Stain removal tips for Protection 1st customers with upholstered furniture.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before proceeding with any of the following recommendations, read the product labels and / or materials provided by the manufacturer. If there is any conflicting information, always follow the advice provided by the manufacturer or consult a cleaning professional.

Know Your Cleaning Code

Fabric: "W / S," "W," "S," & "X"
Leather: "A," "P,” & “N”
(See “cleaning codes” section for complete details)

Using the wrong type of spot remover may have detrimental effects on the dyes or backings on some upholstery; the manufacturer may label furniture with a cleaning code indicating the safest method for cleaning.

Cleaning codes can usually be located on a tag attached to a cushion, on the flat area supporting the seat cushions (“decking”), or on the bottom of the furniture.

If the cleaning code cannot be located, the manufacturer of the furniture or retailer should be contacted for assistance.

Always follow the upholstery cleaning codes, and then pretest any remedies used for spot cleaning in an inconspicuous area before using them. Use the following table to determine the appropriate cleaning methods to use for removing stains from your fabric upholstered furniture.

General Rules and Precautions

• Always pretest remedies (including water) in an inconspicuous area before using them on your furniture to safeguard against color transfer or discoloration.
• Treat spills and stains IMMEDIATELY. The longer a spot remains on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove.
• For liquid spills: blot-up quickly with an absorbent cloth, white paper towels, or a sponge. Gentle blotting will often remove all traces of the stain.
• For a spilled substance: (jelly, peanut butter, dried mustard) a dull-edged spoon may be used to scoop up or gently scrape to loosen the substance.
• For dry spills: (ashes or dry cosmetics) do not use liquid. Adding any liquid to a normally dry substance may cause a permanent stain. Vacuum, beat the area with a ruler or similar implement, vacuum again, then use the adhesive side of masking tape to remove any residue.
• Vacuum or gently brush away any loose dirt or other particles.
• Do not rub, scrub, or use a brush, it may damage the fabric.
• Do not over-wet the spot. Some dyes or backings of some upholstery fabrics may be affected by water. Flooding the stain with fluid simply spread the dirt and possibly affect the backing or foam padding.
• Work from the outer edge of the stain toward the center to prevent rings & spreading.
• After the stain is removed rinse with clear water, then absorb all moisture with white towels. Place a thick layer of towels over wet area and weight with heavy object. If necessary, place aluminum foil between towels and the weight to prevent transfer of color from weight to the fabric. The moisture and residue will wick up into the absorbent material by capillary action. Check periodically, rewet and change if toweling is stained. Brush up the pile lightly after removing the paper towels.
• Never remove zip-off cushion casings and launder them, they may shrink or become distorted and will not re-install properly.

Care Tips by Type of Furniture

Caring for your Leather Furniture

• Dust furniture at least once a week with a soft, dry cloth.
• Leather should be cleaned and protected every 2 months.
• Place furniture a minimum of two feet away from radiators and other heat sources.
• Avoid sharp objects near leather that could puncture or tear.
• Protect leather from direct and indirect sunlight to avoid fading.

Tip: Using a leather protector after cleaning it with a specially formulated leather cleaner will help keep your leather furniture looking good longer.

Caring for your Fabric Upholstered Furniture

• Vacuum weekly.
• After vacuuming, reverse any reversible cushions.
• Hand-fluff down-filled pillows and cushions.
• Rearrange furniture occasionally to ensure even use of cushions and wear areas.
• Have your furniture professionally cleaned once a year.

Tip: Prevent fading and fiber degeneration by placing your furniture away from direct sunlight.

Caring for your Wood Furniture

• Don't set anything on the wood that could cause damage - hot plates, sharp objects, and abrasive items such as ashtrays and ceramic lamps are frequent offenders.
• Dust frequently to remove every day abrasive particles from wood surfaces. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, such as a white t-shirt or cotton baby diaper.
• Polish wood surfaces regularly to enhance the shine and remove smudges and particles.
• Avoid humidity extremes to prevent warping.

Tip: Many wood furnishings need to "breathe" to maintain their appearance and durability. Rotate accessories on tables and desks to allow different parts of the furniture to be exposed to the air.