Page 61 - CIJ Feb 2024 Digital Edition

Facility ServiceS

Upholstery shampooing entire sofa.
method 3. Rinse the sofa: Dip a rag into
a bucket of water and wring it
A simple yet effective maintenance out. Wipe down the sofa with
routine begins with regular dusting the rag to remove any remaining
and vacuuming. This removes shampoo. Rinse the rag frequently
dirt particles that, when left to sit, in the bucket to keep it clean.
could wear down and damage the 4. Dry the sofa: Use a clean, dry
fibres of your furniture’s fabric. rag to blot the sofa dry. Do not
A weekly vacuum using the soft rub the fabric, as this can damage
brush attachment can prevent this it. If possible, open windows or
deterioration. turn on a fan to help the sofa dry
1. Pre-clean the sofa: Use a dust- more quickly.
buster or a hose attachment on a
full-sized vacuum cleaner to clear Address Spills Promptly
the sofa of any surface particles.
If there are any spots that have When spills occur, timely action
heavy dust caked in, use a stiff- can prevent permanent stains. First,
bristled brush to break up the blot the spill using a clean, absorbent Furniture could be made
spots and vacuum up the released cloth, avoiding the urge to rub. For from various fabrics,
dirt. Use a lint roller to remove most fabrics, a mild soapy solution can including leather, cotton,
any lint or pet hair. Wipe down be applied. However, always perform
any exposed hard surfaces with an a spot test in an inconspicuous area wool, silk, or synthetics,
all-purpose surface cleaner. Find to ensure the solution does not cause such as polyester. The type
the tag that tells you what the sofa discoloration. of fabric often dictates its
cover is made from. These tags
usually have instructions for what cleaning requirements and
cleaning products you should use Be Mindful of the maintenance approach,
on the fabric. Environment says Thota Hari Kishan,
2. Apply shampoo: Make a solution Temperature and humidity play a Manager Housekeeping,
of detergent and water according role in upholstery maintenance. Too
to the manufacturer’s instructions. much humidity can lead to mold and Falcon Property
Dip a rag into the solution and mildew, while excessive dryness Management Services.
wring it out. Apply the shampoo can make certain fabrics brittle.
to the sofa. Place the nozzle Ensure your home has a balanced
against the sofa’s fabric and environment, by using dehumidifiers
hold down the trigger or button or humidifiers as required. some people, but they help you avoid
that releases the solution you damaging the surfaces of tables with
poured into the tank. Keeping the hot or damp items like a drinking
button depressed, move across Protect your wood glass. While cleaning should be more
the surface of the sofa in a grid surfaces careful as most of the damages will
pattern, just as you did with the happen while cleaning like mopping,
vacuum cleaner earlier. Make Table mats, coasters and runners scrubbing and dusting.
sure you apply the shampoo to the might feel a little old-fashioned to Avoid furniture polish, as it can
accumulate over time and leave a
residue. Spray a little shining solution
onto clean cloth. Wipe all wooden
surfaces with soft and clean microfiber
duster such as tables, bedside tables
and chairs. Polish the surfaces to a
fine sheen, working the polish into the
grain of the wood.
Last, but not the least, make sure
everyone in the house or workplace
understands the importance of
furniture care. Simple habits like not
eating messy foods on upholstered
surfaces can extend the lifespan of
your pieces.

Clean India Journal•FEBRUARY 2024 61
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