Consumer Awareness Guide - Upholstery Cleaning

Dear friend,

Choosing a upholstery cleaner isn't easy.
Why?  Because you are bombarded with misleading advertising, confusing claims, and simply bad information.  Or worse, no information at all from very -low prices and high-pressure sales to unqualified, uncertified  technicians and near-worthless methods - how do you ever find a competent, qualified, professional upholstery cleaner cleaner?

 You start by reading this Consumer's Guide. In this booklet, you'll discover how to avoid four costly misconceptions about upholstery cleaning.
 
We have been in the Cleaning Service Industry for
Over 6 years.  We have dedicated my business to helping home and office get the highest cleaning / return from their upholstery investment. I welcome your inquiries and will gladly answer your questions over the phone. I wrote this guide to help you better understand upholstery cleaning. Now, with this info, you can make an informed, intelligent decision. And, if you have any questions about upholstery cleaning, you are invited to call AllStates Services at 732-956-3900 We dedicated Our business to educating consumers. we’ll be happy to help you in every way. Mention you saw this on my website and I will give you a free upholstery Audit with a free cleaning demo.
 
Sincerly:
AllStates Services
Sean Ivry
 
6 COSTLY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
 
Here’s misconception #1:  “You should wait as long as possible before cleaning your upholstery.”

That’s not true. Soiling & dust mites can accumulate rather quickly on upholstery through use. It’s transferred to the fabric from clothing, body perspiration and items placed on it, such as newspaper, drinks and food. Dust also settles on upholstery, along with airborne soils containing cooking fats or cigarette smoke. Many of these soils are tacky and will hold the dust to the fabric. In fact, the closer your upholstery is to the kitchen, the tackier the dust becomes and thus more harmful to the fabric. Combine that with the exposure of pet dander, dust mite accumulation and every day use, consumer groups therefore recommend cleaning at least every 6-12 months. If cleaning is postponed any length of time, colors and fabric can begin to dull, and the original appearance becomes more difficult to restore, shortening the life of the upholstery considerably.


Misconception #2: “Dry cleaning is the best method to use, since my label under the specifically recommends this method as opposed to wet cleaning”.

We will not disagree with the manufacturers cleaning recommends, since it does provide guidance to assist consumers in determining spotting to colorfastness or cleaning agents. However, We will say, many times it’s there to provide liability protection for them because they do not know the qualifications or skill level of the consumer or We’ll add, the cleaning technician. The guidance they provide by recommending “dry clean only” is very safe because no one can ruin the fabric or dyes with techniques or dry cleaning solvents.

However, in addition, let as emphasize, someone who uses dry cleaning techniques will not be able to effectively clean your soiled upholstery. Dry cleaning is not much more that a dusting of your fabric. The fact is dry cleaning solvents will not dissolve water based soiling, and by far the majority of your soiling is water-soluble. For example, let me illustrate, would you think of washing your oily hair with dry cleaning solvents? No, you use shampoo and hot water. The same is true for your upholstery. Low moisture, proper cleaning chemistry and safe cleaning techniques are vital to ensure good results. Anyone who uses dry cleaning solvents to clean soiled upholstery is wasting your $$$ and simply does not understand how to properly clean fabrics.

Misconception #3:  “Carpet cleaning techniques is the same for upholstery cleaning.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, most serious problems we hear of or even try to help others correct is many times the result of carpet cleaning techniques used to clean upholstery. Let as explain why. Carpet cleaning chemistry to a large degree is designed to clean synthetic fibers, subject to ground in soiling from the shoes. Carpet is also much thicker than upholstered fabrics. Therefore many carpet cleaners are aggressive in their approach to cleaning. In fact, you have probably heard of some of the mistakes cleaners make by leaving their carpets wet two and three days at a time. While not healthy, carpet can survive.

On the other hand, upholstery is not as forgiving as carpet is. The biggest difference is, most upholstery is blended with natural fibers, like silk, cotton, wool, or linen. And that’s good because natural fibers are more comfortable against our skin since they breathe better. However, natural fabrics are prone to more problems than synthetics are if improperly cleaned or the wrong cleaning solution is used. For example, yellowing or browning of the fabric can occur or shrinkage can result. Also, fabric appearance could be altered, even colors seriously affected, to name just a few problems.

Beyond a doubt, upholstery cleaning techniques and chemistry should be different.  Upholstery should be cleaned with a low moisture technique and be dry within one to six hours.  Also, it is vital to leave the fabric as close to the neutral state as possible.  Remember your hair care products will say, pH balanced?  You are rinsing out the shampoo in your hair and leaving it neutral or soap free.  That’s a similar comparison with proper upholstery cleaning.  We use these proper cleaning techniques with all the delicate fabrics we clean such as cotton, velvets, wool, silk and many more.  


Misconception #4:   “A Cleaning company that offers the lowest price is the one you should hire.”

I wish that were true, but recall the idea that quality is remembered far longer after price is forgotten.  Or the old adage, “you get what you pay for.”  Never is this truer than in the cleaning industry.  Simply put, quality-cleaning services involve time, education and ongoing training.  Add to these ingredients proper equipment, the right cleaning solutions and you have the potential of a safe, professional and quality service.  Can all of this be obtained from the lowest priced company?  You be the judge of that.  We feel strongly that quality is never cheap.  That’s why it’s important that you choose your professional cleaner carefully.  After all, did you choose your upholstery or carpet purchase based upon price alone?  Or would you feel comfortable having the lowest priced company cleaning your expensive upholstery investment? of course not.

So, as a reminder, ask your potential cleaner if they are members of any associations and, if so which ones?  And in addition ask if they are certified by the IICRC and can they show you their certificate.   

Once you are satisfied that you are working with an honest, competent professional, invite him to your home and ask for a specific quotation.  A written quotation gives you the assurance that you know exactly what your job will cost, no surprises and no illegal bait and switch tactics.  

Last point.  We know many consumers are skeptical about upholstery and carpet cleaning companies.  So, in addition to dedicating this information to consumer education, We’ll do one more thing.  If you call AllStates for cleaning we will let you test drive our services We will clean the most soiled area of your upholstery or carpet. 

If you’re not pleased with the results, we will pack our equipment away, leave with no charge to you.  You pay nothing, not one dime.  What could be more fair?  As a matter of fact, add this question to your list.  Do you guarantee your work? Not all do. 

And so it’s important you have this information before making your decision. Call 732-956-3900