Upholstery cleaning presents unique challenges compared to carpet cleaning, with factors like dye bleeding, shrinkage, and fabric browning making it far more complex.
For cleaning professionals, mastering the dry foam cleaning method can help you tackle these issues and also help you provide outstanding service.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of dry foam upholstery cleaning, the reasons behind its effectiveness, and how controlling pH and moisture can lead to superior results.
Why Dry Foam Cleaning Matters
When compared to carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning involves its own set of hurdles due to natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and linen commonly used in upholstery. Unlike synthetic fibers found in most carpets, these natural fibers are far more sensitive to moisture, making them prone to browning, shrinkage, or dye migration.
Here’s where the dry foam cleaning method shines:
Dry foam cleaning ensures the correct balance of pH, minimizes water usage, and delivers professional-grade results, making it an ideal solution for upholstery cleaning professionals.
The Dry Foam Cleaning Method
To be successful at dry foam cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Pre-vacuum Upholstery - Start with a thorough pre-vacuuming of the furniture. This removes up to 50% of the visible soil and ensures the cleaning process is more efficient. Focus on crevices, seams, and other high-traffic areas that collect dirt and debris.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution - Dilute Prochem Fine Fabric Shampoo per label directions into a bucket.
Step 3: Generate Dry Foam - Using a sea sponge or comparable sponge, dip it in the cleaning solution and squeeze multiple times to fill it with liquid. Lift the sponge out of the solution and begin to squeeze the sponge repeatedly to remove as much liquid as you can to create the "dry foam" with minimal water content.
Step 4: Apply the Foam to the Upholstery - Generously apply the foam to the surface of the upholstery by wiping it slowly across targeted areas. Ensure an even spread of foam, focusing on areas with visible stains or heavy soil loads.
Take your time during this step. The foam should sit on the surface just long enough to absorb the soil content, but not so long that it penetrates the fibers excessively.
Step 5: Agitate with a Soft Brush - Use a soft-bristled brush to gently agitate the foam within the fabric for deeper soil removal. Brush along the direction of the upholstery's weave to minimize potential distortion of patterns or textures.
Step 6: Vacuum Residual Moisture and Foam - Lastly, dry vacuum using an Upholstery Pro connected to a truckmount or portable carpet extractor. Ensure the fabric feels almost dry to the touch after extraction, preventing over-wetting that can lead to issues like browning or shrinkage.
By following these six steps, you'll safely and effectively clean upholstery using minimal water, leaving your clients with refreshed and soil-free furniture.
Gain a Competitive Advantage
With expertise in dry foam cleaning, you'll establish yourself as a trusted professional and consistently exceed client expectations.If you're ready to take your upholstery cleaning to the next level, you need to invest in the right tools, training and specialized upholstery cleaning solutions.
For expert how-to videos, view our Upholstery Training Video Series led by industry veterans Pat Muller and Tim Baker, especially the video course on Delicate Fabric Cleaning.
See our other cleaning chemistry Tips & Tricks.
