iicrc s3oo standard and reference guide for professional upholstery cleaning · 2017-03-23 ·...

IICRC S3OO

Standard and ReferenceGuide for ProfessionalUpholstery Cleaning

First Edition

Disclaimer This Standard and Reference Guide is intended to provide current and accurate information about upholstery cleaning. The document is designed to assist individuals and entities working in the upholstery cleaning industry to maintain their professional competence. This publication is being distributed with the understanding that the IICRC does not render any professional, medical or legal advice. Users of this document must keep abreast of developments in the field of upholstery cleaning, implement changes in technology and procedures as appropriate, and follow applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations. Finally, many jobs are unique and extenuating circumstances may require a deviation from this Standard and Reference Guide. No express or implied representation or warranty is made by the IICRC or its agents concerning the interpretations, use, or application of the practices or procedures set forth in this document.

Important Definitions Throughout this document the general terms “must,” “highly recommended” and “recommended” are used to compare and contrast the different levels of importance attached to certain practices. It is impractical to issue blanket rules intended to apply to every cleaning situation. In extenuating circumstances, deviation from portions of this standard may be appropriate. Carelessness is never acceptable and common sense should prevail in all cases. must: When the term must is used in this document, it means that the practice or procedure is required or mandatory. highly recommended - When the term highly recommended is used in this document, it means that the practice or procedure is the generally accepted method to be followed. recommended - When the term recommended is used in this document, it means that the practice or procedure is advised or suggested.

IICRC S300 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning First Edition Published 2000 Copyright © 2000 by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission in writing from the IICRC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles, reports or critical reviews. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) 2715 East Mill Plain Boulevard Vancouver, WA 98661 USA (360) 693-5675 • www.iicrc.org

Members of the Joint Industry Task Force for Upholstery Cleaning Standards The publication of this document was made possible through the generous contributions of a dedicated group of experts. The members of the IICRC Board of Directors and the Joint Industry Task Force for Upholstery Cleaning Standards sincerely appreciate the time and effort contributed by these individuals. They exhibit the true volunteer spirit that has been the driving force behind the IICRC since its inception. JOINT INDUSTRY TASK FORCE FOR UPHOLSTERY CLEANING STANDARDS Task Force Committee Chairman

Carey Vermeulen, Chairman, Joint Industry Task Force for Upholstery Cleaning Standards; Vice President, IICRC; President, Glenncarey Carpet Cleaning, Claremont, Ontario, Canada

Task Force Committee Members

Butch Ade, Rossville/Chromatex, W. Hazelton, PA David Bell, Culp, Inc., High Point, NC Jeff Bishop, Chairman, IICRC Certification Board; Clean Care Seminars, Inc., Dothan, AL Doug Bowles, Horizon Consultants, Dalton, GA Bobbie Grose, Servpro, Burlington, NC Dave Hanks, Bridgepoint, Salt Lake City, UT Peter Masi, Master Cleaners, Santa Rosa, CA

Steven Spivak, Ph.D., Technical Director, Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration International, Millersville, MD Hugh Talley, The Hugh Talley Company, Inc., Morristown, TN Ruth Travis, Secretary, IICRC; President, Interior Care, Inc., Chattanooga, TN Mike West, Clean Care by Millers, Monterey, CA

Editing Committee

Jeff Bishop, Chairman, IICRC Certification Board; Administrator, Clean Care Seminars, Inc., Dothan, AL Larry Cooper, IICRC Honorary Board Member; President, Textile Consultants, Denver, CO Steven Spivak, Ph.D., Technical Director, Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration International, Millersville, MD Ruth Travis, Secretary, IICRC; Chair, IICRC Color Repair Advisory Committee; President, Interior Care, Inc., Chattanooga, TN

Contributors:

Charlie Aoun, Silver Wing Maintenance, Stockton, CA

Eileen Barkstedt, Elite Carpet Cleaning, East Rockaway, NY

Dan Bernazzani, Liberty Consulting, Brownsville, VT

George Binder, Superior Carpet and Furniture Cleaners, Prospect Heights, IL

Derek Bolton, Bolton and Chawner, Ltd., Leicestershire, England

Peter Calzavara, Let’s Be Practical, Etobicoke, ONT

Robert Cooper, Esq., Cooper and Tanis, PC, Broomfield, CO

Barry Costa, The Costa Group, Peterborough, NH

Patrick Dorgan, Leather Institute, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Craig DeBlois, Servepro of Western NC, Hickory, NC

Kadir Donmez, University of Cincinnati, OH

Joe Farrell, Sunrise Carpet Cleaning, Inc., Snowmass Village, CO

Marc Gauthier, Canway, Ltd., Ottawa, ONT

Gerry Grose, Servpro, Burlington, NC

Mike Guasch, Stonetech Professional, Union City, CA

Dave Hanks, Bridgepoint Systems, Salt Lake City, UT

Ed Hobbs, Hobbs Ultra-Clean Services, Corapeake, NC

David Jones, Aquajet Property Services, Sydney, AU

Linda Kanouse, The Cavalry II, Speedway, IN

Brian Kubicek, 3M Specialty Chemicals Division, St. Paul, MN

Clarke Lovrien, Kleenrite Chemicals, Madera, CA

Chris Moore, Lane Furniture, Tupelo, MS

Paul Pearce, Country House Carpet Care, Surrey, UK

Jim Pemberton, Pemberton and Assoc., McKeesport, PA

Joey Pickett, Service Consultants, Lexington, KY

Rick Raessler, DuPont Company, Woodstock, GA

Claudia Ramirez, Integrated Solutions, Baltimore, MD

Mike Reed, Austonian Rug and Carpet Cleaning, Austin, TX

Bill Reichel, Flexsteel Industries, Dubuque, IA

Sandra Rosin, Schanadig, Corp., Des Plaines, IL

Eric Rottmeister, Granville Cleaning, Vancouver, BC

Esther Timko, LA-Z-BOY, Monroe, MI

Karen Vermeulen, Glenncarey Carpet Cleaning, Claremont, Ontario, Canada

Manny Vickers, Fibershield Industries, Yophank, NY

Carl Williams, Academy of Textiles Flooring, Whittier, CA

Randy Wagoner, Quality Assurance, Culp, Inc. High Point, NC

Lee Zimmerman, Keystone Carpet Cleaning, Greensburg, PA

Kathy Zimmerman, Keystone Carpet Cleaning, Greensburg, PA

Technical Editor

Glenn Fellman, President, Fellman Business Consulting, LLC, Kensington, MD; CEO, Indoor Environment Communications, Kensington, MD

IICRC Standard for Professional Upholstery Cleaning S300 First Edition Published 2000 Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification 2715 East Mill Plain Boulevard Vancouver, WA 98661 USA (360) 693-5675 • www.iicrc.org Copyright © 2000 by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S300, First Edition


Table of Contents

Contents Page 1 Scope, Purpose and Application .......................................1 2 References ..........................................................................1 3 Definitions ...........................................................................1 4 Principles of Professional Upholstery Cleaning ..............2 5 Normal Versus Restorative Cleaning ................................4 6 Dry Solvent Cleaning Method ............................................5 7 Absorbent Compound Cleaning Method ..........................7 8 Dry Foam Cleaning Method................................................8 9 Shampoo Cleaning Method................................................9 10 Hot Water Extraction (“Steam”) Cleaning Method.........10 11 Leather Cleaning Method .................................................11 12 Combination Cleaning Methods ......................................12 13 Fabric Protectors ..............................................................12


Foreword The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning (IICRC S300) is a procedural standard. It has been written using reliable principles, research and practical experience, plus consultation with and information obtained from numerous sources. These include: allied tradespersons; cleaning chemical and equipment formulators and manufacturers; upholstery and furniture manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; organizations serving the professional cleaning industry, both independent and franchise; cleaning industry training schools; cleaning service companies; and others with specialized experience. It is subject to revision as further experience and investigation may warrant. This standard was created by the Joint Industry Task Force for Upholstery Cleaning. For many years furniture manufacturers have used colorfastness codes to assist consumers in determining safe cleaning solutions (e.g., dry solvents, water) to use on their upholstered furniture. Over time these “colorfastness codes” evolved into “cleaning codes” for professional cleaners as well. However, upholstery cleaning technicians have always determined the appropriate cleaning method for individual furniture based on fiber content, fabric construction and careful inspection, rather than “colorfastness” or “cleaning” codes. One of the primary purposes of IICRC S300 is to clarify the way in which appropriate cleaning methods are determined. IICRC S300 provides a specific set of practical standards for upholstery cleaning. It does not attempt to teach comprehensive upholstery cleaning procedures; rather, it provides the foundational principles for proper cleaning practice. There are numerous programs available in the industry to teach the specific details of upholstery cleaning. IICRC S300 is presented using a two-part format: the Standard itself, and a supplementary “Reference Guide.” The procedural Standard is featured in the first section of S300. This Standard is supported by the Reference Guide in the second section. The intent is to use the information outlined in the Reference Guide as a tool to better understand and apply the Standard itself. However, the Reference Guide is not considered a part of the Standard.


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Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification Standard for Professional Upholstery Cleaning S300 1 Scope, Purpose and Application

1.1 Scope This standard describes the procedures to be followed and techniques to be observed when performing upholstery cleaning. 1.2 Purpose It is the purpose of this standard to define criteria and methods to be used for assessing upholstery type, characteristics and condition and to establish cleaning procedures. Upholstered fabrics have unique characteristics and each upholstered cleaning project should be carefully evaluated to determine the proper use of this standard and how it applies. In extenuating circumstances, deviation from portions of this standard may be appropriate. Carelessness is never acceptable and common sense should prevail in all cases. 1.3 Application This standard was created for use by professional cleaners, upholstery fabric and furniture manufacturers, industry suppliers and others involved in the field of upholstery cleaning. This standard provides a set of practical standards for upholstery cleaning. It was not written to teach comprehensive upholstery cleaning procedures. Numerous manuals, videotapes, workshops, and seminars are available to teach specific details of cleaning. IICRC S300 does not include exhaustive performance characteristics or standards for the manufacture or upholstering of fabric furnishings.

