tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58037148748252758392026-04-10T03:25:40.838-04:00<img align="right" src="http://www.pembertons.com/askjim_pics/jimpic.jpg"> <br> <br> The "Clean Chat" Blog is a place to share concerns, questions, ideas and feelings about happenings in our industry with the Fine FabriCare Guy.<br> <br>  <br> <br> <br> Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-76574006387105448432011-07-22T15:07:00.002-04:002011-07-22T15:09:23.823-04:00

Come Look at my NEW Blog!http://www.jimscleanchat.com

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-58774525452784903402011-04-29T10:01:00.001-04:002011-04-29T10:01:41.239-04:00

Today I am going to share a "shocking real world soiling story"of mine with you! Its always a challenge to have cushions that have "real world" soiling available for my Fine Fabric Care Upholstery Cleaning Workshop. I usually can find some dirty cushions by asking friends and employees for contributions and by the ocassional "dumpster diving" exercise, but rarely do these cushions relate

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-89421699434862815452011-04-22T13:07:00.001-04:002011-04-22T13:25:20.738-04:00

I frequently receive emails or calls from cleaners who, as recognized fine fabric experts, have been asked to fix something that has been damaged by another cleaner. Some Of The Common Problems That Cleaners Cause Are: BROWNING (An exploding problem in natural fiber chenille !!!)RUST STAINS (From buttons or staples)TEXTURE DAMAGE (Both chenille and velvet)SHRINKAGEBLEEDING When you first get

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-75115777751672293822011-04-15T15:11:00.001-04:002011-04-15T15:14:09.268-04:00

Color bleeding is the most frightening and likely the most expensive upholstery damage issue that cleaners fear, as they should. However, a more common problem that creates claims is the issue of color fading. Most color fading is caused by abrasion, soiling, and sunlight. However, these conditions usually occur in areas that are covered with sufficient soil that the damage may not be noticed

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-52477025204655707692011-04-08T14:45:00.001-04:002011-04-08T15:01:24.250-04:00

There are several things that can cause furniture to have a yellow discoloration or "haze". The causes and cures of these problems are so diverse that its critical to know the fabric and its maintenance history to know what you should do (or NOT do) next. Inspection and Testing Test the fabric: Synthetic fiber fabrics tend to yellow from oily soils. Yellow discolorations on natural fiber

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-49356814870140865642011-04-01T09:14:00.001-04:002011-04-01T09:14:50.127-04:00

Over the past 20 years, consumers have begun to see the value in having their carpet cleaned on a regular basis, rather than waiting for the carpet to appear heavily soiled. Carpet cleaners appreciate such customers, not just for their regular support to their business, but also because carpet cleaned on a regular basis releases soil more readily, and rarely had difficult stains that may be

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-55177490854823083532011-03-25T11:09:00.001-04:002011-03-25T11:10:52.824-04:00

Pre-conditioning agents receive the most attention in discussions of fine fabric chemistry, but the choices of what products to add (or not to add) to your "rinse solution" are just as critical. Following are the three choices that most cleaners make, along with my observations regarding each choice: Option #1. - Alkaline Detergent This is the most commonly chosen (usually a carpet cleaning

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-87535392896799191582011-03-10T15:33:00.002-05:002011-03-11T11:26:28.528-05:00

In previous Clean Tips I've outlined how to correct browning of upholstery fabrics. It’s important to remember, though, that the physical changes that cause browning, and what is done to correct it, do a degree of damage to the fabric. How Browning Damages Furniture Fabrics:When browning occurs, the changes that occur in the fiber that cause it to turn brown also structurally weakens the

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-55221725162373311242011-03-04T14:14:00.000-05:002011-03-04T14:20:34.776-05:00

I’m often asked: “If I get the right training and have the right products and tools, will I still have to turn down any upholstery cleaning jobs?” My answer is always . . . . YES, YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST!! “You must turn down any job where your customer’s expectations exceed what you can deliver in the way of a result” Think About This: What really is the most costly event that can happen with

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-17009800201193575842011-02-25T13:56:00.000-05:002011-02-25T13:57:53.859-05:00

The principles of removing pet odor from upholstery fabrics are similar to those that are used for carpet. Source removal, the need for the deodorizing treatment to reach the source of the odor, etc all apply. The challenge to the upholstery cleaner is that most carpet deodorization processes require a great deal of water to remove the source of the odor and to deliver the deodorizing

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-63134199365337082272011-02-18T09:39:00.000-05:002011-02-18T09:41:19.066-05:00

Properly Cleaned Upholstery Fabrics Should Be Dry In About An Hour!Jim PembertonMost serious upholstery cleaning problems (browning, bleeding, and shrinkage) are caused, completely or in part, by over-wetting of fabrics. Upholstery cleaners who avoid over-wetting during cleaning and make certain that fabrics dry quickly afterward have few, if any, damage claims.Skilled upholstery cleaners have

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-24810091058795509752011-02-11T14:08:00.001-05:002011-02-11T14:08:39.350-05:00

As a Fine Fabric Specialist, you will find opportunities to clean or spot clean fabric covered walls in both homes and commercial establishments. In many cases, the fiber commonly used in such fabrics is silk, and such wall coverings can be found anywhere from homes to professional offices to resorts. If the coverings are only exposed to atmospheric soil, cleaning the fabric is a

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-56835440180600226282011-02-04T14:46:00.001-05:002011-02-04T14:49:59.956-05:00

