678 days ago

How to Look After Your Upholstery

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Wellington (The Wash House)

In this blog we discuss the most common upholstery problems that can arise in use. We will break each problem down, looking at what it is, the likely cause and recommended remedies and solutions to avoid future re-occurrence.

CROCKING: What is it? Crocking is the term used to describe the transfer of excess dye from one surface to another due to rubbing and friction. The issue is increased by certain atmospheric conditions such as humidity and temperature.

Likely cause: In a situation where the dye is transferring out of the upholstery fabric (for instance a red fabric is turning pink) it will usually be a result of either poor quality dyes used during textile manufacturing or that the dyes were not set correctly during the dyeing and finishing process. Crocking can also occur when dye is transferred from an outside source onto the upholstery fabric, for instance a pair of new jeans can transfer blue dye on to your sofa giving it a grubby appearance.

Remedy: The key thing to establish with crocking is whether the discolouration is due to dye transferring out of your upholstery fabric or on to it from an external source. If it is transferring out of the fabric then it is important to check that some substance e.g. a solvent based product, has not come into contact with the fabric and affected the dyes. If all of the above can be ruled out then a genuine fabric issue may be the cause and the fabric will need to be replaced from another batch or alternative fabric.

FADING: What is it? Discolouration or lightening of the dye in a fabric due to exposure to ultraviolet light. Constant exposure to high levels of direct ultraviolet light can also result in fibre degradation, causing the fabric fibres to become brittle, which may result in areas of breakage.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

Image
More messages from your neighbours
29 minutes ago

Nga mihi o te Tau Hou! Happy New Year!

Olivia from Volunteer Wellington

Our Wellington, Hutt and Porirua offices are open and ready to help you volunteer. 2024 was a great year and we are excited for 2025!

Get involved in your community while having fun, learning new skills and meeting people. Our website has hundreds of volunteering opportunities available.

Are you planning to volunteer in 2025? Tell us below! ⬇️

6 days ago

Poll: Is camping as fun as people say?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Lack of good sleep, sub-par toileting experiences and difficulty in making meals. Do you consider camping as a top holiday experience?

For a bit of fun, let us know your thoughts and stories.

Image
Is camping as fun as people say?
  • 49.6% Yes
    49.6% Complete
  • 48.7% No
    48.7% Complete
  • 1.7% Other - I'll share below
    1.7% Complete
1665 votes
1 hour ago

Favourite holiday finds

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're putting together an article on Kiwis' favourite holiday finds, and would love to hear about any great new places you discovered on your holidays and are happy to share.
It could be a beach you'd never been to before, a walking track you'd never tried, a town that pleasantly surprised you or a particularly good cafe, restaurant or bar. Please feel free to comment here or to message me directly. Please put 'NFP' in your comment or message if you do not want your name or suggestion published.
Thank you very much in advance.