go wrong – which they usually do if you are
inexperienced – you will have to hire a professional anyway. Why not do it right the first time and put your trust and money with the professionals who can guarantee your satisfaction?
Don’t spend a lot of time agonizing over whether or not you need to hire a professional technician. You can save yourself time, frustration and money if you seek out a professional to clean your upholstery for you.
Upholstery Cleaning: What You Need to Know
It can be very disconcerting to discover a stain on your furniture, especially if it is a beloved piece of furniture that you have worked hard to maintain. Short of applying plastic covers over your sofas, chairs and love seats, it is inevitable that your furniture will eventually be susceptible to a stain of some sort. When this happens, it can be tempting to try to remove the stain yourself, but your best bet is to avoid trying different solvents and risking more damage to your furniture. Instead, relying on professional cleaners can help prolong the life of your upholstery and restore it to its original state.
The Importance of Fibers
Few people consider the type of upholstery fabric they are purchasing, but it plays a significant role in the method of cleaning that will be used. There are many different fibers including:
* Polyester * Cotton * Wool * Linen * Acrylic * Leather * Microfiber
Each of these fibers has different ways that they must be treated otherwise you run the risk of damaging the upholstery. This is bad news if the upholstery is no longer in production such is the case with older pieces of furniture. Each fiber type is tagged with a two letter code that specifies the best way to clean the fiber – the manufacturers recommended treatment.
When you speak with a representative about the upholstery prior to making your appointment, you will likely be asked about the type of fabric. Some fabrics such as cotton, microfiber and polyester are easy to clean. Others such as silk and wool require specialized treatment so as not to damage the fabric in any way. The easier the treatment on your particular fiber, the less expensive the cost to steam clean your upholstery.
The Process
When you first call for a consultation, the representative you speak with will ask you what kind of cleaning services you are looking for. Once you have established which furniture and the types of fibers, you will be provided with an estimate. If the estimate is given over the phone, it is only a basis to go on because the depth of the treatment is not known until the technician is able to evaluate the upholstery in person.
Once the type of stain is established as well as the fiber involved, the technician will use his knowledge of the particular fiber in applying the proper techniques. Always ensure that you hire a reputable company for upholstery services otherwise you run the risk of losing your upholstery due to damage.
Why Upholstery Cleaning is Important
Like carpets, upholstery is subject to losing its luster after being used frequently. If you have pets or small children, you are likely to need more frequent cleanings than if the upholstery is only used occasionally. Keeping your upholstery clean is also beneficial to your health as you are removing built up allergens that may exist within the fibers.
If you feel that your furniture is in need of a cleaning, call the experts today and see how beautifully your upholstery can be restored.
Tips to Maintain your Upholstery
Let’s face it only a small percentage of the population truly enjoys cleaning. While most of us go through the motions out of necessity, oftentimes we do not look forward to the work. With that in mind, you also know that regular maintenance can increase the life of large items – namely your upholstery.
When it comes to upholstery there are several things that you can do to extend the life of your furniture. Here are a few things that while they may seem common knowledge are worth repeating.
* Vacuuming - Even if you think you can put it off another week because to the eye your upholstery appears clean, do it. Particles travel constantly through the air and land all over your furniture. Just take a look at your television and how quickly dust accumulates because the same particles are also on your furniture. If these are not removed on a regular basis over time they will collect and eventually soil the surface making it harder to fully clean.
* Rotation - While this may seem trivial it works. By rotating the cushions you create even wear on the furniture. This will help to keep the shape of your cushions for a longer period of time.
* Decorative items - We all like to add our own personal touch to our furniture with throws and pillows. Just keep in mind that the dyes from these items can penetrate to your upholstery causing it to soil or show stains over time. This is especially important for lighter colored upholstery.
* Sunshine - Nothing feels better than a warm blast of the sun on your shoulders, but this can also harm your fabrics. Sun will wear over time on your upholstery creating a discoloration of the fabric. With this in mind try to avoid placing your furniture where it will be in the way of direct sunlight.
* Dusting - Dusting is great in helping reduce the amount of particles that are allowed to settle on the furniture in between regular vacuuming sessions. Try and use a damp cloth for the top of your sofa to gently remove without harming the fabric. Newspapers and magazines alike can create paper dust. Avoid where possible contact with your furniture. Paper dust can easily get into the pores of the fabric making it difficult to remove.
* Cushions - Even if your cushions have zippers refrain from the impulse to remove and wash in your washer. These zippers where put in place by the manufacturer for easy access later for stuffing. Anyone who has done this before has only done it once. Not only can you change the color but you may also have a bigger problem such as the cover becoming smaller than the padding.
