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Fabric Care Guide & Stain Removal

This care guide has been compiled to help you select your chosen fabric with confidence and to maintain the feel, comfort and appearance of your fabric throughout its lifetime.

The maintenance of your fabrics plays a huge part in extending the life of your purchase. Below we have outlined how to care for your fabrics and we have provided advice on cleaning your upholstery in case of spills and stains.


Maintenance

Pilling

Pilling can occur occasionally as a result of normal daily wear and should not be considered as a fault. As the fabric surface is rubbed, a single or small group of loose fibres on the surface begins to twist upon itself, forming tiny balls or ‘pills’. Pilling can be successfully removed with battery operated pilling tools available from most haberdashery stores. Please note that ‘De-pilling’ only removes unsightly loose surface fibres and does not affect fabric performance.

Care

We recommend regular vacuuming (minimum of fortnightly) to avoid the build-up of dust as this will reduce the build-up of soiling and any ingrained dirt. This may cause a breakdown of the yarns in the fabric, resulting in premature wear. We recommend professional cleaning every 12-18 months and rotating reversible cushions if possible on a weekly basis. Please ensure you follow the recommended care code for each fabric for specific cleaning instructions relevant to each fabric.

colour fastness

It is important to note that no fabric is 100% colour fast and that it is impossible to prevent colours fading.

Shrinkage

All fabrics are prone to shrinkage and it is important that sufficient allowances be made. An allowance of 3% is considered an acceptable industry standard.

Fading

All fabrics will fade if subjected to high levels of direct or indirect (reflected UV) sunlight. Adequate care must be taken to protect furnishings fabrics. Avoiding direct sunlight and the use of sun filters will lessen the effects of UV.

Sun damage

Constant exposure to the direct rays of the sun will break down fabric fibres, causing them to become brittle and resulting in the affected area breaking when cleaned.

Yellowing

Fumes and atmosphere in any room where tobacco is smoked will cause a yellow/brown stain on most fabrics. This is a particular problem in fabrics with a light background.

Extending the life of your curtains

All our textiles comply with current industry standards and are put through rigorous testing.

To ensure you get the maximum life possible out of your curtains there are some extra measures you can take to extend the quality and appearance of your selected fabrics.

  • Use a good quality lining. Not only does this provide insulation but it will help to protect your curtains from sun damage.
  • Swap curtains occasionally from one side of the track to the other, to avoid having one edge constantly exposed to sunlight.
  • Make sure the curtains are sufficiently full to allow for re- edging if the fabric does fade.
  • Invest in sheer curtains that remain closed during the day, not only does this reduce the effects of the sun, but provides privacy as well.

General Stain Removal

Often stains can be removed or results improved if blotted up immediately, while still wet or fresh. Use white towels or absorbent cloth. Keep blotting and changing the absorbent material until no more of the spillage or coloured matter is being removed. Pre-test all solutions on an inconspicuous area. Hold a white towel against the tested area for a few seconds and examine to make sure no colour has transferred. When using liquid cleaners work from the outer ring of the stain, toward the centre. Always rinse with clear water and blot dry to finish, as detergent residue tends to attract soiling. If in any doubt, contact a cleaning specialist.

Chewing Gum

Solidify with Ice and pick off bulk. If this is unsuccessful, wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain is on paper towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Chocolate

Scrape off bulk. Wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain is on paper towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Blood

Blot to remove excess liquid or stain with (white) cloth or paper towel. Wet fabric with minimum amount of water, soak 1 minute, and blot with clean paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Tea

Blot to remove excess liquid or stain with (white) cloth or paper towel. Wet fabric with minimum amount of Soda Water or Tonic Water, soak 1 minute, and blot with clean paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry. Rinse with clear water and blot dry. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. If fabric stain is persistent, apply solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide 97% Water. Let stand four hours and blot. Reapply 3% hydrogen peroxide, 97% water solution, allow to stand 24 hours. Blot and allow to air dry for 48 hours. If stain is still evident, repeat with hydrogen peroxide. When stain is no longer visible, rinse with clear water and blot dry.

Coffee

Blot to remove excess liquid or stain with (white) cloth or paper towel. Wet fabric with minimum amount of Soda Water or Tonic Water, soak 1 minute, and blot with clean paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. If fabric stain is persistent, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let stand four hours and blot. Reapply 3% hydrogen peroxide, allow to stand 24 hours. Blot and allow to air dry for 48 hours. If stain is still evident, repeat with hydrogen peroxide. When stain is no longer visible, rinse with clear water and blot dry.

Red Wine

Blot to remove excess liquid or stain with (white) cloth or paper towel. Wet fabric with minimum amount of Soda Water or Tonic Water, soak 1 minute, and blot with clean paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. If fabric stain is still evident, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide 97% water solution. Let stand four hours and blot. Reapply hydrogen peroxide solution, allow to stand 24 hours. Blot and allow to air dry for 48 hours. If stain is still evident, repeat with hydrogen peroxide. When stain is no longer visible, rinse with clear water and blot dry

Ink (ballpoint)

Blot off excess ink. Wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain is evident on towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Ink (water soluble)

Blot to remove excess liquid or stain with (white) cloth or paper towel. Wet fabric with minimum amount of water, soak 1 minute, and blot with clean paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Grease

Blot to remove excess liquid or bulk. Wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain is evident on towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Excrement

Remove excess bulk. Blot stain with (white) cloth or paper towel. Wet fabric with minimum amount of water, soak 1 minute, and blot with clean paper towel. Repeat water/blot procedure until no stain is evident on towel, and then blot dry. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Lipstick

Scrape off bulk. Wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain is evident on towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Milk

Blot to remove excess liquid or stain. Wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain is on paper towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

Urine

It is important to address this stain immediately, before the urine dries. The urine may react with the fabric dyes and cause permanent discolouration. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry. Apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling.

Vomit

Scrape off bulk. Wet stain with small amount of rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning spirit (Murlex) and blot dry immediately. Repeat until no stain evident on towel. If stain persists, apply small amount of mild (colourless) detergent/water solution, work into stained area with soft brush or sponge and pad dry. Repeat detergent/water application until no stain is evident on towel. Always rinse with clear water to remove traces of detergent and blot dry. Detergent residue tends to attract soiling. Rinse with 50% white vinegar 50% water solution. Blot dry.

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