In the last Clean Tip, I shared the question of a cleaner who had an article of furniture turn brown after cleaning, and how that problem might be better prevented in the future. Today I'll share the potential remedies for browning in the unlikely (we are hopeful!) event that you encounter browning yourself. In some cases, rinsing the fabric with an acidic rinse agent, such as Upholstery

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-2388153952186117232011-01-28T14:00:00.001-05:002011-01-28T14:00:38.900-05:00

Q: Hey Jim:I recently cleaned a white cotton sofa and had a browning problem!I preconditioned with a neutral prespray and a neutral shampoo, rinsed with an acid rinse, and then applied a water based protector that is made for upholstery. I also used a "dry tool" to do the cleaning ... why did it brown?A: You used all the "right stuff".However, the problem was likely caused by the fact that (#1)

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-45514016804412195772011-01-21T13:38:00.000-05:002011-01-21T13:42:38.117-05:00

Hey Jim: Q:I cleaned a tan sofa and it turned pink after it dried! I rinsed it with an acid rinse and thought it was always safe. What happened? A:What you experienced is known as an "indicator dye change". This rare occurrence is caused when the fabric's dye reacts with a cleaning solution in the same way that the dye used in litmus (pH) paper turns various colors depending on the pH of the

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-7646610304326821062011-01-14T13:11:00.000-05:002011-01-14T13:13:13.356-05:00

Removing ink from upholstery fabrics can be a troublesome and somewhat risky procedure. Here are a few tips that should make the job easier, and less risky:The nature of some types of ink is such that once a spotter is applied, the ink pigment may spread rapidly to adjoining areas of the fabric. That means, ink spots that at first appear just as a few specks, could become large and unsightly

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-62881756391992675692011-01-07T13:19:00.000-05:002011-01-07T14:18:49.529-05:00

I’m often asked:“If I get the right training and have the right products and tools, will I still have to turn down any upholstery cleaning jobs?”My answer is always . . . . Yes, You Absolutely Will And Must Turn Jobs Down! “You must turn down any job where your customer’s expectations exceed what you can deliver in the way of a result”Think About This:What really is the most costly event that

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-73005730074390708712010-12-29T14:06:00.001-05:002010-12-29T14:07:45.405-05:00

Most cleaners have applauded the explosion of microfiber upholstery in the marketplace. While microfibers have some challenges that need to be addressed in inspection, such as delaminating, for the most part this product is durable when cleaned with proper upholstery cleaning techniques.The biggest challenge in cleaning microfibers is the tendency for it to adsorb oily soils, and the time

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-60467015433309801102010-12-17T14:05:00.001-05:002010-12-17T14:10:40.482-05:00

For decades, the fabrics perceived to be problem fabrics by cleaners, and by those who train them, have been in these four categories: Bleeders, usually fabrics woven on the jacquard loom Raw Cotton, still sometimes called "Haitian Cotton" Velvet, especially those made from natural fibers Nondurable finishes, mostly Chintz and Polished CottonToday, those categories have changed. Following is

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-72170989572471792362010-12-10T15:26:00.000-05:002010-12-10T15:27:19.258-05:00

For several years, cleaners have focused their efforts in both testing and cleaning to find ways to prevent color bleeding and browning, (which are still both concerns for fine fabric specialists), but have long been resolved by cleaners who understand the chemistry of cleaning.In a recent discussion that I had with leading furniture manufacturers, the individuals with whom I spoke did not

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-87798891045373458042010-12-03T14:18:00.002-05:002010-12-03T14:21:14.370-05:00

Q --Jim,A customer of mine just asked me to clean some grout for her on her marble floor where her dogs had their way while she was away. I checked my supplies and found that I only have a little Viper Venom.Did I hear once that Viper Venom is just a glorified stripper?? I have stripper and was wondering if I could use that as well.Anticipating your response,DanA -- Dan,I would be careful

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-56701673494586959992010-11-24T14:04:00.000-05:002010-11-24T14:05:11.582-05:00

Starting with Thanksgiving, and through the late December holiday observances, your customers will be engaging in that riskiest of activities when it comes to carpet and upholstery textiles:They will be serving food and drinks with bright red colors, and having their homes overcrowded with guests consuming those items.While red stains are common throughout the year, there are two that you are

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-28249595572737611852010-11-12T14:11:00.000-05:002010-11-12T14:22:00.160-05:00

It is only appropriate (for now) to conclude this discussion on “triexta” (better known as “SMARTSTRAND tm”) with some thoughts on how it will and is affecting you as a professional carpet cleaner. We can do this by first looking back to a another new fiber development in the 1980’s - stain resistant nylon carpet………While many of you reading this message weren’t even in our industry in the 1980’s,

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-59481966657234406112010-11-05T09:57:00.000-04:002010-11-05T09:58:24.379-04:00

I received a call today from a well informed and customer service oriented carpet cleaner I know, and the story he related spoke to both technical and marketing issues we must all be aware of.This gentleman sends a newsletter to all of his customers, including the carpet retailers who refer him. In it, he made a point of warning his customers that the new Triexta fiber that is being so heavily

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5803714874825275839.post-90730411245612230732010-10-29T15:24:00.002-04:002010-10-29T15:30:53.086-04:00

What do you do when you get called about a spot that has been discovered by your customer after you have cleaned their carpet?Before you show up with an arsenal of products, you need (and your customer needs) an answer to these three questions: Did the stain remain after cleaning? Did the spot come back when it dried? Did the spot show up over time?The reason that these questions are so important

Jim Pembertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00659987003640920964noreply@blogger.com1