Whether you're a homeowner seeking to enhance the longevity of your furniture or a business owner aiming to create a welcoming environment, this glossary made by USA Clean Master cleaning specialists is designed to enlighten you on the essential terms in the world of upholstery cleaning. From Abrasion Resistance to Zippers, we've curated a comprehensive list to demystify the intricacies of upholstery care. Explore this glossary to make informed decisions about the cleanliness and longevity of your beloved upholstery.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Abrasion Resistance: The ability of upholstery fabric to withstand wear, rubbing, or friction without showing signs of damage is essential for longevity.
Air Mover: Equipment used to accelerate the drying process of upholstery after cleaning by promoting air circulation.
Anti-Allergen Treatment: A specialized cleaning process that reduces allergens in upholstery, creating a healthier environment for those with allergies.
Bacterial Treatment: Applying cleaning agents or solutions that target and eliminate bacteria ensures a hygienic and fresh result.
Biodegradable Cleaners: Cleaning products that break down naturally over time minimize environmental impact in upholstery cleaning.
Bonded Leather: A material composed of leather fibers bonded together with a polyurethane coating requires specialized cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Cleanability Code: Instructions found on upholstery tags indicating whether the fabric can be laundered and the recommended process.
Colorfastness: The ability of upholstery fabrics to retain their color without fading or bleeding during the cleaning process.
Conditioning: Application of products to maintain and enhance the softness and flexibility of upholstery materials after cleaning.
Delamination: Separation of layers in composite upholstery materials: careful cleaning is needed to prevent damage.
Down-Filled Upholstery: Upholstery is filled with down feathers, requiring specialized cleaning techniques to maintain its loft and comfort.
Dry Cleaning: A cleaning method that uses minimal water, suitable for delicate upholstery fabrics that may shrink or discolor with traditional wet cleaning.
Dry Foam Cleaning: The foam encapsulates dirt for easy removal by using a foaming detergent to clean upholstery.
Dye Transfer: The unwanted transfer of color from one fabric to another may occur during cleaning if precautions are not taken.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Upholstery cleaning methods that prioritize environmentally friendly products and practices for a sustainable approach.
Embossing: A patterned upholstery fabric featuring a raised pattern, usually seen on velvet. This requires careful cleaning to maintain the integrity of the embossed features.
Environmental Impact: The ecological consequences of cleaning products and methods used in upholstery cleaning.
Enzyme Cleaners: Cleaning solutions that use enzymes to break down and remove organic stains and odors from upholstery.
Fabric Protector: A treatment applied to upholstery to create a protective barrier against stains and spills, extending the life of the fabric.
Fiber Content: Understanding the composition of upholstery fabric fibers is crucial for selecting appropriate cleaning methods and products.
Foam Cleaning: A method using a foaming detergent to clean upholstery, the foam encapsulates dirt for easy removal.
Gentle Cleaning: A cleaning approach that uses mild products and techniques to protect delicate upholstery fabrics from damage.
Glycol Ether Cleaners: Cleaning solutions that use glycol ethers as the primary solvent are effective for various upholstery fabrics.
Grease Stain Removal: Techniques and products explicitly designed to remove grease and oil stains from upholstery surfaces.
Green Cleaning: Upholstery cleaning practices that prioritize environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning solutions.
Heat Transfer Stains: Stains caused by heat, often from hot objects placed on upholstery, require specific cleaning methods for removal.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filtration: Using HEPA filters in cleaning equipment to capture small particles and allergens during the upholstery cleaning process.
Hot Water Extraction: A deep cleaning method uses hot water and cleaning agents to extract dirt and contaminants from upholstery.
Humidity Control: Managing the humidity in the cleaning environment promotes faster drying of upholstery.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: A mild cleaning agent effectively removes specific stains from upholstery without causing discoloration.
Ink Stain Removal: Techniques and products specifically designed to remove ink stains from upholstery fabrics safely.
Iodine Stain Removal: Techniques and products specifically designed to remove iodine stains from upholstery.
Ionic Cleaning: A cleaning method uses ions to attract and remove dirt particles from upholstery surfaces.
