Question: How do I clean a Dralon sofa that is 25 years old? A commercial carpet and furniture dry cleaning company came to clean my lounge suite and carpet today. After spot cleaning one cushion, it was no cleaner than before. He said he could not clean it using the dry cleaning method. Also, it has tassels along the bottom edge and he said he couldn’t clean tassels as he didn’t have a machine capable of cleaning them and feared they would get damaged if he tried.
Dralon is an acrylic fiber that has many different applications. It has become well known for its durability, colorfastness and comfort. Cleaning dralon is not a difficult task if you use the proper steps. Follow these guidelines to keep your dralon upholstery looking fantastic.
Cleaning the Upholstery
You Will Need:
- Soft brush
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment
- Grease solvent such as Dab-It-Off or Thawpit
- Dry foam upholstery shampoo such as 1001 or Bissell
- White cloths
Steps to Clean a Dralon Sofa:
- Begin by brushing the surface of the sofa with a soft brush to loosen any dirt from the surface.
- Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the surface to remove the loosened dirt. Pay extra attention to the areas that receive heavy use such as headrests and armrests. These areas often become more soiled and require more thorough and more frequent cleanings.
- For areas with stains, there are a couple of options:
- For greasy or oil-based stains, apply a grease solvent with a sponge. Blot the stain with a clean sponge or clean cloth until the stain is removed. Avoid rubbing the stain as that will only spread it and make it worse.
- For other dirty areas, a dry foam upholstery cleaner is the best option. Apply the foam using a synthetic sponge with large pores. Avoid using any coarse applicators such as a brush. It is always best to use something soft and gentle on the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
- When the area is cleaned and dried, it may be helpful to brush over the area with a soft brush and/or vacuum to restore the pile to its original texture.
Cleaning the Tassels
You Will Need:
- Non-sudsing ammonia
- White vinegar
- Synthetic sponge with large pores
- Buckets
- Plastic garbage bags
Steps to Clean the Tassels:
- Cleaning the tassels will be time consuming if you choose to do it yourself, but it is possible. Begin by placing a large sheet of plastic, such as a garbage bag, under the tassels to catch any drips from the cleaning solution.
- Continue by filling a bucket with a gallon of warm water (remember not to exceed 122º Fahrenheit).
- Add in 1 cup of the non-sudsing ammonia and mix well.
- Use a sponge or soft clean cloth to dab the mixture onto the tassels. *If the tassels are colored, test a small, hidden area on one first to ensure there is no change in the color.
- In another bucket, 1 cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. Use this mixture to rinse the tassels.
- Allow the tassels to dry completely.
- Remove the plastic and discard.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- If a crease occurs on the surface, simply raise the pile by brushing the area with a damp, clean cloth.
- Monitor the temperature of the water used at all times. Never use water warmer than 122º F (50º C) on dralon fabric.
- If cleaning the tassels is too difficult to complete on your own, contact a professional who is experienced with cleaning tassels and has the proper equipment to clean them.
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