* Professional cleaning - Purchasing an over the counter fabric cleaner may cost less initially but in the long run it will cost you more. There are too many things that can go wrong if the product is not used correctly and tested first. By hiring a professional trained to clean all types of fabrics you take the worry out of any mistakes that may happen. If something is not satisfactory you can simply call them back to fix or repair the damage.
Various types of Upholstery Fabrics
Before heading out to the department store to select a piece of furniture such as a sofa or love seat it is important to know a little bit about the fabrics they are made of. While you may have a specific color and style in mind there are many different fabrics available, some which will last better than others. Many factors can play into a fabric being more suitable for one over another.
Do not count on the salesman to know the one that’s best for you. With a little research on your part you can choose the upholstery that suits your needs.
Fabrics and their Properties
Choosing fabrics can be difficult as it is not always in your best interest to choose what you think looks nice. Oftentimes some of the nicest furniture fabrics require a lot of upkeep. This is fine if you live in an adult only household with no pets. However, adding children and pets to the equation results in having to choose fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Listed below are a few samples of the types of fibers that you will encounter when looking to purchase new furniture.
* If you are looking for something that holds up to stains and heavy wear then synthetic fabrics are what you should be looking for. Synthetic fabrics can be Olefin, nylon, polyester and acrylic fabrics. They are designed for homes where the furniture is used frequently and require minimal work on your part to keep them clean. They are generally easiest to maintain and this is especially true if you have children and pets.
* Natural fabrics such as cotton, acetate, rayon, linen and silk require professional care to maintain them in their original state. They must be pre-treated with stain repellant, such as a scotch guard prior to being used. This type of fabric is not recommended in a home where there are small children or pets. Stains are much harder to remove even though the fabric is pretreated. A professional cleaning service is strongly urged in order to keep the upholstery fresh and inviting.
* Blended fabrics contain a mixture of fabric thus the title blended. They usually contain parts of the synthetic mixed with natural fabrics. Again these can be relatively easy to maintain so long as the blend leans on the side of the synthetic.
As with any large purchase, when it comes to caring for your upholstery a professional cleaning service is usually the way to go. Most people either do not have the time to dedicate or the patience to do the job correctly. Oftentimes people try to develop a shortcut in the cleaning method which only serves to damage the upholstery. Skipping steps when cleaning your upholstery can have disastrous effects. There are many reasons you will want to have your furniture professionally cleaned. Taking the fear of damaging your furniture and placing it
in the hands of a professional allows you a way to recover for damages should something develop.
How to maintain your Upholstery
When you set out to purchase a sofa or loveseat you usually do not pay attention to what it will take to maintain the upholstery, but you should. Many people simply focus on size, color and design. There is much more that should go into your search for that perfect piece.
While all furniture has tags that identify what the upholstery is made from, most people are not educated in fabrics and really do not pay attention to this detail. Some fabrics are much harder to maintain and should not be purchased for a home that contains young children or animals.
Counting on the salesman is not always your best method. Remember, the salesman is there to sell furniture. With that said you can buy the furniture you desire by simply educating yourself before you venture out. Knowing a little something about the upholstery you are purchasing could save you from purchasing the wrong piece of furniture.
Some things to know about fabrics and their wear are as follows:
* Cotton is commonly used in one form or another in upholstery such as canvas and denim. While it wears quite well it wrinkles easily and should not be exposed to heat.
* Silk and wool represent the animal fibers and contrast in use. Silk is very beautiful in appearance but does not fare very well in frequent use, while wool is strong and durable.
* Leather has been a popular choice for years for its resistance to wear and tear. The downside to leather is that as it ages it also tends to fade in color, unless it is properly cared for.
* Synthetic fibers - This group is actually quite extensive. Some of the contributors are acetates, polyester, rayon and nylon. While they work better when blended, some of them are susceptible to fading from sunlight.
As you can see there is a lot that should go into choosing a fabric before selecting a piece of furniture. All upholstery needs proper care in order to retain its beauty. Once you have decide on that special sofa or loveseat there are some practical things that you can do to maintain it such as vacuuming weekly. This means under the cushions too. Also rotating the cushions will
keep the shape of the cushions especially if there are favorite seats used frequently. Dusting the top and back and using covers for the arm rests will all help to keep the upholstery from dust and oils becoming trapped in the upholstery.
The best way to maintain your upholstery is to use a professional steam cleaning service. These companies specialize in the care of all types of fabrics. They understand what cleaners work best on different fabric in order to remove stains and
normal wear that happens over time. Steam cleaning is an art. By hiring a steam cleaning company you will be guaranteed that they know how to steam clean the furniture. Knowing how much steam and how to use the equipment is very important in avoiding any future problems that can happen such as mold or mildew.
