A Practical Guide To Clean A Polyester Couch

Have you noticed stains and spills on your polyester couch and are worried about how to clean them up? In such a situation, it is important to understand that polyester is a man-made synthetic fabric that is generally easy to clean and can resist moisture. If you address the stain early on, it is easy to clean your polyester couch with homemade solutions like baking soda and vinegar and a vacuum. But if the stains have set in and discoloured the fabric,  it is best to hire bond cleaning Port Macquarie services to clean these spots. These experienced professionals will use advanced equipment to clean your polyester couch. But before you begin cleaning your couch, it is important to see what polyester is made from and its characteristics to know the best way to clean this fabric.

What Is Polyester

Polyester or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a man-made or synthetic fabric generally made by mixing terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. This fabric is chemically produced in a lab and is a type of plastic that is non-biodegradable and can cause severe pollution in landfills. To reduce plastic pollution, the Australian government started the National Plastics Plan, which aims to recycle plastic. In line with this plastic recycling policy, manufacturers have started reusing polyester fabrics for other textiles. There are also plant-based forms of polyester that are being made that might not be as durable as the original version but are eco-friendlier.

Characteristics Of Polyester

There are many important characteristics of polyester that make it a popular fabric for furnishings and clothing, such as:

Durable: Polyester can withstand scratches and tears and resist ultraviolet radiation degradation.

Resists moisture: Polyester resists moisture rather than absorbing it which makes it less prone to harmful fungi mould.

Wrinkle-proof: This fabric will not wrinkle easily and thus stays in shape without regular ironing.

Mouldable: Polyester can be moulded into different shapes so the fabric can be reused several times.

Now that you have seen the characteristics of polyester, you should know the three types of this fabric.

Types Of Polyester Fabric

Bond cleaning services Port Macquarie recommend checking your couch’s fabric before cleaning it, as there are three different types of polyesters, such as: 1. Polyethylene Terephthalate: Inexpensive and Heat-Resistant Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET, is the most popular and common form of polyester made in a lab with chemicals. This material is durable, heat resistant, elastic and inexpensive to make and is used for making upholstery, furnishings, clothes, industrial projects, safety belts and more. 2. Plant-Based Polyester: Sustainable and Biodegradable In plant-based polyester, ethylene glycol is not made with chemicals but is derived from sugarcane or bio-waste. This makes this fabric more biodegradable, sustainable, and better for the environment than normal polyester. The only drawback is that this is less durable than the original and can be expensive. 3. PCDT Polyester: Durable and Elastic PCDT Polyester is more durable and elastic than the original but is less popular than PET as it contains poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate. But due to its elasticity, it is often used for furnishings and upholstery items in your home. Once you identify the type of polyester fabric you have in your home, you can start cleaning your couch in the following steps:

How To Clean Your Polyester Couch

1. Vacuum The Dirt And Debris Away Professional bond cleaning services Port Macquarie suggest that you remove loose debris from your couch first by using a soft-bristled brush to brush the sides, arms and front and back of the couch. Next, vacuum all the debris you have collected and lift the cushions while vacuuming to remove any stuck debris and dirt underneath. 2. Use Baking Powder To Remove Foul Smells Since polyester resists moisture, the fabric can become less breathable and, unless it is mixed with cotton or other natural fabrics, can hold onto odours. To remove these foul odours, sprinkle baking soda all over your couch and leave it for 10 minutes. Finish by vacuuming all the baking soda deposits to remove the smell. Tip Baking soda is an eco-friendly cleaning solution that can also deodorise your carpets. 3. Treat Stains And Spills With Natural Solutions If your polyester couch has stains and spills, it is important that you first read the label to see what cleaning solutions are safe for your couch. There are generally four types of cleaning codes given on your label, such as:

W- Liquid solvents can be used to clean this fabric.

S- Only dry-cleaning solutions can be used on this type of fabric.

S/W- Both liquid and dry solvents will work.

X- Only vacuuming by professionals.

If your fabric is marked X, you must hire seasoned bond cleaning Port Macquarie services to clean these fabrics as they need specialised cleaning. However, if your fabric is marked W, you can make a natural solution with one cup of water and equal parts of white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this on your stain lightly and leave it for 10 minutes. Once the stain dissolves, use a damp white microfiber cloth and blot this solution out slowly to remove the stain. Tip Vinegar is one of the 9 must-have natural ingredients to clean your home. 4. Keep The Cushions In The Sun To Dry Them If you have washed your cushions by spraying the solution on them, you must ensure you dry in the sun. This will prevent mould from forming on your cushions. After drying, you should brush these cushions with a soft-bristled brush to make the fabric soft and supple. Tip Besides your upholstery, there are 5 areas you should be cleaning often in your home.

Conclusion

Thus, polyester couches are easy to clean if you identify the fabric type and use the correct natural cleaning solutions. To be safe, bond cleaning services Port Macquarie recommend trying these solutions on a small section of the sofa first to see that it does not discolour or damage the fabric.