Jacquard Fabric: Elaborate woven patterns on upholstery fabric, necessitating specialized cleaning methods used by professional cleaning experts to preserve the intricate design.
Juice Stain Removal: Techniques and products tailored to remove juice stains from upholstery effectively.
Jute Backing: The backing material is often found on the underside of upholstery and requires careful cleaning to prevent damage. They are usually used by professional cleaning company experts.
Jute Webbing: A webbing material often used in upholstery construction requires careful cleaning to prevent damage.
Kilim Upholstery: Upholstery with a flat-woven, tapestry-like appearance needs careful cleaning to preserve its unique design.
Knit Backing: For some upholstery fabrics, the construction includes the addition of a knit backing to add body, resilience, and structure to lighter weight materials.
Laundering Code: Instructions found on upholstery tags indicating whether the fabric can be laundered and the recommended process.
Leather Cleaning: Specialized techniques and products for cleaning and conditioning leather upholstery to maintain natural beauty.
Leather Protection Cream: Applying a protective cream to leather upholstery protects against stains, spills, and UV damage.
Linen Fabric: Upholstery material is made from flax fibers, requiring delicate cleaning to prevent damage to its texture.
Lounge Chair Cleaning: Tailored commercial cleaning services specifically for lounge chairs, considering their unique shapes and materials.
Mattress Cleaning: Cleaning services focused on removing stains, allergens, and odors from upholstered mattresses.
Microfiber Upholstery: Microfiber is fabric made from synthetic fibers that are ultra-fine, for a material that is durable and stain-resistant, while being soft and supple.
Mildew Removal: Techniques to eliminate mildew and prevent its recurrence on upholstery, especially in humid environments.
Mold and Mildew Inhibitor: Techniques and products designed to eliminate mold and mildew from upholstery surfaces.
Nap: The direction of the fibers on upholstery; cleaning methods must consider the nap to avoid damage and ensure proper cleaning.
Natural Fiber Upholstery: Upholstery made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk.
Neutral pH Cleaners: Cleaning solutions with a balanced pH to prevent damage to upholstery fabrics and dyes.
Non-Chlorine Bleach: A bleach alternative used for removing stains on upholstery without causing discoloration. Best used by professionals.
Nubuck Cleaning: Specialized cleaning methods for nubuck leather, a top-grain leather with a soft, velvety surface.
Odor Elimination: Techniques and products to neutralize and eliminate unpleasant odors from upholstery, leaving it fresh and clean.
Oil-Based Stain Removal: Specialized cleaning agents and methods to effectively remove oil-based stains from upholstery.
Ottoman Cleaning: Tailored cleaning services for ottomans, considering their unique shapes and often delicate fabrics.
Overwetting: When upholstery cleaning is done by inexperienced individuals or with substandard equipment, it can be left sopping wet and that can cause water damage.
Ozone Treatment: A method of using ozone to neutralize odors and sanitize upholstery, especially effective for removing lingering smells.
Pet Stain and Odor Removal: Techniques and products designed to eliminate pet stains and odors from upholstery effectively.
pH Testing: Testing the pH level of cleaning solutions to ensure they are within the appropriate range for the upholstery fabric.
Plastic Covering: Ulpholstery can be covered in plastic to protect it from getting dirty, or you can rely on professional upholstery cleaning services to do the job for you, and enjoy the touch of your fabric.
Polyester Upholstery: A tightly woven synthetic upholstery fabric that is durable and stain resistant, it cleans beautifully with professional methods.
Protector Application: Applying protective coatings to upholstery to guard against future stains and wear.
Quality Assurance: Assurance of high-quality cleaning services (usually provided by services who strive to be the best cleaning company), ensuring customer satisfaction with the results.
Quality Control Inspection: A thorough inspection of cleaned upholstery to ensure that quality standards are met before completing the job.
Quick-Drying Techniques: Methods to expedite the drying process after upholstery cleaning, preventing issues like mold and mildew.
Quick Spot Removal: Rapid response and targeted cleaning for immediate removal of fresh stains on upholstery.