How
Steam Cleaning Upholstery Extends the Life of Your Furnishings
With these tough economic times, the new trend for our
society is finding a bargain. Sometimes these bargains can be hard to find, but
if you can hang on to something for longer than anticipated it oftentimes works
out so that it is a bargain. Because of the desire to hold onto our
furnishings, it is apparent that steam cleaning has become more popular than
ever. Since the benefits of steam cleaning have been proven to both clean and
sanitize it is the best way to extend the life of your upholstery. There are
several ways to go about this so it is important to explore all before deciding
which works best for you.
Since growing in popularity, steam cleaning products can be
found in nearly every retail outlet. They vary in price and thus provide
different results. If you are trying to decide whether to invest in one of
these products always check for the rating. Of course, the best way to ensure
that the job is done correctly is to hire a professional cleaning service to do
the job.
The reason that steam cleaning has grown in popularity is
that many people are now focusing on reducing the amount of chemicals we use in
our homes. Steam cleaning works through a heating element inside the machine
that heats the water and turns it into steam. These vapors are powerful in
removing hard stuck on stains and are able to sanitize your upholstery with
every spray. Since only water is used it will not change the color of your most
expensive furnishings. Once done there are no harmful chemicals left behind.
Even if you cannot see with the naked eye any visible signs
that your upholstery is wearing, over time if it is left untreated the oils
from your skin, dust and pets dander can physically damage the upholstery. As a
result, it becomes dull and worn looking. Steam cleaning though powerful,
gently removes these oils, dust and dander with one cleaning. The best part of
all is that it does this without damaging the surface of your furniture. It
actually dissolves the substances while removing them, making steam cleaning
quite a remarkable solution.
There are a few steps that can be taken in between
cleanings. Use a good vacuum with enough suction to remove most of the visible
dust and particles that can end up on your upholstery. Remove cushions and
really get into those areas that are often left out. When purchasing a piece of
furniture always be sure to have it scotch guarded. Let’s face it life happens
and if you have young children or pets, scotch guarding can help to keep spills
or accidents from penetrating beneath the surface of the upholstery. Also keep
your furniture away from direct sunlight. While you may feel good sitting with
that warm sunlight over your shoulder, over time the sun can fade the color of
the upholstery.
By caring for your upholstery and having it professionally
cleaned at least once a year you can get more life out of your investment.
Upholstery Cleaning Tips
Many people today are trying to get the most out of everything they own. With these times of uncertainty things, that were once replaced are now being repaired. This holds true for furniture as well. If your upholstery has prominent stains or has lost its luster there are some things you can try before reupholstering it or sending it to the junk yard.
What people do not realize is that upholstery requires maintenance just the same as a rug needs to be vacuumed and a floor cleaned. Furniture tends to get overlooked until someone spills something and then you run for the paper towels and cleaner.
When you first purchase your furniture it is a good idea to have it scotch guarded. This is usually done by the manufacturer. If you have just purchased a nice piece of furniture inquire if they will treat it, if they do not then you can purchase this yourself. Depending on the pieces purchased will dictate the amount of scotch guard you will need. It is very important to do this before use as scotch guarding has been proven to enhance the life of your furniture. Not only will it reduce the amount of stains that get absorbed into the upholstery but it will also make it easier to keep clean.
Having a vacuum with the right attachments as well as enough suction will also help to reduce the amount of debris that gets trapped in the furniture. A good vacuum makes all the difference in the world to the appearance of your furniture.
It is also a good idea to have slip covers for the arms of the couch and love seat as well as your recliner. This will help to reduce the amount of natural oil that comes off whenever a person rests their arm on the upholstery. Over time the buildup of oils and lotions can really take away from the appearance and feel of the furniture.
Keeping food away from the furniture will eliminate the possibility of an accident occurring. Of course even your best efforts cannot totally eliminate them from occurring. If an accident should happen clean it up as quickly as possible. If you have pets, blankets or throws work well in keeping as much of their hair and dander off the upholstery.
When all else fails you should have your upholstery steam cleaned. The manufacturer recommends that your upholstery be professionally cleaned as least once a year. Having a professional clean cleaning company do this is your best bet. They know how to treat all different types of surfaces and fabrics. When it comes to your furniture too many things can happen if not cleaned correctly. By
having it professionally steam cleaned you will know that your furniture will not change colors and that when the process is completed it will be virtually dry. With steam cleaning nearly one hundred percent of the bacteria and stains will be removed. Plus with steam cleaning there are no chemicals used, just water, making it safe for all family members.