2 References To develop this standard, the documents listed below served as primary references. Others are listed in the “References Sources” section of this standard’s companion Reference Guide. When referring to a reference, make certain the most recent edition is used. ASCR Ready Reference Upholstery Cleaning Guide, 1998 edition. Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection and Safety (CRIS) Glossary, L.J. Bishop, 1999 edition. Dictionary of Leather Terminology, Leather Industries of America, 1991. Dictionary of Textile Terms, Dan River, Inc., New York, New York. Fairchild’s Dictionary of Textiles, Fairchild Publications, 1996. IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional On-Location Carpet Cleaning, S001 Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, Inc., 1994. Upholstery and Drapery Cleaning, L.J. Bishop, 1997. 3 Definitions Certain terms and definitions associated with upholstery cleaning exist. The following are definitions of terms used in this standard. A comprehensive index of industry terminology appears in the Reference Guide to this standard. cleaning: the traditional activity of removing contaminants, pollutants and undesired substances from an environment or surface to reduce damage or harm to human health or valuable materials. Cleaning is the process of locating, identifying, containing, removing and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment or material. dry solvent: a non-water liquid (hydrocarbon) that has an ability to dissolve oils, greases, etc. grooming: the process of nap setting following cleaning and after treatment (e.g., fabric protector application).

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highly recommended: when the term highly recommended is used in this document, it means that the practice or procedure is the generally accepted method to be followed. maintenance cleaning: this includes routine procedures such as vacuuming, attending to spots and polishing surfaces as required. Maintenance helps to keep the furnishings in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear. must: when the term must is used in this document, it means that the practice or procedure is required or mandatory. normal cleaning: normal cleaning is the process of thorough cleaning using one or more of the cleaning methods described in this standard. It must be performed periodically, approximately every 12 to 24 months, depending on the furniture’s location, use and exposure to soiling. Normal cleaning should be accomplished before soiling causes permanent damage to fibers, dyes or fabric texture. recommended: when the term recommended is used in this document, it means that the practice or procedure is advised or suggested. restorative cleaning: restorative or “salvage” cleaning is required when soiling has become severe and, by request of the consumer, the furnishing must be returned to a sanitary condition and improved state of order. Restorative cleaning is not a normal cleaning process and typically is performed by technicians specially trained or skilled in restorative cleaning. Often, procedures that may go beyond those outlined in this standard must be used. soil: any undesired substance that is deposited on, or that is foreign to, the construction of a textile material. Soil results from environmental conditions and use (e.g., dust and particles, shed fibers, foods and oily substances). soil suspension: the use of chemical action, heat or temperature, agitation and time to separate soils from fibers and materials so that those soils may be more readily removed or extracted. 4 Principles of Professional Upholstery Cleaning Cleaning is the traditional activity of removing contaminants, pollutants and undesired substances from an environment or surface to reduce damage or harm to human health or valuable materials.

Cleaning is the process of locating, identifying, containing, removing and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment or material. Although most upholstery is cleaned on location in a customer’s home or business, some fabrics may require cleaning processes that are best performed under controlled conditions. Usually, these conditions can be achieved only in a cleaning plant facility. 4.1 Fabric Inspection Prior to the application of any chemical agent or cleaning procedure, fibers and fabrics must be inspected. Where practical the inspection should determine whether fabrics show the following characteristics:

− weakness due to age, environmental

exposure or use; − materials that are not colorfast or pre-

shrunken; and − markings on the back of fabrics or on interior

cushioning materials, which might bleed through to the fabric’s surface during cleaning or drying.

Although inspection of all areas may not be possible, it is highly recommended that zippers on cushions or pillows be opened to check for potential problems inside. 4.2 Dye Testing Pretest upholstery to ensure maximum soil removal without damage to fibers, fabrics or color. It is highly recommended that dye testing be performed on a zipper border, under a rear skirt or in some other inconspicuous area. It is highly recommended that, where possible, technicians make consumers aware of obvious problems with fabrics or dyes before beginning the cleaning process. It is highly recommended that potential problems be itemized on a “Furniture Condition Report Form” that is signed by the customer prior to cleaning. 4.3 Dry Soil Removal Dry soil, such as hair, lint, particle soil, dust, and debris must be removed from the fabric to the fullest extent practical before the application of any

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cleaning agents, pretreatments, or moisture. Depending on fabric type and delicacy, soil removal may be accomplished with a quality vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency soil collection system, a lint roller (as necessary), and/or brush agitation. If the equipment used for dry vacuuming does not have a high-efficiency filter, it is highly recommended that it be exhausted outside the structure to avoid contaminating indoor air. 4.4 Soil Suspension Methods must be employed to achieve soil suspension. Soil suspension is the key to successful cleaning of upholstery fabrics. The four fundamentals of soil suspension include:

− chemical action; − heat or temperature;

− agitation; and

− time

The use of these fundamentals and the extent to which each fundamental activity is employed may vary depending on the individual cleaning method and the type of fabric being cleaned. However, all four soil separation fundamentals must be considered if successful cleaning is to be achieved. After dry soil removal is accomplished and the selected cleaning agent has been tested to confirm that it will not adversely affect the fabric or dye system, cleaning agents should be applied evenly to the fabric’s surface. Heavily soiled areas such as arm tops, seat cushions, or pillows should receive specific attention. 4.4.1 Chemical Action Chemical action must be achieved using cleaning agents that suspend soils and separate them from fibers through various chemical reactions (e.g., emulsification, suspension). The technician performing the work must select the appropriate cleaning agent. Generally, a cleaning solution pH of 10 or less (in use dilution) is recommended for synthetic fibers, and a pH range from 4.5 to 8.5 is recommended for protein and some natural fibers. 4.4.2 Heat / Temperature Heat or increased temperature may be used to accelerate chemical reactions that lead to soil

suspension. Caution must be exercised when cleaning natural fibers, such as wool, silk or linen, or delicate fabric constructions, such as satin or velvet weaves, because they may suffer damage from excessive heat. 4.4.3 Agitation It is highly recommended that agitation be performed to evenly distribute cleaning solutions throughout soiled fabrics. Depending on fabric delicacy, agitation may be accomplished using a brush, towel, water pressure or other suitable method. Excessive agitation must be avoided on delicate fibers (e.g., wool, silk, linen and some cotton), fabrics (e.g., satin, velvet, flocked) or fabric finishes (e.g., chintz, moiré). 4.4.4 Time The time required for the fundamental elements of soil suspension to function at optimum efficiency may vary, depending on the type of fiber, dye stability, amount of soil, the chemical agent and the cleaning method used. Preconditioners should not be allowed to dry before soil extraction takes place. 4.5 Soil Removal (Extraction) Once soil suspension has been achieved, soil extraction may take place. Soil removal or extraction processes must be performed thoroughly and evenly to ensure uniform cleaning. The removal of suspended soils may be achieved through a variety of methods, including absorption, wet vacuuming, rinsing or vacuuming the fabric when dry. Technicians should employ the method(s) that they determine best to clean a given piece of upholstery safely and effectively. 4.6 Pile Setting or Grooming Pile fabrics must be cleaned with extra care. Permanent marks may be left in pile fabrics if cleaning tools are not used correctly. The cleaning process must not adversely affect fibers or fabrics. During or after cleaning, pile fabrics must be groomed or set to enhance their appearance. Grooming should continue until no visible lines or marks are left that may be attributed to the cleaning process. Some fabrics (e.g., cotton, rayon) may require partial drying before final grooming can be accomplished. 4.7 Drying

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The amount of time required for upholstery to dry varies, depending on the amount of moisture used in cleaning, the type of fiber and fabric, and prevailing temperature and humidity conditions. Fabrics must be dried as quickly as possible. Rapidly drying natural fibers or non-colorfast fabrics is essential, since they may be more prone to problems associated with prolonged drying. Because of the risk of cellulosic browning and/or dye migration, ensuring proper ventilation and air movement is highly recommended to expedite drying. Loose seat cushions, pillows and arm covers must be dried on a drop cloth, table, or other colorfast surface, maintaining separation and turning them as required to ensure rapid and uniform drying. 5 Normal Versus Restorative Cleaning Normally, upholstered fabrics should be cleaned every 12 to 24 months depending on the furniture’s location, use and exposure to soiling. When upholstered fabrics have not experienced normal cleaning or have been subjected to abnormal or abusive soiling or staining, more aggressive, “restorative” or “salvage” cleaning techniques may be required. These techniques may involve a combination of methods and procedures that go beyond the normal cleaning procedures outlined in this standard. Often, upholstery cleaning technicians must rely on professional judgment and experience in restoring these fabrics to a clean state. 5.1 Levels of Cleaning Upholstery fiber, fabric and furniture manufacturers agree that furnishings should be routinely maintained to prevent the buildup of soil. Further, manufacturers recommend that their products be periodically cleaned professionally to reduce soil buildup to a manageable and healthy state. The age and condition of fabric and its maintenance history, along with the type and amount of soil present and its effect on fibers and dyes, are important factors in setting expectations for cleaning results. The fabric’s condition, if poorly maintained, may limit the level of cleanliness that can be achieved by professional cleaning. In cases where fabric has not been maintained properly, consumers may have to choose between “normal” cleaning versus “restorative” or “salvage” cleaning. The three industry-accepted levels of cleaning are: 5.1.1 Maintenance Cleaning

Furniture manufacturers and professional cleaners alike agree that furniture owners or users must perform routine maintenance regularly. This includes routine procedures such as vacuuming, attending to spots and polishing surfaces as required. Maintenance cleaning helps to keep the furnishing in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear. 5.1.2 Normal Cleaning Normal cleaning is the process of thorough cleaning using one or more of the cleaning methods described in this standard. It must be performed periodically, approximately every 12 to 24 months, depending on the furniture’s location, use, and exposure to soiling. Normal cleaning should be performed by trained technicians using the procedures outlined in this standard. Normal cleaning is accomplished before soiling causes permanent damage to fibers, dyes or fabric texture. A variety of cleaning methods, or combinations thereof, are necessary to effectively clean upholstery. Determining the best methods to use requires extensive knowledge, training and experience validated through testing and certification. 5.1.3 Restorative Cleaning Restorative or “salvage” cleaning is required when soiling has become severe and, by request of the consumer, the furnishing must be returned to a sanitary and improved condition. Restorative cleaning is not a normal cleaning process and is typically performed by technicians specially trained or skilled in restorative cleaning. Often, procedures that may go beyond those outlined in this standard must be used. 5.2 Factors Limiting Cleaning Effectiveness No matter how careful a professional technician is there may be unforeseeable conditions that exist, which could produce undesirable results. Unforeseeable conditions include, for example, failure to preshrink fabrics, failure to properly dye fabrics, instructional marking on fabrics or fillings or like materials. Furthermore, some fabric or furniture manufactures may fail to consider that their products eventually will need cleaning. These unforeseeable conditions may result in, for example, shrinkage, dye migration, appearance or texture change. Even if a technician follows the normal standard of care, unforeseeable results may arise. Where a technician follows normal procedures and the customer understands the risks involved,

