Tips on Cleaning and Caring for Upholstery

We invest a lot of money in our furniture. So knowing how to clean and care for our upholstery is essential. Here are some general care guidelines to consider before cleaning.

Caring for Upholstery

You can increase the life of upholstery by following a few simple rules:

1. Vacuuming and light brushing on weekly basis helps to eliminate dirt before it becomes embedded in the fibers, causing the fabric to abrade.

2. Turn and reverse loose cushion every week to allow even distribution of wear and tear.

3. Clean spots and stains quickly.

4. If you have a large family, consider using nylon covers for your upholstery. It is long lasting and you can remove most stains easily.

Cleaning Upholstery

Clean your upholstery with an effective cleaner. Choose one that is safe on your fabric and does not contain harsh chemicals to avoid having any sticky remains.

Getting a cleaning solution that cleans, remove stains and control odors is a good choice. It saves you time and money.

•Always vacuum or brush your upholstery first to remove dust and loose hair.

•Apply the cleaner and brush firmly any stained areas.

•Wait for one minute or less then wipe away the cleaner with a damp cloth or sponge.

•Keep your upholstery dry while cleaning it to avoid damage. Open a window or use air condition and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Identify Stains

Before trying to remove a stain from your upholstered furniture, you need to know the type of fabric you have. Most manufacturers put cleaning codes on the furniture hangtag or label. These codes tell you the best way to clean and remove stains. Here is a list of those codes:

•WS:fabric may be cleaned with water-based cleaning agents and foams, as well as with mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.

•W:use water-based cleaning agents or foams only.

•S:use only mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.

•X:do not use foam or liquid agents on this fabric. You can vacuum or brush lightly to remove soil and grime.

Removing Stains

You should inspect your upholstery for spots and stains and identify your problem areas. Usually a good cleaner can clean and work on removing the stains as well. But for the tough and sticky stains like grease, crayon, gum, and ink, treat the stain first before cleaning. A great option to use is a powerful solvent containing citrus , which break down tough stains easily leaving fresh smell.

•Always pre-treat stains first for color fastness in an inconspicuous area.

•Spray directly on stain and let stand for 30 seconds.

•Scrub with a brush and let is sit for 2 to 4 minutes.

•Clean with a damp sponge or rinse with water.

If stain persists, repeat treatment and rewash. To remove stains from non-washable upholstery, use an effective product made especially for dry cleanable fabrics . It is an excellent pre-treater with a lot of convenience and ease of use. Spray the soiled part and blot immediately from outside to the center, to avoid the clean part from leaving a mark.

Article by Vincent Platania who represents the Fuller Brush Company. Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

The impact of Colour on your Living space

Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps aren’t aware of the impact that color has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.

• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.

• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.

• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.

• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.

• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.

• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.

These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You're the one who has to live with your new paint color, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
And after investing time to select just the right color, make sure it continues to look that way long-term by investing in a top quality paint.

Article by Debbie Zimmer

The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute