When it comes to cleaning fabric, you want to be as gentle as possible. After all, the fabric is delicate and can easily be damaged. However, dirt and stains can build up over time, making it necessary to clean your fabric regularly.
The best way to clean fabric is with a fabric steam cleaner. A fabric steam cleaner uses steam to clean the fabric, which is much gentler than using harsh chemicals. Plus, the steamer will also remove any wrinkles in the fabric. Here’s how to use a fabric steam cleaner to clean your fabric:
How To Use A Fabric Steam Cleaner
Prepare In Advance
Before you start cleaning the fabric, you need to prepare it. Move the fabric to an open area where you can work on it without any obstacles.
If the fabric is too big to move, you can work on it in sections. This will make the cleaning process much easier because you have more space so cleaning will be quicker and more pleasant.
Start By Vacuuming The Fabric
Depending on the type of fabric, you’ll want to start by vacuuming it with a brush attachment to remove any loose dirt and debris.
If the fabric is dry clean only, you’ll need to take it to a professional. If the fabric is machine washable, you can pretreat any stains with a mild laundry detergent before steaming.
Remove The Pet Hair
For carpets and rugs, the tape is going to be your best friend in removing pet hair. You can use either Scotch tape or masking tape both work well for this purpose.
Simply lay a strip of tape down on the carpet/rug and then slowly peel it up. The pet hair should come up with the tape. Repeat this process until all of the pet hair has been removed from the carpet/rug surface.
If you have one, use a lint roller on any clothing or fabric items—this includes curtains, blankets, towels, etc. Again, be sure to go over the entire surface area so that you don’t miss any spots.
The lint roller will pick up any remaining pet hair that is clinging to these items. This will make sure that when you stem the fabric or carpet no pet hair will be pushed into the fabric.
Pre-Treat The Stain
- Blot the Stain: First, blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub the stain, as this will only spread it and make it more difficult to remove. Just gently press the cloth onto the stain and hold it there for a few seconds. Repeat this process until the cloth is no longer absorbing any of the stains.
- Apply a Pretreatment Product: Next, apply a pretreatment product to the area. You can find these products at your local grocery or hardware store. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results.
- Allow the Pretreatment to Work: Once you’ve applied the pretreatment, allow it to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes. This will give it time to work its magic and break down the stain.
- Blot Again: After 5-10 minutes, blot the area again with a clean, dry cloth. You should see that the pretreatment has helped to lift some of the stains from the fabric.
Treating stains before you steam clean is a great way to make your job easier and get better results. By following these simple steps, you can achieve professional-looking results without having to hire a professional cleaner.
Pre Condition The Fabric Before Steaming
Most of the time, you can clean fabric with just a little steam. But if the fabric is extremely soiled or stained, you’ll need to pre-condition it with a cleaning solution before steaming. This will help loosen the dirt and make it easier to remove.
To pre-condition, the fabric, mix a solution of you choose in a spray bottle. Then, mist the fabric with the solution and rub it in with a soft brush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then proceed with steaming. You should see a noticeable difference in the dirtiness of the fabric. And when you’re finished steaming, the fabric will be clean and fresh-smelling.
Test A Small Section Of The Fabric (Check For Colorfastness)
Before you start steaming the entire fabric, it’s important to test a small section first. This will help you make sure that the fabric is colourfast and won’t bleed when exposed to steam.
To test the fabric, apply Steam from your Fabric Steamer to a small hidden area of the fabric. If there is no change in colour after 10 minutes, you can proceed with steaming the rest of the fabric.
If there is a colour change, stop steaming and consult a professional for advice on how to proceed.
Steam Clean The Fabric (Go Over The Entire Surface)
Once you’ve prepared the fabric and confirmed that it’s colourfast, you can start streaming. Begin by holding the steamer nozzle about 2 inches away from the surface of the fabric and moving it back and forth over the entire surface. Make sure to go over all of the bumps and creases so that every part of the fabric gets exposed to steam.
The steam will loosen any dirt and debris that’s stuck to the fabric, making it easier to vacuum up. After you’ve gone over the entire surface with steam, vacuum it again using an upholstery attachment. This will remove any dirt or debris that was loosened by the steam.
Conclusion
Steaming is an effective way to clean fabric, and it’s a great alternative to dry cleaning. By following the steps above, you can achieve professional-looking results without having to hire a professional cleaner.
So, the next time your fabric furniture or clothing is looking a little worse for wear, break out the steamer and give it a try. You might be surprised at how well it works. Thanks for reading!