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technicians should not be held responsible for undesirable results. 5.3 Risk Assumption Ultimately, technicians can guarantee only to give customers state-of-the-art expertise and workmanship, combined with effective results consistent with the cleaning situation they encounter. Although technicians must make reasonable effort to avoid even the inherent manufacturer-related problems, there are often risks involved that are beyond their control. Technicians must evaluate the soiling and furniture condition before beginning the cleaning process. It is highly recommended that their findings be listed in writing on a “Furniture Condition Report Form” and explained to the customer prior to obtaining a signature. Customers should have questionable upholstery cleaned strictly at their own risk. 6 Dry Solvent Cleaning Method The dry solvent cleaning method is reserved primarily for delicate or non-colorfast fabrics that can be damaged when using water-based (wet) cleaning processes. The term “dry solvent” refers to non-water, hydrocarbon-based compound, commonly referred to as “dry cleaning solvents.” Dry solvent cleaning is considered safe on almost all natural and synthetic fibers, and on most dyes as well. Dry solvents may damage adhesives or latex backcoatings. When using dry solvents on latex backcoatings, or on flocked fabrics, extreme caution is required to prevent damage to those materials. 6.1 Safety Concerns Dry cleaning solvents are hazardous chemicals and must be handled with an appropriate level of care. Dry solvent cleaning must be accomplished in accordance with federal, state, and provincial laws and regulations, which in some cases may restrict their use. Equipment and chemical manufacturers recommend the use of dry solvent-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and organic vapor respirators when working with their products. Unprotected individuals must leave the room during cleaning and drying of fabrics cleaned with dry solvents. Use adequate ventilation at all times. Additional safety precautions for dry solvent cleaning may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the items described in 6.1.1 to 6.1.6 below. 6.1.1 Product Labels and Instructions

Manufacturer equipment instructions and product label directions, including material safety data sheets (MSDSs), must be followed.

6.1.2 Vapor Emissions Control

Exhaust ventilation must be increased using blowers or fans placed in available windows and doors within rooms where dry solvent cleaning is taking place.

Direct ventilation of solvent vapors must be ensured prior to injection/extraction cleaning. The dry solvent extraction machine's exhaust hose must be connected and it must be ensured that vapors are exhausted outside the structure. Caution must be taken to prevent vapors from migrating to areas where unprotected persons might breathe them, or where they might be blown back into the structure by prevailing winds.

Solvent vapors must be prevented from circulating into other rooms of the structure where occupants may be present. Cold air returns must be closed off and sealed with plastic, or the structure's air handling system may be deactivated to avoid potential distribution of solvent vapors to other areas.

Dry solvent vapors must not exceed flammability or toxicity levels specified on labels or MSDSs.

6.1.3 Occupant Protection

Unprotected persons and pets must not enter a room where cleaning is being performed. Infants and small children, persons with respiratory problems, the elderly and small animals with high respiratory rates are particularly sensitive and must not be exposed to dry solvents or solvent vapors.

6.1.4 Dry Solvent Use Safety

Standard immersion heaters must not be used to heat solvents. When solvent heating is desired, only the built-in heating system on units specifically designed for dry solvent cleaning may be used. Always follow equipment manufacturers’ instructions.

The openings on equipment solution tanks or sprayers must remain tightly closed to prevent vapor escape or inadvertent spills.

Smoking is strictly prohibited while using dry cleaning solvents. In addition to obvious flammability problems, solvent vapors, when inhaled through a cigarette, may become extremely toxic.

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Dry cleaning solvents must not be used in rooms where pilot lights or open flames (gas or fuel oil-fired water or space heaters) are present, or where radiant electric heaters are in operation.

A cleaning unit must not be plugged into an electrical outlet closer than ten feet (10') to the fabric being cleaned. Arcing of electricity, when the unit is unplugged, may present a potential flammability hazard. Always ensure proper grounding of electrical equipment.

Drop cloths must be used to protect floor coverings from contamination. If dry solvent is sprayed onto finished wood, it must be wiped off immediately.

6.1.5 Worker Safety

When cleaning with dry solvents, technicians must wear government-approved, fit-tested solvent (organic) vapor respirators with fresh cartridges, which are approved by formulators for specific dry solvent vapors. If technicians detect solvent odor, respirator filter cartridges must be replaced immediately.

Splash goggles must be worn for eye protection. Dry solvent-resistant gloves must be worn to prevent absorption of dry solvents through the skin.

The job site must not be vacated until the majority of the fabric is completely dry.

6.1.6 Disposal and Storage

Dry solvents must not be disposed of through drains or sewer systems. Recovered solvents must be collected and returned to the company facility, and then disposed in accordance with applicable government regulations.

Dry solvents must be stored in properly labeled, flame-resistant, manufacturer-approved containers.

6.2 Dry Soil Removal

Dry soil removal (see 4.3) must take place prior to the application of dry solvents. 6.3 Soil Suspension Soil suspension fundamentals must be applied (see 4.4). Upholstery fabrics and lining materials must be tested for colorfastness before applying cleaning agents (see 4.2). 6.3.1 Chemical Action

A suitable dry solvent, or dry-solvent pre-conditioner, must be applied to heavily soiled areas of the fabric using a colorfast towel or dry solvent-compatible sprayer. 6.3.2 Heat / Temperature Although warming dry solvents may increase cleaning efficiency, use extreme care when heating them. Use only specially manufactured dry solvent-compatible equipment when heating solvents. Maintain strict compliance with product and manufacturer instructions. 6.3.3 Agitation A dry solvent-compatible upholstery brush, sponge or hand bonnet must be used to work dry solvents into fabrics evenly for maximum soil suspension. Excessive agitation must be avoided on delicate fibers (e.g., wool, silk, linen, and some cotton), fabrics (e.g., satin, velvet, flocked), or fabric finishes (e.g., chintz, moiré). 6.3.4 Dwell Time It is recommended that dry cleaning solvents remain in contact with soiled materials for 5 to 10 minutes of dwell time before extracting. Extraction must begin before dry solvents or solvent preconditioners evaporate completely. 6.4 Soil Removal (Extraction) Dry solvent-approved extraction machinery or spray mist devices must be used to spray dry solvents onto fabrics to flush or separate soils from fibers. Immediate recovery (absorb, extract) of suspended soil and excess solvent with colorfast, absorbent towels or pads, or with the vacuum recovery system of a dry solvent-approved extraction unit, is required. Multiple passes with an extraction tool may be necessary for optimum cleaning. The number of passes is dependent on the fabric’s ability to withstand the cleaning action. Blotting or wiping fabrics with absorbent materials, such as colorfast terry cloth towels or hand bonnets, may enhance extraction. 6.5 Pile Setting or Grooming Pile fabric (e.g., velvet) or any fabric construction that displays a fuzzy or matted appearance usually requires grooming immediately after cleaning to eliminate distortion. A carding or velvet finishing brush must be used to eliminate matting and leave the finished fabric in the best possible appearance. It

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is highly recommended that each section of a fabric be groomed as it is completed, and if practical, again after drying. Grooming is particularly important on natural or semi-synthetic pile fabrics (e.g., cotton, linen, wool, and also rayon) and is part of the normal cleaning process. 6.6 Drying After dry cleaning, drying must be expedited by using air movement and ventilation. Dry solvents leave airborne vapors in the work area. It is highly recommended that effort be made to leave fabrics as dry as practical before departing the job site. Dry solvent vapors must not exceed flammability, or threshold limit values (TLVs) or permissible exposure limits (PELs) specified on MSDSs. 7 Absorbent Compound Method The absorbent compound method is a minimum moisture system used to clean moisture-sensitive or non-colorfast fabrics. Following dry soil removal (vacuuming), an absorbent compound consisting of a granular carrier (cellulose or polymer-based) that has been saturated with cleaning agents must be dispersed (sprinkled) onto the soiled fabric. The compound must be uniformly distributed using brush agitation. The detergent-saturated compound suspends soil and usually dries within 30 to 60 minutes, during which time the carrier absorbs suspended soils. Dry vacuuming must be performed to remove the carrier and the soil absorbed by or attached to it. 7.1 Dry Soil Removal

Dry soil removal (see 4.3) must take place prior to the application of cleaning agents. 7.2 Soil Suspension Soil suspension fundamentals must be applied (see 4.4). In heavily soiled areas, it may be helpful to apply a suitable preconditioner with a hand-pump or electric sprayer. However, since the absorbent compound method focuses on minimum moisture application for fabric safety, on non-colorfast fabrics in particular, preconditioning is usually not required. 7.2.1 Chemical Action Chemical action may be accomplished in one or two phases: 7.2.1.1 Preconditioning

On heavily soiled colorfast fabrics, using a precon-ditioner containing dry solvents for emulsifying oily soils is recommended. Preconditioners should be applied to heavily soiled areas prior to the application of the absorbent compound. On fabrics with protein fiber content, this preconditioner must range in pH from 4.5 to 8.5. 7.2.1.2 Absorbent Compound Application In normal soiling situations, chemical action is accomplished using an absorbent compound consisting of a carrier that is cellulose or porous synthetic polymer-based. The compound is satu-rated with a detergent and dry solvent as well. Manufacturer's directions relating to the quantity of absorbent compound to be applied must be followed. 7.2.2 Heat or Temperature Preconditioning solutions may be heated. The temperature of an absorbent compound will approximate that of ambient air in the work area where cleaning is accomplished. 7.2.3 Agitation Uniform distribution of the cleaning agent is normally accomplished using hand brush agitation. Manufacturer's recommendations regarding brush selection must be followed. Excessive agitation on delicate fibers (e.g., wool, silk, linen, and some cotton), fabrics (e.g., satin, velvet, flocked), or finishes (e.g., chintz, moiré) must be avoided. 7.2.4 Time The absorbent compound must remain in or on the fabric until substantially dry in order for uniform soil suspension and absorption to occur. The use of preconditioning agents in heavily soiled areas may prolong drying slightly. Preconditioners should not be allowed to dry before soil extraction takes place. 7.3 Soil Removal (Extraction) Once the absorbent compound has dissolved suspended and absorbed soils, it must be removed/extracted with thorough dry vacuuming. High-efficiency filtering systems must be used to prevent redistribution of extracted carrier and soils into indoor air. 7.4 Pile Setting

