When it comes to Medical Furniture Upholstery, a regular cleaning routine and maintenance should be considered critical at any health care facility. Even more so, it should be a part of one’s environmental services program.
Last month, we explained how to choose the right cover materials for your medical furniture upholstery. Now, it’s time to discuss how to care for such textiles. In today’s post, we will evaluate safety and hygiene importance, determine schedules for cleaning, and how to implement proper cleaning methods.
Controlling soil 
The most susceptible parts of the upholstered furniture when it comes to soiling are arms and seat cushions.
Special care should also involve the upper inside back, headrests, pillows and skirt. In order to prolong fabric’s life and appearance, we recommend:
- Dry soil removal.It is crucial to make vacuuming and brushing upholstery your top priority so much that it becomes a routine. Removing dust and dry soil (hair, lint, particle soil, and debris) will enhance not only the appearance of the fabric, but it will also prolong its life. Also, soil vacuumed from the fabric must not be allowed to re-enter the air within the structure and contribute to indoor environmental pollution.
- Immediate spotting. We cannot stress this one enough – immediate spot cleaning is essential. Most spots and spills can be easily removed with plain water or neutral spotters. If neglected, these spots or components will bond to fibers, possibly resulting in permanent stains.
Cleaning frequency
Depending on the furniture’s location, use and exposure to soiling, upholstery should be cleaned approximately every 6 to 12 months. Needless to say, cleaning medical furniture used for patients with allergies or severe respiratory sensitivity should be considered a top priority at health care facilities.
As we mentioned before, the immediate spot cleaning is essential. As a rule, the greater the soiling, the less the likelihood of restoring the original color, appearance and texture of the fabric. Not to mention, the greater the adverse effect on indoor air quality.
Cleaning methods.
In order to properly clean upholstery materials, you first need to inspect the fabric. That includes: testing the dye, removing dry soil, suspending the soil by using a chemical action, heat, agitation and time, removing the soil, setting the pile, and drying.
Types of Cleaning Methods:
- Absorbent compound.This method includes a minimum moisture system used to clean moisture-sensitive or non-colorfast fabrics.
- Dry foam cleaning.Also known as shampoo cleaning, this is a method of cleaning that follows dry soil removal through vacuuming. After the dry soil removal, a foaming detergent is applied using sprayers, sponges or hand/ mechanical brush action.
- Hot water extraction cleaning.Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is a method that begins with dry soil removal followed by preconditioning. Then, hot water is applied to the fabric with detergent from a holding tank and extracted.
- Leather cleaning.When cleaning finished leather, the primary concern is control of the pH of the cleaning agent and application so that the finish is not damaged and natural oils in the leather are not removed.
WORDS TO THE WISE
It is much less expensive to keep upholstery clean than it is to replace it.
For more information on maintenance of upholstered fabrics, please take time to read this Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning, presented in The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S300.
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Still not sure what to choose for your medical facility in Delaware or Tri-State area? Call us now! With over 65 years in medical furniture cleaning and repairs, there probably isn’t a job we have not done!
Rayco Upholstery has been a family owned and operated business for over 40 years. We are A+ rated with the BBB and are a member of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.
302.323.8844 | www.delawareupholstery.com
