Q - Thank you very much for your detailed instruction. This morning I called you and we had a brief conversation on a few cleaning subjects. Before I enroll and sit down for your certification class, I have a few projects on my hand, which I would like to get your advice as to how to proceed. I am ordering a gallon of your shampoo and I am planning to clean a few sofas with silk covering. Please provide me with some instructions.
As I mentioned I have been in laundry and dry cleaning business for 15 years and have some familiarity with fabrics and their sensitivity against chemicals, especially silk.
A - I enjoyed our conversation today. It is my belief that your background in textile care and your desire to develop this needed service will help you to create a successful business enterprise.
Hand cleaning of silk fabrics takes patience and care. As with the wall panels, you should test with dry cleaning solvent first, as dry solvents are less likely to cause color or texture distortion. This is especially important on multicolor fabrics or those with velvet or chenille construction.
Should you feel it necessary to use a water based solution, the Bridgepoint Fabric Shampoo is the safest material that you could use. Even considering the products safety, you should still clean a test area near the zipper area of the cushion to assure there will be no texture distortion or color loss.
If you test area looks acceptable, proceed as follows:
Dilute the product per label directions, then dip a clean, white towel into the solution. Wring out the excess moisture, and make a flat pad, just as you did for the wall covering.
Wipe the fabric with the dampened pad, then follow up with a dry towel to remove residual moisture.
