[derikraven]

a while ago I cleaned a cotton suite, very routine and no problems. four weeks later the customer phoned to say the material on the arm had split. I went to have a look and, sure enough, the fabric had frayed. The customer seems to think the suite was incorrectly cleaned. I maintain that, if I'd done something wrong then the whole suite would be affected. I told the customer that, in my opinion, the material on the chair arm was more worn than any other part of the suite and that, given the natural shrinkage during cleaning, this was why the material had frayed. The customer maintains the chair is never used although when I cleaned the suite, the chair was the dirtiest. Hmmmmmm. I also wonder why the customer took four weks to get in touch with me. Anyone got any opinions?
                             Derik

[Geoff Jewkes]

Sounds like an awkward one which probably isn`t your fault. She's obviously trying to pull a fast one by saying the chair has never been used when you know it has.  The problem is you've told her it's shrunk due to cleaning !! She'll probably take that as an admission of guilt on your part.
I honestly don't know what to say that'll help resolve the situation except have a reall good look at upholstery at the point of inspection / quotation and write everything down including any possible risks and get the customer to sign it before you clean. Particularly the arms, and back cushions which have been exposed to u/v light and faded ( this weakens the fabric and can cause the spilt during either the cleaning or drying process ). I think that due to the fact it's happened 4 weeks after cleaning takes the blame off you just a tad!

I haven`t experienced this problem ( yet )! but maybe someone else on here has and can give you more helpful advice to resolve the situation.   
                             Geoff

[carpetguy]

Advice is academic ' after the event ' however,

Cotton is usually flimsier than other fabrics
Cotton is a loose weave
Cotton suites usually have machine washable covers

Avoid cotton suites, unless you have a moisture control, upholstery tool.

Opinions are easily given, but without actually seeing the suite, it's not likely that anyones opinion will be really helpful.

From personal experience, I had similar problem, many years ago, with a cotton print. They were a nightmare and scared many cleaners, as they were liable to suffer from, colour migration, shrinkage, or splitting.

Most of these are long gone, but there will still be a few around, so beware.

Tme main problem, is the, loose weave and delicate nature of cotton, compared with other fabrics.

If too much water is applied,  the foam padding expands and the cotton, being a loose weave can burst.

Abrasive action from, tools, hoses, plastic  and metal fixings, which other fabrics cope with, can easily burst cotton.


nuff said

robbie

[Derek]

The arms of upholstered furniture are some of the main body contact areas... one of the reasons why a preclean inspection must be carried out is to identify the suspect areas BEFORE any cleaning commences.

Failure to identify a problem I am afraid leaves you with the problem....sorry

Perspiration, sunlight, harsh chemicals, inappropriate use of agitation plus wear and tear can all play a part in the degradation of upholstery fabrics

[stevegunn]

You need a pre inspection report because if customer pushes this claim you might be buying a suite.

[Mike Halliday]

its a month later, normally I'd tell her to get stuffed.

but you didnt follow the No1 rule: keep your gob shut

all you needed to say was 'the suite was not in that condition when i left it 4 weeks ago' nothing else.

to start talking about the natural shrinkage during cleaning is just digging yourself a big hole.

You are now on the offensive. You should have maintained a position of strength from the very beginning.

People think that 'the customer is always right' and believe that 'good customer care' means you sort out the customers problems, but this is not true, 'good customer care' is;

 upholding the rights of the customer with violating your own rights

if you cleaned this suite correctly and left it in a undamaged condition she is in the
wrong... not you

Mike

[Ken Wainwright]

Cotton fabrics are not necessarily loose or flimsy weaves. They can be pretty dense, tight and strong. As Derek has pointed out, a thorough pre-clean inspection would reveal any suspect areas.

Cotton, when wetted, becomes stronger.  However, although it has some similarities with Rayon/Viscose, this beocomes weaker when wetted. So you need to be confident of the fibre content of the fabric before cleaning.

Some soiling, cleaning solutions and sunlight can degrade fibres, so this has to be a consideration during the inspection/testing stage.

It is also possible for a fabric to be in a sufficiently weak state after cleaning that it will take just a little use before the damage becomes apparent. This weakness can be caused by the cleaning process itself, or even the soil may have been "strengthening" the fabric.

Safe and happy inspecting, testing and cleaning
Ken

[Geoff Jewkes]

Talk about speak of the devil!!!!!!   Just been on a quote for a load of carpets 2 chinese rugs...................... and a white cotton suite with floral print!!! Done these before  with no problems but this is a littledirtier than usual on the arms and base cushions!   Rear cushions and rest of the frame is immaculate. What do you guys use to clean these. This is the thin stuff thats a bit sensative, 18 years old. Normally ok with these but I think this poast has made me a bit twitchy!!!   Thanks, Geoff

[Ken Wainwright]

Combo clean. Vac, prep, dry foam, rinse, towel. As long as audit is OK.

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Dave_Lee]

The front folds of the arms on cotton suites are the first thing I inspect. In many cases of extreme soiling, its these creases, right on the fold that are literally only held intact by the greasy soil that covers them. This soil has degraded the fabric and when the cleaner removes the bonded soil, the vacuum pull of the upholstery tool can be sufficient to split the fbric. I always pre warn the client, that this could happen. I would rather not do the job if they werent prepared to accept that this may happen. Masking the area with netting will reduce the risk of splitting.
Dave.

[Geoff Jewkes]

Thanks guys,  he has been warned and he says he's not bothered just do my best.  Its all on the quotaion sheet and he's signed it but I still want to clean it up to it's best obviously without causing any problems !  I haven't hesitated on a suite for years, I think this post gave me a reallity check !!

[Derek]

Don't forget to take some digital photographs of the heavily soiled areas before cleaning and be seen taking them

Clean carefully using neutral chemicals and use netting as an abrasion barrier

[carpetguy]

I have to admit that, in spite of my vintage and experience, I;ve never used the obvious solution, of using a abrasion barrier.

Perhaps you might expand on this, as many will be wondering what you're talking about

robbie

[Geoff Jewkes]

My customer gave me a cushion to bring home and test. I lightly misted my cleaner onto one side and WOOOOAAAAA! GREEN WRITING APPEARED!!!! Unstitched the cover and the foam has writing on it It says BASE CENTRE. Removed the ink from the fabric and dried it !!!!!!! Be aware that some of the older suites have marking on the foam ( I've come across this once before ).  Just need a seemstress to stitch it back together!!!!

If you can, on older suites, check the fillings. I know its not common but they're around .................. obviously !!!