Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Cotton fiber properties

Cotton is a natural cellulose fiber that is absorbent, breathable, and strong, but weak when wet and prone to shrinkage and wrinkling; it tolerates mild alkaline cleaning and oxygen bleach.

Wool fiber properties

Wool is a natural protein fiber that is warm, absorbent, and elastic but felts with heat and agitation; it is sensitive to strong alkali and chlorine bleach and prefers neutral to mildly acidic cleaners.

Silk fiber properties

Silk is a natural protein fiber with a smooth, lustrous surface; it is strong but sensitive to sunlight, perspiration, and water spotting, and should be cleaned with mild, neutral agents.

Rayon (viscose) properties

Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber that is absorbent and soft but weak when wet and prone to shrinkage; it may require low-moisture or solvent cleaning to avoid distortion.

Polyester fiber properties

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is strong, wrinkle-resistant, and oleophilic (attracts oil), so it holds oily soil; it is heat-sensitive and should be cleaned at moderate temperatures.

Burn test identification

A burn test distinguishes fiber classes: cellulose burns fast with paper odor and gray ash; protein burns slowly with burnt-hair odor and crushable black ash; synthetics melt and bead.

Weave types

Plain weave is balanced and durable; twill has diagonal ribs and is strong; satin has long floats and is snag-prone; pile weave traps soil and requires gentle cleaning.

Care code W

The W care code indicates the upholstery is water-cleanable; water-based methods such as hot water extraction or low-moisture encapsulation may be used, but pre-testing is still required.

pH scale basics

The pH scale runs from 0 to 14: values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral, and above 7 is alkaline; wool and silk prefer pH 5.5–7, while cotton and synthetics tolerate mild alkalinity.

Surfactant types

Anionic surfactants clean well but can damage wool and silk; nonionic surfactants are gentle and low-residue; cationic surfactants are antimicrobial but may yellow; amphoteric surfactants are mild and pH-adaptive.

Oxygen bleach

Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) is a color-safe bleaching agent that releases hydrogen peroxide in water; it is used for organic stains and requires testing and proper dilution.

Reducing bleach

Reducing bleach (sodium bisulfite) removes dye-based stains by chemical reduction; it is used cautiously on colorfast fabrics and must never be mixed with acids or oxidizers.

Enzyme spotting agents

Enzyme agents break down specific soils: protease for proteins, amylase for starches, and lipase for fats; they work at optimal temperature and pH and must not be used on wool or silk with protease.

Acetic acid use

Acetic acid (white vinegar) neutralizes alkaline residues, helps remove browning and alkaline stains, and restores color; it should be diluted, tested, and rinsed thoroughly after use.

Oxalic acid use

Oxalic acid is a mild acid used to remove rust and tannin stains; it is toxic and must be used with gloves and ventilation, then rinsed completely from the fabric.

Volatile dry solvent

Volatile dry solvent (VDS) is a fast-evaporating nonpolar solvent used for spot removal on water-sensitive fabrics; it dissolves oils and greases and requires ventilation and no open flame.

Hot water extraction

Hot water extraction injects a heated cleaning solution and immediately extracts it with vacuum; it is effective on water-tolerant fabrics but risks over-wetting, shrinkage, and browning on cellulosics.

Dry cleaning process

Dry cleaning uses nonaqueous solvents such as perchloroethylene to remove oil-based soil from water-sensitive fabrics; it requires solvent recovery, ventilation, and proper waste disposal.

Encapsulation cleaning

Encapsulation is a low-moisture method where a polymer solution traps soil as it crystallizes; the dried residue is vacuumed away, reducing drying time and water damage risk.

Spotting sequence

Spotting follows a sequence: identify the stain, test in a hidden area, apply agent from the outside inward, blot (never rub), rinse, and dry with air; a spotting board aids control.

Dry soil removal

Dry soil removal with a high-efficiency vacuum is the first cleaning step; it removes loose particulate soil and prevents mudding when liquids are applied later.

Drying and air movement

Proper drying uses air movers and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture within 24 hours; inadequate drying causes mildew, shrinkage, browning, and re-soiling from residues.

Pre-testing procedures

Pre-testing includes fiber identification, pH testing, and colorfastness testing with a white cloth; results determine the safest cleaning method and prevent damage.

Equipment grounding

Cleaning equipment must be properly grounded and used with GFCI protection; solvent equipment requires bonding and grounding to prevent static ignition of flammable vapors.

Personal protective equipment

PPE for upholstery cleaning includes chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respirators for solvent vapors; selection follows the Safety Data Sheet for each product.

Ventilation requirements

Solvent vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas; local exhaust ventilation and fresh air supply are required, and confined spaces must be monitored before entry.

Care code S

The S care code means solvent cleaning only; water-based methods must not be used because the fabric or backing may shrink, bleed, or water-spot.

Care code X

The X care code means vacuum only; no liquids of any kind should be applied because the fabric or cushioning may be damaged by water or solvent.

Inspection checklist

Inspection covers fiber content, construction, cushions, seams, zippers, prior stains, pet damage, and the manufacturer care code; findings guide method selection and customer communication.

Customer waiver

A signed waiver documents pre-existing damage and explains expected outcomes and limitations; it protects both technician and customer by recording condition before cleaning.

Hazard communication

Hazard communication requires labeling secondary containers, keeping Safety Data Sheets accessible, and training workers on chemical hazards and emergency procedures.

Waste disposal

Solvent and wastewater must be disposed of according to local regulations; solvents should never be poured down drains or into soil.