What is Upholstery Dry Cleaning?
The process of dry cleaning for upholstery pieces such as sofas and chairs, is much different compared to dry cleaning clothing.
Dry cleaning clothing involves treating the spots and stains on a spotting board using special cleansing agents as a pre-treatment. These spot removers are then flushed out with steam, liquid or air. Once this is done, the garment is loaded into a machine where it is tumbled with a solvent for cleaning. This cleaning fluid is filtered during the process until clean. After a thorough cleaning cycle, the garment(s) are placed in a spinner to extract as much solvent as possible in order to dry the fabric. Both of these processes capture and clean the solvent for reuse. The garments then go to the presser for finishing.
Because upholstery fabrics are usually fixed to a frame, it isn’t possible to replicate the process of recirculating, tumbling or drying which are so effective with clothing. It also isn’t possible to use a spotting board for prep-treatments issues. In addition, most zippered cushion covers shouldn’t be removed in case they shrink or fit poorly after cleaning.
Solvents are applied only to the surface of the upholstery because the only the exterior fabric is accessible. Depending on the process, the solvent is either vacuumed or manually removed.
Finally, there is no single proven method for pressing or steaming the fabrics for finishing, which is why napped fabrics like velvet, chenille and also wrinkle-prone linens may not always achieve that perfect appearance after solvent cleaning.
Solvent cleaning for upholstery is always going to be less effective than extraction cleaning, steam cleaning or other water based cleaning methods. Although most fabrics are labeled for dry cleaning, they can often be safely cleaned by standard water based methods. Due to labeling, you would need to accept responsibility for the outcome should you choose a water-based cleaning method on fabrics marked for dry cleaning.
Cleaning codes are as follows:
W – Suggested cleaning with water-based or foam upholstery cleaner.
S – Spot clean only with a water-free dry cleaning solvent.
WS – Clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent.
X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush. Do not use any water or solvent based cleansers.