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Pile setting or grooming is essential to remove distortion and to produce uniform fabric appearance on woven, tufted or flocked pile constructions. On some flat-woven fabrics, grooming may be necessary for optimum appearance following cleaning. Grooming must be accomplished to assure uniform distribution of post-cleaning treatments. 7.5 Drying Because the absorbent compound method is a minimum-moisture system, it is anticipated that drying will be accomplished within 30 to 60 minutes. 8 Dry Foam Cleaning Method Dry foam cleaning is a minimum-moisture cleaning method in which, following dry soil removal (vacuuming), a dense foam is produced by a dry foam machine through mechanical aeration of liquid detergent. The foam is distributed via hand or mechanical brush action. As the machine moves over the fabric, foam is applied. The foam is then agitated for soil suspension, and the excess foam (along with suspended soil) is extracted by means of a wet vacuum (often incorporated into the same machine). This method is generally safe on delicate constructions or on those fabrics subject to browning or bleeding. 8.1 Dry Soil Removal Dry soil removal (see 4.3) must take place prior to the application of dry foam agents. 8.2 Soil Suspension Soil suspension fundamentals must be applied (see 4.4). In heavily soiled areas, it may be helpful to apply a suitable preconditioner, using a hand-pump or electric sprayer. However, since the dry foam cleaning method focuses on minimum moisture application, preconditioning is usually not required. 8.2.1 Chemical Action Following manufacturer label directions, use a properly diluted, foam cleaning agent. The solution must be whipped or aerated with mechanical or hand agitation into a dense, sudsy solution. Low-moisture foam is designed to avoid dampening the fabric any more than necessary. 8.2.2 Heat/Temperature The temperature of the dry foam is usually the same as that of the ambient air in the cleaning area. Mixing concentrated foam cleaning agents with hot

water increases temperature and may speed soil suspension. 8.2.3 Agitation A natural sponge, hand bonnet, horse hair brush, or rotary power brush designed for fabrics is used to work foam cleaning agents into the fabric for uniform soil suspension. Regardless of the tool chosen, care must be taken to avoid over-wetting. Excessive agitation on delicate fibers (e.g., wool, silk, linen, and some cotton), fabrics (e.g., satin, velvet, flocked), or fabric finishes (e.g., chintz, moiré) must be avoided. 8.2.4 Time It is recommended that 5 to 10 minutes of dwell time be allowed for complete soil suspension before either absorbing or wet vacuuming suspended soils and excess cleaning solution from the fabric. An exception to this may be on delicate or noncolorfast fabrics where rapid drying is essential. Wet vacuum such delicate fabrics immediately. Preconditioners should not be allowed to dry before soil extraction takes place. 8.3 Soil Removal (Extraction) Suspended soils may be removed through one or more methods. A wet pick-up vacuum may be used to recover suspended soil and excess foam. A colorfast, absorbent towel or hand bonnet may be used to absorb suspended soil and excess foam. Fabric must be left as residue-free as practical, and pH-neutral or slightly acidic. This is accomplished by lightly misting neutralizer onto the fabric surface, followed by final wet vacuuming or hand toweling. After the fabric has dried completely, a dry vacuum may be used to extract crystallized detergent residue, along with attached soils. High-efficiency filtering systems must be used to prevent redistribu-tion of extracted detergent and soils into indoor air. 8.4 Pile Setting or Grooming Pile fabric (e.g., velvet) or any fabric construction that displays a fuzzy or matted appearance usually requires grooming immediately after cleaning to eliminate distortion. A carding or velvet finishing brush must be used to eliminate matting and to leave the finished fabric in the best appearance possible. It is highly recommended that each section

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of a fabric be groomed as it is completed, and again if practical after drying. Grooming is particularly important on natural or semi-synthetic pile fabrics (e.g., cotton, linen, wool, and rayon) and is part of the normal cleaning process. 8.5 Drying Drying time varies depending on the amount of moisture used in dry foam cleaning, and prevailing temperature and humidity conditions. All fabrics must be dried as quickly as practical. Drying natural fibers or noncolorfast fabrics rapidly is essential, since they may be more prone to problems associated with prolonged drying. Because of the risk of cellulosic browning and/or dye migration, providing proper ventilation and air movement is highly recommended to expedite drying. 9 Shampoo Cleaning Method Shampoo cleaning is a method of cleaning in which, following dry soil removal (vacuuming), a foaming detergent is applied to fabric using sprayers, sponges, or hand or mechanical brush action. In heavily soiled areas following shampoo application, suspended soil and excess moisture is recovered by means of a "wet" vacuum. This vacuum may be used on fibers, fabrics, and dye systems that can be wet cleaned safely. 9.1 Dry Soil Removal Dry soil removal (see 4.3) must take place prior to the application of shampoo agents. 9.2 Soil Suspension Soil suspension fundamentals must be applied (see 4.4). In heavily soiled areas, it may be helpful to apply a suitable preconditioner with a hand-pump or electric sprayer. However, since shampooing uses generous amounts of cleaning solution and water, using a preconditioner may not be necessary. 9.2.1 Chemical Action Shampoo must be mixed with water in an appropriate container, by following product label directions. Fabric must be dampened uniformly, without overwetting filling or padding materials. 9.2.2 Heat/Temperature When cleaning colorfast fabrics, either preconditioner and/or water-based shampoo may be mixed with hot water to increase detergent activity.

9.2.3 Agitation For uniform distribution of cleaning agents and to maximize effectiveness, shampoo must be worked into the fabric’s surface using sponge, hand brush, or powered rotary brush agitation. A soft bristled brush may be used to avoid excessive agitation on delicate fibers (e.g., wool, silk, linen, and some cotton), fabrics (e.g., satin, velvet, flocked) or fabric finishes (e.g., chintz, moiré). 9.2.4 Time It is recommended that the cleaning agent be allowed 5 to 10 minutes of dwell time before it is removed with wet vacuuming. An exception to this may be on delicate or non-colorfast fabrics where rapid drying is essential; wet vacuum them immediately. Heavily soiled colorfast fabrics may benefit from longer dwell time, which gives cleaning agents an opportunity to fully emulsify or suspend soils in heavy-use areas. Preconditioners should not be allowed to dry before soil extraction takes place. 9.3 Soil Removal (Extraction) Suspended soil and detergent residue must be removed with wet-vacuum equipment. When additional moisture does not cause concern for fabric safety, using a flushing or rinsing process (see section 10, Hot Water Extraction Cleaning) may be an appropriate follow-up procedure. Regardless of the procedure, thorough, multiple-pass vacuuming is required to remove suspended soil and excess moisture and to expedite drying. Fabrics must be left as residue-free as practical, and they should be pH-neutral or slightly acidic. Once the fabric is completely dry, it may be beneficial to remove crystallized detergent residue with dry vacuuming. High-efficiency filtering systems must be used to prevent redistribution of extracted detergent into indoor air. 9.4 Pile Setting or Grooming Pile fabric (e.g., velvet) or any fabric construction that displays a fuzzy or matted appearance usually requires grooming immediately after cleaning to eliminate distortion. A carding or velvet finishing brush must be used to eliminate matting and to leave the clean fabric in the best possible appearance. It is recommended that each section of a fabric be groomed as it is completed, and again, if practical, after drying. Grooming is particularly important on natural (e.g., cotton, linen, wool) or

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modified cellulose (e.g., rayon- pile fabrics) and is part of the normal cleaning process. 9.5 Drying Drying time varies depending on the amount of moisture used in cleaning and prevailing temperature and humidity conditions. All fabrics must be dried as quickly as is practical. Drying natural fibers or non-colorfast fabrics rapidly is essential, since they may be more prone to problems associated with prolonged drying. Because of the risk of cellulosic browning and/or dye migration, providing proper ventilation and air movement is highly recommended to expedite drying. 10 Hot Water Extraction (“Steam”) Cleaning Method Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, is a cleaning method that begins with dry soil removal (vacuuming) followed by preconditioning. Then, hot water is applied [110o to 165oF (49o to 83oC)] on the fabric) from a holding tank or heating coil incorporated into the cleaning unit, often combined with detergent. The pressurized solution is injected into or it flows across the fabric. Suspended soil is removed by combining the flushing action of injected solutions with wet vacuuming. Excess solution and suspended soil is collected within a wastewater recovery tank or disposal system. This method can be used on a fabric whose fibers, dyes and construction are not adversely affected by water-based cleaners, as long as overwetting is avoided and thorough wet vacuuming to remove excess moisture is accomplished. It should be noted that “live steam” is not employed in this cleaning method, only warm or hot water. “Steam cleaning” is commonly used as an accepted term to describe this particular cleaning method. As such, it is widely recognized by consumers. 10.1 Dry Soil Removal Dry soil removal (see 4.3) must take place prior to the application of cleaning agents. 10.2 Soil Suspension Soil suspension fundamentals must be applied (see 4.4). 10.2.1 Chemical Action

A preconditioning agent must be mixed with water in an appropriate container, by following product label directions. A sufficient amount of preconditioner must be sprayed to dampen fabric without overwetting filling or padding materials. 10.2.2 Heat/Temperature Using warm or hot preconditioners and extraction detergents increases cleaning effectiveness and helps reduce surface tension, thereby increasing cleaning efficiency. With non-colorfast fabrics, consider the potential for dye migration resulting from increased solution temperature. 10.2.3 Agitation For uniform distribution of cleaning agents and to maximize their effectiveness, preconditioners must be worked into heavy-use areas with a soft bristled brush, towel, or bonnet. Excessive agitation on delicate fibers (e.g., wool, silk, linen and some cotton), fabrics (e.g., satin, velvet, flocked), or fabric finishes (e.g., chintz, moiré) must be avoided. 10.2.4 Time It is recommended that the agitated preconditioner be allowed 5 to 10 minutes of dwell time before extracting. Exceptions may be made on noncolorfast fibers or delicate fabrics where rapid drying is required. In those cases, extraction must occur immediately after preconditioner application and distribution. Conversely, increased dwell time may be of benefit on heavily soiled synthetic fabrics, and it may give the preconditioner an opportunity to fully emulsify or suspend stubborn soils. Preconditioners should not be allowed to dry before soil extraction takes place. 10.3 Soil Removal (Extraction) Following preconditioning, suspended soil must be removed using a hot water extraction (“steam cleaning”) machine and an appropriate upholstery cleaning tool. Using this tool, a rinse solution must be injected into or flow across the fabric to flush and suspend soils. Soils and excess rinse solution must be recovered immediately with the wet vacuum incorporated in the injection/extraction system. Multiple extraction passes may be required for optimum cleaning, particularly in heavily soiled areas. Variations in water temperature and rinse detergents (if any) may be needed depending on the material being cleaned. This is based on an evaluation of colorfastness, fiber content, and fabric delicacy.

