Furniture, carpets and other furnishing components require specialised cleaning on a regular basis. Apart from the hygiene aspect of upholstery cleaning, these processes result in improved aesthetics and reduce health-related problems associated with allergens, such as mites that live in furniture and carpets. Additionally, some of the materials used to upholster furniture last longer when cleaned regularly. These materials include leather, hard woods, natural fibres and composites that are susceptible to termite and moisture damage. Most companies involved in upholstery cleaning use the following cleaning methods:
- Water-based – Using shampoos, encapsulation or hot water extraction, cleaners focus on the entire surface without over-wetting it. The main risks associated with this upholstery cleaning method is water damage or damage to electrical components in some furniture items, such as electrically operated recliners and massage seats. However, this method is widely used and cheaper that most alternatives.
- Dry cleaning – Special chemicals lift the dirt and debris off the surface of the item undergoing cleaning without using water. Most dry cleaning agents depend on carbonation chemical processes to lift off dirt, which gets sucked of using conventional vacuum cleaning equipment. The main disadvantage of this upholstery method is risks associated with chemical damage to sensitive and high quality furniture and upholstering material. On the upside, dry cleaning gets rid of all types of stains and stubborn dirt that conventional water-based methods cannot tackle.
- Steam-based – Uses hot jets of steam to lift off dirt and debris from the surface undergoing cleaning. As effective as it is in cleaning fabric and fibre-based upholstery, this cleaning method is risky on sensitive surfaces made of faux leather, real leather, plastic composites and expensive hard woods.
Because specialised companies offer most upholstery cleaning services, one should be careful when making choices due to the risks of damage and substandard work. The factors to consider when choosing an upholstery cleaning company are:
- Reputation – The reputation of a service provider is the best way to ascertain their level of service. Well-known upholstery cleaning companies that have many satisfied customers offer the best solutions and should be high on the priority list.
- Guarantees and insurance – One of the best indicators of any upholstery cleaning company's commitment to offering high quality service is their guarantee and insurance policies. Good companies offer refunds and cover risks such as furniture and surface damage to ensure their clients receive the highest level of service.
- Costs – Although many upholstery cleaning companies charge a nominal fee for high quality services, depending on the type and amount of work, the costs should not be unreasonably high. Many good companies charge reasonably while offering high quality services to generate return business.
For more information on upholstery cleaning, contact a company like Busy Bell.
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