|
Fabric
Care & Cleaning Tips from Guardsman
General Care Tips
-
Re-arrange the furniture occasionally to
ensure even use of the cushions and wear
areas.
-
Reverse loose cushions weekly.
-
Vacuum often to remove grit that can
cause abrasion.
-
Caution those wearing clothing with
transferable dyes, such as blue jeans,
etc., that the dye could transfer onto
light-colored furniture.
-
Protect fabrics from the sun.
Ultraviolet light (sunlight) will cause
fiber degeneration and color-fade.
Fabrics should not be placed in direct
sunlight, as this may cause fading.
Occasionally, dyes can fade from
impurities within the air.
- Keep
pets off the furniture. Pet urine and
pet body oil can be difficult to remove.
Use proper care with structural weave
fabrics (design created by the weave) to
protect against snags.
Fabric Cleaning Codes
Before
attempting to clean a spill or spot on your
furniture, you should identify the fabric
and correct cleaning method recommended by
the manufacturer. This information is
represented by a cleaning code (W, S, WS or
X) often found under a cushion, on the
bottom of the furniture or on the
manufacturer's tag. If you cannot find this
information, contact your sales
representative at the furniture store where
the item was purchased.
Code
-
W -
Spot clean with water-based cleaner.
-
S
- Spot clean ONLY
with mild water-free solvent cleaner.
-
WS
- Spot clean with water-based or solvent
cleaner.
-
X
- Clean only by
vacuuming or light brushing.
Guardsman Fabric
Care Products
Guardsman Organic Stain Lifter™
is a water-based spot cleaner that cleans
fabrics without leaving any residue. It is
recommended for fabrics treated with
Fabri-Coate®. Guardsman Organic Stain Lifter
is for use on W or WS coded fabrics only.
It removes water and protein-based stains
such as coffee, blood, most food stains and
pet stains. Pretest Guardsman Organic Stain
Lifter in a hidden area for color loss and
fabric compatibility.
Guardsman Citrus Spot Remover™
is a water-free cleaning solvent. It
removes oil-soluble stains such as grease,
tar, oil, gum, oily foods and other stains.
Guardsman Citrus Spot Remover is for use on
S coded fabrics only. Pretest Guardsman
Citrus Spot Remover in a hidden area for
color loss and fabric compatibility.
Cleaning
Instructions
As a
general rule, when a spill occurs, it is
important to clean the fabric immediately.
The longer a spot remains, the harder it is
to remove; it may even become permanent. If
you have cleaning directions from the
furniture manufacturer, follow those. If
none are available, use the instructions
provided here. For fabrics coded W or WS, or
those that can be cleaned with water-based
cleaners, use Guardsman Organic Stain
Lifter. If your fabric carries an S cleaning
code, use only water-free dry-cleaning
solvents such as Guardsman Citrus Spot
Remover.
1. Gently
scrape away any excess solid matter or
liquid using a dull-edge spoon.
2.
Pretest the cleaner you intend to use in a
hidden area for color loss and fabric
compatibility. Look for faded colors,
shrinkage or dark rings; these are signs of
incompatibility
3. If
possible, place a clean white cloth under
the area to be cleaned, such as the inside
of a seat cushion. It will absorb the soil
and produce better results.
4. Apply
a small amount of cleaner to a soft, clean
white cloth. Begin at the edge of the stain
and work toward the center, turning the
cloth often. Blot—don’t rub—the stain, as
rubbing can roughen the delicate fibers and
leave the fabric looking worn and faded.
5. After
cleaning, "feather" the edges of the spot by
brushing gently back and forth with a dry
cloth. Dry quickly with a fan. This will
help prevent ringing.
6. Keep a
small stain small! A cotton swab, dipped
into the proper cleaning solution and
squeezed out, will wick up the dissolved
stain, stopping it from spreading (this is a
good fix for small ballpoint ink marks).
If your
first attempt does not remove the spot, you
may want to repeat steps three through five
a second time.
Stain Removal Guide
Some
stubborn spots may not respond well to the
blotting technique described above. The
following hints may help. Please note: Not
all of the stains included in this chart are
covered by the Furniture Protection Plan. As
noted earlier, you should follow the
furniture manufacturer's cleaning guidelines
where applicable. Always pretest the cleaner
in a hidden area.
|
STAIN
|
CLEANING SUGGESTION |
|
Ketchup,
Chocolate, Cream/Milk,
Earth, Blood, Excrement, Ice
Cream, Mayonnaise, Mucus/Drool,Cheese,
Egg, Soy Sauce, White Glue |
Use a
solution of bleach-free
liquid enzyme cleaner
(laundry detergents), 1 part
to 30 parts distilled water;
rinse by blotting with
distilled water; blot to
remove excess water, then
dry quickly with a fan. |
|
Berries,
Coffee, Fruit Juice,
Jam/Jelly, Soft Drinks,
Candy, Tea, Mixed Drinks,
Wine, Urine |
Use a
solution of mild,
bleach-free detergent, 1
part to 30 parts distilled
water. If some of the stain
remains, use a solution of 1
part white vinegar to 3
parts distilled water. Blot
to remove excess moisture,
then dry quickly with a fan. |
|
Crayon,
Asphalt, Body Oil, Butter,
Oil, Lipstick, Make-Up,
Gravy, Hair Oil, Mascara,
Shoe Polish, Shortening,
Tar, Felt-Tip Pen Ink,
Vaseline |
Use a
water-free, dry-cleaning
solvent. You may have to
repeat procedure until stain
is gone. Dry quickly with a
fan when stain is removed. |
|