Like carpet, fine fabrics, especially upholstery and drapery, take up large surface areas. Fabrics need to be maintained regularly and restored from time to time as they filter soil. A professional in fabric cleaning should have a basic understanding of how the fabric is constructed; how it soils, the types of soiling, as well as the chemistry and techniques needed for cleaning.

Pre-Cleaning Inspection
This step is by far the most important as you venture into fine fabric cleaning. Examine the furnishing extensively and document all pre-existing conditions. Prepare a written review that the customer can acknowledge as to its condition before cleaning. Fine fabric cleaning is not difficult, however, it is not a simple process either. It takes more skill and more knowledge than just the basics, to profitably clean fine fabrics. Attendance at a Chemspec Upholstery Cleaning School is highly recommended.

Preparation of Fine Fabrics
Learn the basics. Above all, pre-test everything before you clean it. Learn how to pre-test properly and what to look for when you do pre-test. Develop an inspection and testing report as illustrated in Chemspec's All Fabric Cleaning and Care Manual. Always pre-test the appropriate agents at proper use dilution. Allow adequate dwell and drying time to best realize the final result. After pre-testing, choose the proper cleaning agents and cleaning method.

Upholstery Cleaning Techniques
The appropriate cleaning process is determined directly by the results of the pre-testing process. Once complete and the cleaning system is chosen, begin by vacuuming. Remember, the first step to cleaning is dry soil removal. Next, proceed to pre-conditioning.
Heavy Duty Soil Lifter is a neutral pH prespray appropriate to precede any cleaning system. Used full strength before dry cleaning or diluted before wet cleaning, this co-solvent will loosen stubborn oils and soils. Another pre-conditioner id Chemspec's dual-enzyme PreKleen For Upholstery. This neutral pH enzymatic pre-conditioner is unsurpassable at breaking up food spills and other protein based soils on wet cleanable fabrics.
Next, if the fabric is of a natural fiber, clean with slightly acidic chemistry such as Chemspec's Powdered Haitian Cotton Upholstery Cleaner or choose a low-moisture, neutral pH product like Fast Drying Upholstery Shampoo. These solutions will reduce occurrences of browning and water marking.
For fabrics which are synthetic or natural, use Neutral Extraction Upholstery Cleaner or the slightly higher pH Powdered Extraction Upholstery Cleaner. Colorfast Jet Extraction Upholstery Cleaner should be tested on definite problem bleeders. Dry cleaning would then be a last resort to wet cleaning.
As a conclusion to virtually any wet upholstery cleaning system, Textile Rinse as a final rinse will help to stabilize color, provide a soft hand and minimize residue buildup.

A Value Added Step
Clean fabrics are brighter, fresher and restored for customer satisfaction. However, one important step still remains. After you have cleaned you need to restore the protective finish.
Chemspec's All Fabric Stainshield is a waterless fabric protector that guards against water and oil-based spills. Your customers will recognize the benefits of this final step to insure beauty and safeguard their investment.