Quilted Upholstery: Upholstery with a quilted pattern; cleaning methods must preserve the integrity of the stitching.
Rayon Fabric: Cleaning techniques specific to rayon upholstery, ensuring it is cleaned without causing damage to its fibers.
Recliner Cleaning: Specialized cleaning services for recliners, considering their unique mechanisms and materials.
Residue-Free Cleaning: Cleaning methods that leave no sticky or soapy residue on upholstery, promoting a cleaner and longer-lasting result.
Resilience: Upholstery materials can recover their shape after compression or use; cleaning methods should preserve this quality.
Reweaving: They are repairing small damaged areas in upholstery by reweaving the fabric threads to restore their original appearance.
Steam Cleaning: A method (also caused hot water extraction), which does not use steam at all; It sends water into the upholstery fabric and simultaneously sucks it back up, effectively removing dirt and killing bacteria.
Solvent-Based Cleaning: Using solvents as the primary cleaning agent is suitable for upholstery fabrics that water may damage.
Stain Pre-treatment: Applying specific treatments to stains before the overall cleaning process enhances stain removal efficacy.
Static Control: Preventing static buildup on upholstery through anti-static treatments during the cleaning process.
Tannin Stain Removal: Techniques and products designed to effectively remove tannin stains, often caused by coffee, tea, or wine.
Tapestry Fabric: Upholstery fabric with complex patterns and images that requires careful cleaning to maintain the clarity of the design.
Tear Repair: Repairing small tears in upholstery fabric using appropriate methods and materials to ensure a seamless repair.
Teflon Fabric Protector: Teflon-based protectors are applied to upholstery for enhanced stain resistance and easier cleaning.
Textile Identification: The type of textile used in upholstery is assessed to determine the most suitable cleaning method.
Ultra-Microfiber Cloth: Use ultra-microfiber cloths for delicate wiping and drying upholstery to avoid scratches and damage.
Ultrasonic Cleaning: A method using high-frequency sound waves to clean upholstery, effective for delicate fabrics.
Upholstery Inspection: A thorough examination of upholstery to identify stains, damage, and the most appropriate cleaning approach.
Vacuuming: The initial step in upholstery cleaning is removing loose dirt and debris before applying cleaning agents.
Vapor Cleaning: Using steam vapor to clean and sanitize upholstery is effective for removing germs and allergens.
Velvet Fabric: Cleaning techniques specific to velvet upholstery preserve its luxurious feel and appearance.
Vinyl Upholstery: Cleaning techniques specific to vinyl fabrics, ensuring they are cleaned without causing damage to their material.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Cleaning products with low VOCs to ensure a healthier indoor environment after upholstery cleaning.
Water-Based Cleaning: Cleaning methods using water as the basis of the cleaning solution for many upholstery fabrics.
Wool Upholstery: Cleaning approaches are designed to protect and clean wool upholstery without causing damage to its fibers.
Wrinkle Removal: Techniques to address and prevent wrinkles in upholstery fabrics during the cleaning process.
Waterless Cleaning: Cleaning methods that use minimal or no water are suitable for certain upholstery materials.
Water Spot Removal: Eliminating water spots and rings on upholstery caused by spills or cleaning.
Xenon Lamp Testing: A method to assess the colorfastness of upholstery fabrics under simulated sunlight, ensuring they won't fade over time.
Xylene-Free Cleaners: Cleaners without xylene to protect upholstery and indoor air quality.
X-Mark Spot Testing: Spot testing upholstery in an inconspicuous area with an "X" mark to ensure the cleaning solution won't cause damage.
Yellow Stain Removal: Techniques and products designed to address and remove yellow stains on upholstery caused by various substances.
Yellowing Prevention: Techniques and products used to prevent yellowing of upholstery fabrics during the cleaning process.
Zippers and Fasteners Inspection: Checking zippers and fasteners on upholstery for any damage or issues during the cleaning process.
Armed with this knowledge, you're better equipped to make informed choices about the care of your furniture. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our professional services - we aim to be your partner in preserving the beauty and comfort of your living or working spaces. Feel free to reach out for further assistance or to schedule an upholstery cleaning service.
