Upholstery cleaner

In detail

Products sold for upholstery divide into water-based and solvent-based, and which of the two is permitted was decided at the factory rather than in the aisle. The cleaning code assigned by the fabric manufacturer distinguishes fabrics that may be cleaned with water, those requiring a solvent, those accepting either, and those that may only be vacuumed — and it accounts for the backing, the adhesive and the filling as well as the face cloth, none of which the reader can see. One contract manufacturer's guidance goes further for its own panel fabrics and prohibits water or any liquid solution outright, along with steam. Beyond the code, residue is the dominant failure: the carpet institute treats it as a section of its own, instructing several rinses with a mist sprayer and forbidding concentrations stronger than stated. Laundry detergent is excluded outright because it may contain fluorescent brighteners that dye the fibre, and dishwasher detergent because many contain bleaching agents. The safest general approach remains the trade's own: apply to a white cloth, work from the edges inwards, do not rub.

Why

• Upholstery cleaner is explained by Residue and resoiling
• Upholstery cleaner is explained by Penetration into fibres