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It is highly recommended that fabrics be left as residue-free as practical and they should be pH-neutral or slightly acidic. 10.4 Pile Setting or Grooming Pile fabric (e.g., velvet) or any fabric construction that displays a fuzzy or matted appearance usually requires grooming immediately after cleaning to eliminate distortion. A carding or velvet finishing brush must be used to eliminate matting and to leave the finished fabric in the best possible appearance. It is highly recommended that each section of a fabric be groomed as it is completed, and again, if practical, after drying. Grooming is particularly important on natural (e.g., cotton, linen, wool) modified cellulose (e.g., rayon-pile fabrics) and is part of the normal cleaning process. 10.5 Drying Drying time varies depending on the amount of moisture used in cleaning and prevailing temperature and humidity conditions. Dry all fabrics as quickly as practical. Drying natural fibers or non-colorfast fabrics rapidly is essential, since they may be more prone to problems associated with prolonged drying. Because of the risk of cellulosic browning and/or dye migration, providing proper ventilation and air movement is highly recommended to expedite drying. 11 Leather Cleaning Method Leather is made by treating animal hide or skin with a tanning agent. The resulting product possesses qualities that are different from those of the original hide or skin. After tanning, leather may be dyed to a desired color. After dyeing, leather may have a “finish” applied for protection and increased durability. The leather used in upholstery usually comes from cowhides, but pig and sheepskin may also be used. This standard addresses cleaning of finished (protected) leather. Unfinished (aniline, naked, nubuck, pure) leather may be dyed different colors, but it does not have a protective finish applied. When leather is unfinished, it is susceptible to soil absorption and damage by cleaning solutions. For this reason, technicians who have advanced training and experience with this material must clean unfinished leather. When cleaning finished leather, the primary concern is control of both pH and cleaning agent application

so that the finish is not damaged and natural oils in the leather are not removed. Alkaline cleaning solutions can damage leather finishes, as well as the leather itself. However, in heavy soiling situations, an alkaline cleaner may be the most effective agent to use. Technicians and customers must make decisions about the aggressiveness of the cleaning process to minimize the negative effect that cleaning may have on the leather. Dry solvents may be required in order to remove certain soils or stains. Their use must be followed by an application of leather conditioner to replenish natural oils. Due to the nature of leather, different procedures and solutions must be used to clean it safely. Cleaning solutions should be chosen on the basis of soil levels and the likelihood of damage or change in the leather’s original appearance or finish. 11.1 Dry Soil Removal Dry soil removal (see 4.3) must take place prior to the application of leather cleaning agents. 11.2 Soil Suspension Soil suspension fundamentals must be applied (see 4.4). Test the leather and lining materials for colorfastness before applying cleaning agents. The use of dry solvents must be restricted due to the effect they may have on natural oils in leather, or on the finishes applied to its surface. Cleaning procedures must be adjusted on color-matched vinyl sections or panels, which may be used on some leather upholstery. 11.2.1 Chemical Action When cleaning heavily soiled leather, product label directions must be followed when applying preconditioning agents. For normal soiling, a leather-cleaning solution must be evenly applied with a soft, colorfast cloth or sponge. Initially, the focus should be on ensuring a uniform application of solution over the entire surface; i.e., one cushion or section at a time. 11.2.2 Heat / Temperature Leather cleaning procedures seldom require heated solutions. Follow manufacturer recommendations for using heat with specific products. 11.2.3 Agitation

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For uniform cleaning agent distribution and increased cleaning effectiveness, the preconditioner or cleaner must be worked into heavily soiled areas using a soft brush, colorfast towel, sponge or bonnet. Excessive agitation that might damage finishes or the leather itself must be avoided. 11.2.4 Time It is recommended that the preconditioner or cleaner be allowed 5 to 10 minutes of dwell time before proceeding. Dwell time provides the opportunity for cleaners to fully emulsify or suspend stubborn soils. Exceptions may be made in cases where color testing reveals unstable dyes. In those cases soil removal must proceed immediately. Preconditioners should not be allowed to dry before soil extraction takes place. 11.3 Soil Removal (Extraction) Soil removal must be accomplished by wiping with a dry absorbent towel, rotating it frequently as its surfaces become soil saturated. Towels must be changed as they become saturated and no more soil can be absorbed. Repeat soil suspension (Section 10.2) and removal procedures, as required, or until additional cleaning is no longer beneficial. 11.4 Conditioning Leather cleaning procedures may remove some natural oils. Therefore, conditioners must be applied to maintain the leather’s integrity and pliability. Many leather cleaning products incorporate conditioners; however, if they do not, then a separate application is required. Follow product label instructions for conditioner application. 11.5 Grooming/Buffing Protected leathers usually have a slight “shine” from the finishing process. Wear and/or cleaning may alter this finish. Following cleaning and conditioning, a clean, soft towel, bonnet or similar material may be used to buff the leather to restore the shine. 11.6 Drying Time Drying time varies depending on the amount of moisture remaining after cleaning, and prevailing temperature and humidity conditions. Leather should be dried using ambient conditions of temperature and humidity within the structure. Forced drying, especially using heat, is not recommended. In some cases, using a damp cloth to “feather out” water spots may help avoid water rings on leather. A hair

dryer on a cool setting may be used to assist in drying localized spots evenly and to help return leather to its original appearance. Providing proper ventilation and air movement is highly recommended to expedite drying. 12 Combination Methods In many cases, based on the judgment and experience of the individual technician, a combination of methods may be best suited to the cleaning needs of the fabric encountered. Examples of combination methods include, but are not necessarily limited to: 12.1 Dry Solvent/Wet Cleaning Since a buildup of oily soiling may be most easily and safely emulsified with dry cleaning solvents, it may be necessary to dry clean a fabric (see section 6), or portions of a fabric first, prior to wet cleaning. Often the dry cleaning procedure is limited to body contact areas, such as armrests, seat cushions, pillows or inside back materials. Initial dry cleaning may be followed by one of the wet cleaning methods outlined in this standard. 12.2 Shampoo/Extraction In extreme soiling situations, the principles of cleaning may be optimized by first shampooing the materials, (see section 9) and then allowing adequate dwell time for maximum soil suspension. This procedure can be followed by thorough hot water extraction (see section 10) to rinse suspended soils from the fabric. This combination technique maximizes important cleaning fundamentals, such as agitation, dwell time and temperature, while ensuring thorough rinsing or extracting of suspended soils. After testing and evaluating the fabric thoroughly, the decision about which methods are appropriate in combination with one another is left to the judgment of the professional cleaner. Customers must be apprised of the need for such procedures. Normally a written Furniture Condition Report Form is provided before cleaning commences. 13 Fabric Protectors Fabric protector is material that enhances the performance of fibers or fabrics by changing their surface energy and making them more soil retardant and stain repellent. Fabric protector is generally a fluorochemical-based product suspended in water or dry solvent solution or a silicone-based product in a

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dry solvent solution. It may be applied to finished fabric by the textile manufacturer, the furniture dealer or by a professional cleaner. Depending on the type, fabric protector bonds with or coats fibers to form an "invisible barrier" against water-based and oil-based stains. Some fabric protectors may also provide resistance to particle soils. Fabric protector works by lowering the surface tension of fibers so that the surface tension of the stain is greater than that of the fibers or fabric. This difference in surface tension minimizes stain penetration and soil adhesion and allows most soil and stains to be removed easily. When fabric protector is properly formulated, mixed, and applied, it must not change the appearance or “hand” of the fabric appreciably. 13.1 Characteristics of Fabric Protectors Fabric protector helps preserve and protect the appearance of fabric by allowing easier, faster and more efficient removal of soil, stains and liquid spills. 13.1.1 Soil Resistance Fabric protector allows for easy soil removal by coating fibers and preventing soils from adhering directly to them. When soil is deposited on fabrics, it adheres to the fabric protection rather than to individual fibers. Not only is cleaning facilitated, but also the fabric protector can actually reduce wear on fibers by preventing abrasive particles from contacting them directly. 13.1.2 Stain Release Most fabric protectors provide good stain release performance. When solid or liquid spills occur, the protection keeps the stain on the surface of fibers. However, quick attention to spills and stains results in a much higher likelihood of total removal. Some stains, due to their chemical makeup, may penetrate protector barriers and permanently dye or discolor fibers. 13.1.3 Water and Liquid Repellency The "invisible barrier" created by the fabric protector provides good water and liquid repellency whether the protection is silicone- or fluorochemical-based. Most protectors, and especially the fluorochemical-based products, are highly effective in preventing both water- and oil-based liquid spills, while preventing dry soil buildup as well, when proper routine maintenance is performed.

13.2 Fabric Protector Application Fabric protector can be applied directly by the textile manufacturer, by the furniture retailer or by a professional upholstery cleaner. Fabric protector is most effective when it is applied and heat cured on new fabric at the textile mill. However, after a period of use, soiled furniture must be properly cleaned before fabric protector is reapplied, in order to maximize fabric performance. Over-application of fabric protector may adversely affect fabric appearance or texture. 13.2.1 Application Safety Before applying fabric protector the product MSDS must be understood to ensure safe use of the product. Label directions must be followed and it is recommended that appropriate manuals be reviewed to ensure that the application will maximize fabric performance. 13.2.2 Colorfastness Before applying fabric protector, test the fabric for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area with the product intended for use. If color transfers to a clean white cloth or from one portion of the fabric to another during the test, that protector has the potential to cause damage to the fabric’s color. 13.3 Cleaning and Care of Upholstery Treated

with Fabric Protector Fabric protectors are designed with cleaning in mind. If the protector is correctly applied, consumers can remove most spot and staining materials easily if discovered early and if treated properly. Even with proper protector application, upholstery must be vacuumed regularly to ensure that dust and soil does not accumulate and hinder the performance of the fabric protector. When a spot or staining material has had a chance to set, if the fabric protector has been masked or if the spot or staining material is very difficult to remove, professional cleaning services, followed by protector reapplication, are usually necessary to restore fabric performance. This standard details a number of cleaning methods, depending upon fiber and fabric type. All the cleaning methods outlined in this standard are compatible with fabric protection, if IICRC maintenance and cleaning guidelines included in this standard and reference guide are followed.

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IICRC S300 Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning First Edition Published 2000 Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification 2715 East Mill Plain Boulevard Vancouver, WA 98661 USA (360) 693-5675 • www.iicrc.org Copyright © 2000 by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning (IICRC S300) Page 1

Table of Contents Introduction....................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1 ........................................................................................................................... 3 Upholstery Fiber Cleaning Characteristics Chapter 2 ........................................................................................................................... 8 Upholstery Construction Relating to Cleaning Appendix A...................................................................................................................... 14 Information for Consumers of Upholstery Cleaning Services Appendix B ...................................................................................................................... 18 Precleaning/Postcleaning Inspection Checklist for Professional Cleaning Reference Information and Glossary of Industry Terms............................................ 20 Conversion Charts .......................................................................................................... 57 Reference Sources ........................................................................................................... 58


Introduction The upholstery cleaning industry has evolved considerably in the last decade. Numerous fibers and fabrics are used, including fabrics with combinations of fibers. Professional technicians face the problem of properly identifying and carefully applying state-of-the-art procedures to successfully clean and restore fabrics.

The development of the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning has been an industry consensus effort. This process has brought together the fabric manufacturing industry, furniture manufacturing industry, leather processing industry and the professional upholstery cleaning industry. This joint industry effort combines diverse backgrounds and a broad range of knowledge to develop the first written standard for the safe and successful cleaning of upholstery fabric.

The Reference Guide is written to complement the IICRC S300 “Standard” section. It gives background and technical information about fabric manufacture and construction. This information provides users with a better understanding about the complexity of fabric cleaning. Although the material contained within the Reference Guide does not carry the weight of the Standard, the two sections should be considered in conjunction with one another.


Chapter 1 Upholstery Fiber Cleaning Characteristics Upholstery fabrics are manufactured using many different fibers and combinations of fibers. To successfully clean these fabrics, it is highly recommended that technicians be able to identify fibers, as well as to know their cleaning characteristics. NATURAL FIBERS Natural fibers are derived from plants or animals. They fall into two subcategories: cellulose and protein. Cellulose Fibers Cellulosic fibers are derived from plants. The two most common cellulosic fibers found in upholstery are cotton and linen.

Cotton Cotton is a white or brownish-white, soft, absorbent fiber composed of 90 to 96% cellulose. It grows

from the seed of the cotton plant. Cotton can retain 20% of its weight in moisture before saturation. It accepts a variety of dye types and can be extremely colorfast. For this reason, cotton lends itself well to contact dying processes, such as printing. Conversely, cotton is easily contact dyed by many staining materials, especially those containing acid dyes.

Cotton withstands high water temperature, but caution must be exercised because of its absorbent nature. Rapid drying is key to proper cleaning without problems. Cotton may be damaged or dissolved by concentrated mineral acids, such as hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric and sulfuric acids. Dilute solutions of 3% or less may be used with no adverse effect if properly rinsed. Concentrated volatile organic acids, such as acetic or formic acid, do not affect cotton; however, nonvolatile organic acids, such as oxalic or citric acid, weaken the fiber (especially if hot) if not properly neutralized with appropriate alkaline agents. Cotton easily withstands weak alkalis. Cold dilute solutions of chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) do not harm it. However, if not neutralized with an antichlor, chlorine may cause slow degradation. Likewise, hydrogen peroxide (3%) and sodium perborate do not harm cotton if properly controlled. Reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfate or sodium hydrosulfite, have little effect on the fiber, but dyes may be affected. Always test before using caustic, oxidizing, or reducing agents.


Linen Linen is a fine, soft, silky, somewhat brittle vegetable fiber produced by retting the stems of the flax plant. The fiber is gray, brown, or tan in color. Linen undergoes a comprehensive manufacturing process before it becomes a finished fabric. Linen withstands high water temperature. Its ability to absorb moisture and then release it quickly makes it easy to clean. Concentrated mineral acids such as hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, and sulfuric acids will damage it, but dilute solutions (3% or less) may be used if properly neutralized and rinsed. Concentrated volatile organic acids, such as acetic or formic acids, do not adversely affect linen. However, non-volatile organic acids, such as oxalic or citric, weaken the fiber (especially if hot), if not properly neutralized. Linen withstands weak alkalis, and cold, highly diluted solutions of chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) will not harm it, unless left unneutralized, in which case the fiber slowly degrades. The older the linen fabric, the more likely it is to brown while drying. Dyes used on linen may not withstand high alkalinity or chlorine bleach without color loss. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) and sodium perborate do not damage linen and are less likely to harm dyes if properly controlled. Dilute reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfite or sodium hydrosulfite, have little effect on the fiber itself, although dyes may be affected. Careful testing is imperative. Linen is much more brittle than cotton. Carefully inspect it for any signs of abrasion, particularly in heavy-use areas such as cushions, armrests, headrest, and on piping. Agitation during cleaning may have to be limited to avoid fiber damage. Protein Fibers This classification of natural fibers includes those that are produced by animals and insects. The two most common protein fibers found in upholstery fabrics are wool and silk. Wool

Wool is a term used primarily to designate sheep hair. It consists of approximately 50% carbon, 23% oxygen, 16% nitrogen and 4% sulfur. Wool is an opaque (nontransparent), tri-component fiber consisting of an epidermis, cortex, and medulla. Wool is flexible, elastic, strong, and resilient. Depending on the yarn type and weave, it is very resistant to wear and abrasion. Wool absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture before it becomes saturated. It is easily contact dyed, and therefore is easily stained by acid dyes (e.g., red wine, fruit juices). Wool swells in the presence of moisture. This enables it to release soil readily with the use of proper preconditioners and dwell time. Wool is somewhat weaker when wet and because of its tendency to felt, agitation applied during cleaning must be accomplished with care. High-pH cleaners damage wool fiber and may cause dyes to bleed. Cleaning chemical pH must be in the 5.5 to 8.5 range.


Wool is naturally flame and wrinkle resistant, although it degrades when exposed to high temperature for extended periods. Common dry cleaning solvents, such as aliphatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons, do not damage wool. As with any protein fiber, the use of any chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) must be avoided. When using an oxidizing bleach on wool for specialized spotting or restorative cleaning, never exceed a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, and then only after thoroughly testing to avoid dye and/or fiber damage. Dilute reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfite or hydrosulfite, may be used effectively on wool. Careful testing is highly recommended. Silk Silk fiber is obtained by unreeling the cocoons of silkworms. It is a bicomponent fiber consisting of two strands of fibroin (80%), which are adhered with sericin or silk gum (20%). Silk is among the strongest, most elastic, consistently lustrous and expensive textile fibers. Silk has the ability to stretch as much as 20%. Use caution when stretching silk fabric. Raw silk is produced when the moth is allowed to hatch from the cocoon, resulting in a staple fiber. Silk absorbs as much as 30% of its weight in moisture before reaching saturation and it accepts dye quite easily; therefore, it may stain just as easily. Silk can withstand high temperatures, but it yellows in the presence of high alkalinity. Like wool, it becomes brittle with extended exposure to either high alkalinity or acid soils. Use extreme caution when working on heavy-use areas or spots on silk furniture during cleaning. Like wool, silk is easily damaged by chlorine bleach. Weak solutions (3% or less) of hydrogen peroxide or dilute reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfite and hydrosulfite, can be used for stubborn stain removal, but only after careful testing to ensure that neither dye nor fiber is adversely affected. REGENERATED/MODIFIED CELLULOSE (MANMADE, SEMI-SYNTHETIC) FIBERS Much like the production of silk, these regenerated/modified cellulose fibers begin as a combination of chemicals and liquefied components, extruded through a spinneret and then hardened in liquid or air to form a manmade filament or fiber. This classification of fibers includes rayon and acetate. Rayon Rayon, like cotton, absorbs about 20% of its weight in moisture, but it is more resistant to sunlight and microorganisms than cotton. It is not very elastic and does not regain its shape or size when stretched aggressively. Rayon loses up to 70% of its strength when it is wet; therefore, minimizing agitation and excessive moisture during cleaning is highly recommended. Rayon pile velvets can be extremely sensitive, and must be groomed as the cleaning process progresses. For best results, each section must be groomed immediately after cleaning. Rayon is also sensitive to heat, so reduce cleaning solution temperatures when cleaning. Rayon is attacked by mineral acids, but is not affected by concentrated volatile organic acids, such as acetic or


formic acid. However, non-volatile organic acids, like oxalic or citric acid, adversely affect the fiber, especially if hot and not properly neutralized. Rayon withstands weak alkalis. Use strong alkalis only when they are cool. Chlorine bleach (0.5% sodium hypochlorite), hydrogen peroxide (3%), or sodium perborate does not damage rayon, if properly used and neutralized. Reducing agents, such as sodium bisulfite or sodium hydrosulfite, have little effect on the fiber itself. However, these products must be tested for dye compatibility. Acetate Acetate is an ester of cellulose, or cellulose acetate. Acetate fibers resist wrinkling, stretching and shrinkage for the most part; however, they lose some strength when wet, though not as much as rayon. Acetate is fairly moisture resistant and does not deteriorate from salt (in perspiration) or microorganism exposure. Acetate has poor abrasion resistance, is heat sensitive, and is weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Acetate fibers dissolve in acetone, alcohol or glacial acetic acid. Even nail polish or acetone-based nail polish remover or perfume can dissolve or degrade the fiber. Mild solutions of hydrogen peroxide (3%) or very mild dilute chlorine bleach (less than 0.5% sodium hypochlorite), may be used. Use caution when testing acetate, since strong solutions of alkalis or acids damage it over time. SYNTHETIC FIBERS Synthetic fibers are different from the modified/regenerated cellulosic or “semi-synthetic” fibers by virtue of the raw materials from which they are made. The four synthetic fibers encountered in upholstery fabrics are made with products derived from coal, natural gas or petroleum. They include nylon, polyester, acrylic, and olefin (polypropylene). Nylon Nylon is a polyamide formed from hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon. Nylon is very light and strong. These characteristics do not diminish with age. Therefore, nylon is very abrasion resistant. It can be stretched up to 33% of its length and still return to its original configuration. These characteristics make nylon fairly easy to clean, regardless of the type of weave. However, it is easily contact dyed by substances containing acid dyes, such as red wine, Kool Aid®, and grape juice. Nylon is fairly heat resistant and not affected by alkalis that may be present in pre-conditioners or rinse detergents. However, nylon may be dissolved by concentrated solutions of mineral acids, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, or nitric acid. It is easily dissolved by formic acid. It resists most bleaches and reducing agents. It is recommended that only dilute solutions of sodium hydrosulfite or hydrogen peroxide (3%) be used. Use these chemicals only after extensive testing for colorfastness.


Polyester Polyester manufacturing steps are similar to those for nylon. Polyester is strong and abrasion resistant. It does not stretch well, and thus is dimensionally stable. Spotting and cleaning results are excellent. Polyester resists sunlight, absorbs little moisture and dries quickly. Polyester fibers are extremely difficult to stain; however, they are oleophilic, that is, they attract oily soils that may yellow over. Polyester is fungus resistant and, unlike nylon, it responds well to mild bleaching. It has excellent resistance to weak alkalis and moderate resistance to strong ones. Polyester has good resistance to both mineral and organic acids, and excellent resistance to oxidizing and reducing agents. As with any fiber or dye, it is recommended that testing be accomplished prior to spotting and cleaning. Acrylic Acrylic is a thermoplastic fiber derived from the petroleum products acetylene or ethylene. Acrylic is not as strong as other synthetics, or even cotton, but it is stronger than wool. It has moderate resistance to abrasion and does not stretch well. Acrylic has the ability to resist both water- and oil-based stains because it is not absorbent. It is resistant to sunlight and high temperatures, and it resists fungus growth. It has good resistance to weak alkalis. However this resistance decreases as the temperature, strength of the alkali and dwell time increase. Acrylic is extremely colorfast and resists both mineral and organic acids. Because of the way acrylic is dyed, both fiber and dye are seldom affected by normal bleaching. Normal testing before spotting or cleaning is highly recommended. Olefin (Polypropylene) Olefin (polypropylene) is developed through the polymerization of propylene gas with the aid of a metal compound, such as titanium chloride. Olefin is a water-resistant fiber. It absorbs less than 0.1% of its weight in moisture. It is one of the lightest fibers and is very sensitive to high heat. It is about as strong as nylon or polyester, but less abrasion resistant. Its lack of absorbency makes it very difficult to dye, so it is solution dyed exclusively, which makes it virtually stain proof, even when exposed to red wine, Kool Aid® or other materials containing acid dyes. Like polyester, olefin is oleophilic and attracts oily soils, which may cause yellowing over time. Prolonged exposure to sunlight deteriorates the fiber to the point of disintegration. It is resistant to fungi and is classified as chemically inert. It has excellent resistance to alkalis and acids, and bleaches safely (0.5 to 1% solutions of sodium hypochlorite).


Chapter 2 Upholstery Construction Relating to Cleaning WOVEN FABRIC Weaving is an art form almost as old as the history of civilized humans. Weaving is defined as the interlacing of two or more threads or yarns to form a fabric. The underside of a woven fabric often is coated to provide stiffer hand (more weight and texture) and to prevent yarn slippage. There are several basic weaves listed below with which professionals should be familiar. Fabrics made on a Jacquard loom are included in this chapter, because this complex construction often combines elements of the other basic weaves. Plain Weave The simple under and over interlacing of two yarns in order to form a fabric forms a plain weave, or “basket weave.” The warp yarns run lengthwise on a typical loom, and filling yarns (weft or woof yarns) run across the fabric.

The plain weave is normally the strongest and most durable of all weaves. This is because the warp and filling yarns provide tight interlacing and mutual support. Because of the durable nature of the weave, professional cleaners can be more aggressive, particularly when using agitation. Not all plain weaves are durable. Durability is a function of both weave and yarn construction (i.e., fiber type, yarn bulk, novelty effects, twist per inch, heat set, finishes). The type of yarn is as important as the manner in which yarns are interlaced to hold them together. Haitian cotton is an example of a non-durable plain weave. This is due to the presence of minimally twisted, bulky cotton filling yarns. If not agitated in the proper direction (i.e., with the bulky weft yarns), fabric distortion is inevitable, despite the fact that the fabric is a plain weave. A variation on the plain weave that exhibits strength and durability is the basket weave. Actually, the basket weave consists of the same construction as the plain weave, except that instead of having yarns interlaced individually, they run in pairs. Twill Weave Twill weaves, sometimes referred to as herringbone weaves, are formed by interlacing warp and weft (filler) yarns consecutively so that diagonal lines (the herringbone pattern) show on the face of the fabric. These diagonal lines usually progress from lower left to upper right (right-hand twill). Twill weaves provide improved drapeability and wrinkle resistance. They are second in strength to plain weaves. As with the plain weave, use of the fundamentals of cleaning in an aggressive manner


(particularly agitation) on a twill weave is usually possible. Careful inspection of fiber and yarn delicacy will reveal cleaning limitations. Satin Weave The term satin refers to a fabric woven of yarns not raised consecutively, as in a twill, but one with a prevalence of long floats in either the warp or filling direction. A float yarn is one that passes over the surface of a specific number of intersecting yarns (usually four or more) that are running perpendicular (at right angles) to the float yarn. The relatively unbroken pattern of the float yarns produces a lustrous sheen on the surface of the fabric. Due to the lack of intertwining of the warp and filling yarns, some strength and abrasion resistance may be sacrificed in a satin weave. Therefore, when cleaners process satin weaves, it is imperative to first determine the direction of yarn float; and second, to work the fabric, particularly with regard to brush agitation, in that direction only. The direction of yarn float can be determined simply by rubbing the hand over the surface of the fabric very lightly. When the surface is rubbed perpendicular to, or against, the float yarn, some resistance can be felt. Conversely, when rubbing the fabric with the float yarn, it feels smooth and silky. Pile Weaves Pile weaves consist of three sets of yarns: warp yarns running lengthwise within the fabric, filling yarns running widthwise, and pile yarns that form either the pile or a textured surface effect on the face of the fabric. Probably the most common method of making pile fabrics involves weaving two fabrics face-to-face, with the pile yarns as the connecting point. When the weaving process is complete, the pile yarn is simply cut at the midpoint and two individual fabrics are separated. Another system of weaving pile fabrics involves wires that are part of the weaving process. When pile yarns are woven into the fabric, they pass over these wires, which determine pile height. Upon completion of weaving, the sharpened ends of the wires are withdrawn, cutting the pile yarns passing over them in the process. This produces a cut-pile fabric. The three most common pile weaves a professional cleaner will encounter are the velvet, corduroy, and sculptured pile weaves. Velvets may be made using almost any fiber type discussed in the chapter on upholstery fiber cleaning characteristics. Velvet fabrics are those with a uniform pile covering the entire surface of the fabric. If pile yarns are inserted in the warp (lengthwise) direction it is termed a velvet weave. Velveteen technically refers to pile fabrics in which the pile yarns are inserted in a filling (widthwise) direction. Corduroy is a filling-pile fabric, since alternating rows of filling-pile loops are cut to form the textured surface. Between the pile portions of the corduroy fabric, the filling-pile yarns are not raised and, therefore, not cut. This serves simply as additional reinforcement for the fabric itself. Corduroy, therefore, is more durable than true velvet pile fabrics. Sculptured pile weaves are somewhat different from velvet and corduroy weaves in that they are usually woven on a Jacquard loom that allows for the raising of the pile yarns only when called for in


the pattern. When cut and brushed, this produces a sculptured effect on the face of the fabric, often in the form of a floral design. Because of tension placed on yarns during weaving, the pile has a tendency to lie in a specific direction. This tendency, called nap lay or pile lay, is of significance to professional cleaners, because if they agitate or otherwise manipulate the pile during the cleaning process in a direction other than with the nap lay, there is a tendency for the pile to distort, or to dry in a distorted configuration. This is particularly true if natural fibers or rayon are used in the pile yarn. For this reason, it is recommended that most cleaning and finishing be accomplished in the direction of the pile lay only. As with satin weaves, you can determine the direction of nap-lay on pile weaves by stroking the surface of the fabric lightly with your hand. Resistance will be felt when rubbing against the lay of the pile, while none is felt when rubbing along the pile lay. Jacquard Weaves Jacquard weave refers to fabric formed by a complex weaving process accomplished on a loom invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard. This loom has a punch card or computer system that controls the lifting of individual warp yarns to form the pattern, without any consideration of, or reference to, adjacent filling yarns. Therefore, a certain colored warp yarn may run undetected beneath the fabric's surface for a relatively long distance before being raised to complete the pattern the manufacturer desires. Since any combination of weaves previously discussed may be found in a Jacquard weave, strength and abrasion resistance may be sacrificed. A Jacquard weave usually is easily recognized, since the backside of the fabric will be similar to a photographic negative of the front side. In other words, the majority color on the front side will be the minority color on the back of the fabric. Brocades, brocatelles, damasks, matelasses, and tapestries normally are woven on Jacquard looms. Frequently, colors used in floral patterns appear in bands or stripes on the back side of a Jacquard weave (called a "railroaded" Jacquard). In order to achieve bright, clear patterns on the face of Jacquard fabrics, manufacturers often use rayon yarns woven in combination with cotton yarns. Rayon accepts a wide range of clear, bright colors, and the fact that it is a lustrous fiber further enhances its beauty when used in a fabric. Unfortunately, some manufacturers use dyes that transfer rather easily from the rayon yarn to other areas of the fabric. Pre-testing for colorfastness prior to cleaning is highly recommended. OTHER MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES Three other manufacturing techniques are common enough to warrant consideration in this chapter. They include flocking, tufting, and knitting.


Flocking The construction of flocked materials begins with a plain-woven cotton or cotton/polyester base fabric. This fabric is coated with an adhesive upon which short, nylon staple fibers are implanted in a uniform upright position. The fabric then goes through heat-curing, vacuuming to remove loose fibers and other processes, which may include heat-transfer printing, since nylon face fiber is easily print dyed. Flocked fabric is easy to recognize visually, since there is absolutely no yarn present. The short nylon fibers are normally very lustrous. A test used to confirm that the fabric is flocked involves placing a few drops of volatile dry solvent in an inconspicuous spot and then pulling on the face fibers in the saturated area. If it is flocked, the face fiber, along with the adhesive dissolved by the solvent, will be removed, leaving the base fabric completely exposed. Generally, dry solvents should not be used in quantity on flocked fabric. Fortunately, flocked fabrics are easily and effectively wet cleaned. Flocked velvets present several potential problems for professional cleaners. First, abrasive wear or heavy use may result in bald spots in the fabric. This usually occurs first along the front edge of cushion piping and on arm faces or tops where regular hand contact is made. Similarly, aggressive agitation with nylon brushes may remove face fiber. Second, when body oils build up in quantity on armrests of flocked velvet furniture, over time these oils may dissolve the adhesive holding the nylon pile to the base fabric. In that case, the face fiber may be removed along with the soil, and a substantial texture change will be seen. Tufting Tufting is a manufacturing process involving sewing or stitching yarns into a plain woven backing material – much like carpet. The tufts, which form the pile, may be left in a loop-pile design or they may be sheared to produce a velvet-like appearance. A coating of adhesive is applied to the backside of the fabric following tufting to lock the tufts in place. Unlike carpet, no secondary backing is used. Knitting In the knitting process, the manufacturer uses a knitting machine to make the interlocking loops of yarn that form the fabric. Some warp-knit and face-to-face pile-knitted fabrics are used in upholstery. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: Colorfastness Codes Furniture manufacturers use an ASTM labeling system for colorfastness codes to assist consumers in determining colorfastness to spotting or cleaning agents.


CODE MEANING

"W" Dyes are stable to water-based spotters/cleaners

"S" Dyes are stable to dry solvent-based spotters/cleaners

"W-S" Dyes are stable to either water or dry solvent-based spotters/cleaners

"X" Dyes are not stable to either water or dry solvent-based spotters/cleaners

Delicate Constructions Delicate constructions, such as satin weaves, pile weaves, flocked fabrics or fabrics with bulky yarns, may present potential problems in the cleaning process. It is highly recommended that technicians identify these fabrics and use appropriate cleaning agents, reduce agitation or take other steps necessary to preserve fabric integrity. Chintz Chintz fabric usually is printed and made with plain-woven cotton, polyester, rayon or blended fabric treated with durable or non-durable resins. It is glazed or set with hot rollers or heat curing. Also known as “glazed” or “polished” cotton, chintz has a high-gloss appearance that is designed to resist soiling and staining. The non-durable glaze usually is made of wax and starch compounds set with hot rollers. Durable glaze consists of urea or melamine resins that are applied and heat cured. The glazed finish may be dulled with abrasive use, body oils, or aggressive cleaning. Once lost, the finish cannot be restored through cleaning. Quilted Fabrics Quilted fabric consists of three layers of fabric: face fabric, batting or cushion, and base fabric. The layers are sewn or stitched together in a pattern. The most common problem associated with quilted fabrics involves shrinkage and puckering associated with base fabrics, or the stitching around patterns on the face fabric. Normally, dry solvent or low moisture cleaning avoids most shrinkage problems associated with quilted fabrics. Moiré Moiré is upholstery or drapery fabric made by embossing a wood grain or water marked design on a ribbed weave. Such designs are created using engraved rollers, pressure and heat. Fibers used in moiré fabrics usually include silk, rayon, acetate, polyester and nylon. Problems moiré fabrics present for cleaners include distortion of the embossed design by aggressive agitation, circling (ringing), water marking and potential shrinkage, depending on fiber content.


Cotton and Cellulosic Filling Although most furniture manufacturers use synthetic filling and padding, some cotton padding is still used directly under the face fabric. Any amount of moisture reaching cotton padding or jute, or burlap webbing creates the potential for cellulosic browning. Moisture control is critical when these products are present. Skirts and Trim Skirts and trim can be lined or unlined and usually are attached with staples. Care must be taken to avoid pulling them loose or leaving them too wet, which usually causes shrinkage. Skirts sometimes need to be stretched during and after cleaning to avoid shrinkage. In addition, they may require steaming or pressing after they are dry. Seams, Piping, Welting and Stitching Cushions, pillows, and trims usually are sewn by machine or hand, and the seam area will consist of multiple layers of fabric. Treat these areas carefully to avoid damage to the stitching itself and, more importantly, to avoid excessive moisture buildup, which could result in shrinkage, browning, or dye migration. Buttons Buttons can be made of plastic, or of metal shell and base. Usually, they are attached by a synthetic yarn or twine. Use caution when working around buttons to avoid pulling them off. Rusting of metal shells and shanks may occur if drying is not completed as quickly as practical. Caution is therefore advised. Metal fasteners Most outside upholstery panels are attached with a metal tack strip or a flexible metal band (Plygrip®). Usually, they are placed directly under the fabric without protective covering. Cleaning over these metal fasteners with a metal cleaning tool could result in abrasive damage or in rust stains if drying is not completed as quickly as practical.


Appendix A Information for Consumers of Upholstery Cleaning Services CHECKLIST FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF UPHOLSTERY FABRICS A critical though often neglected responsibility of upholstery owners is routine maintenance. Care must begin when the upholstery is first put into service. The following guidelines were written to assist consumers in maintaining upholstered fabrics. Controlling Soil Upholstered furniture is more susceptible to soiling on arms and seat cushions, as well as the upper inside back, head-rests, pillows and skirt areas. Using arm covers and rotating seat cushions frequently prolongs fabric life and appearance. Dry Soil Removal Vacuuming and, depending on fabric durability and construction, brushing upholstery routinely is recommended to remove dust and particle soil. This enhances appearance and prolongs fabric life. Equally important, the soil that is vacuumed from the fabric must not be allowed to re-enter the air within the structure, possibly contributing to indoor environmental pollution (IEP). Immediate Spotting Most spots or spills can be removed easily if the excess is scooped up or blotted and treated immediately with plain water or neutral spotters. If ignored, these spots, or components thereof, may bond to fibers, possibly causing permanent stains. Immediate spot cleaning is essential. Extreme caution must be observed when spotting leather or “dry-clean-only” fabrics. Cleaning Frequency Every 12 to 24 months, professionally clean upholstered furniture and fabrics subjected to routine use. Increased cleaning frequency may be required when fabric subjected to heavy use, or when it is located in homes occupied by persons with allergies or respiratory sensitivity. Analyze upholstery used in commercial applications based on frequency of use, soiling conditions and other special circumstances. Develop specialized maintenance and cleaning programs based on individual needs. Furniture and fabric manufacturers recommend that consumers not wait until severe soiling occurs before cleaning is accomplished. The greater the soiling, the less the likelihood of restoring the original color, appearance, and texture of the fabric, and the greater the adverse affect on indoor environmental quality (IEQ). SELECTING A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING FIRM


This section is included for the benefit of any person or company considering hiring a cleaning firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and associated industry affiliates submit the following criteria to help identify reliable cleaning firms. Although this selection criteria is not fail safe, firms that comply with these criteria usually provide quality service: 1. Insurance, Licensing, Taxes – Firms should carry adequate business and liability insurance for

consumer protection. They comply with the licensing requirements of local, state, provincial, and federal authorities. They collect, report, and pay appropriate licensing fees and taxes.

2. Ongoing Training – Cleaning firms should require management and employees to engage in

formal, on-going training, providing them with the latest industry technologies and techniques. 3. Certified Technicians – Firms should have technicians on staff who are specifically trained in

cleaning upholstery fabrics and who are certified 4. Experience – The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, may

contribute significantly to the proficiency of its employees. 5. Inspections, Pricing – Firms should offer estimating, consulting, and precleaning inspections. After

inspections, customers are provided with firm prices for cleaning services. 6. References – Firms should be willing, when requested, to provide customer with references. 7. Trade Associations – Cleaning firms are members of international, national or regional trade

associations, which encourage high ethical standards and promote continuing education. 8. Customer Courtesy – Firms should provide value-oriented service including, but not necessarily

limited to: courteous personnel, quick and comprehensive complaint handling, and appropriate recommendations for additional services, such as protective treatments, repair, and deodorization.

9. Product Safety – Firms should use environmentally friendly products and cleaning techniques that

are effective and safe on the fibers and fabrics they encounter. WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD EXPECT FROM A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING FIRM Customer Service Checklist

1. Technicians must be courteous. They must be willing to take the time to pre-inspect upholstery in all

areas that need cleaning. They must identify the fabric’s construction and fiber content, and evaluate and recommend an appropriate cleaning method and procedure. Trained, conscientious technicians are the key to quality cleaning; not a particular method, machine, or process.


2. Consumers have a right to expect an itemized listing of services, along with firm prices, before technicians begin work. While technicians may offer added services at additional cost, consumers never should feel pressured to accept anything more than the services they request and authorize.

3. All cleaning, specialty agents and equipment must be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and appropriate safety and environmental regulations.

4. Firms should offer workmanship guarantees in writing. Fiber type, upholstery construction, upholstering technique, furniture use and maintenance may present circumstances beyond a technician’s control; however, responsible workmanship must be implicit in any work performed.

Procedure Checklist

1. It is recommended that fabrics and fibers be identified, if possible, before cleaning agents or processes are used. Further, once a cleaning agent or process has been selected, it must be tested in an inconspicuous area to make sure it does not adversely affect upholstery fibers, dyes or fabrics.

2. All upholstery must be thoroughly vacuumed before any other cleaning techniques are performed, regardless of the cleaning method used. Technicians must place special emphasis on vacuuming arms, seat cushions and other areas where excessive soil may have accumulated.

3. Special attention to spots (stains) must be included in normal job performance. However, time-consuming specialized spotting or prolonged effort on color-added stains may require additional charges. Technicians should advise customers of additional charges before extensive spotting or color repair is attempted.

4. Preconditioning heavily soiled areas normally is included in the cost of cleaning. However, overall

job cost may increase in heavy soiling situations. Customers must be advised in advance of the need for increased charges.

5. It is the technician’s responsibility, with the customer’s cooperation, to ensure that upholstery is dried and returned to normal use within a reasonable time. Rapid drying of fabrics is essential; however, drying time varies with different cleaning methods, the amount of moisture used and climatic conditions. Under no circumstances should drying time exceed six (6) hours. Again, the need for customer cooperation in providing continuous airflow and or ventilation to expedite drying cannot be overemphasized.

6. Effort must be made to physically remove as much soil as practical from the fabric, without changing its appearance or texture.

7. Technicians must take the required measures to leave the fabric as residue-free as possible, to help prevent abnormal resoiling.


Appendix B Precleaning/Postcleaning Inspection Checklist for Professional Cleaning PRECLEANING CHECKLIST

The objective of a precleaning inspection is to gather information and provide an accurate report on the condition of the item and the limitations on the work being proposed. All items within the following precleaning checklist should be considered.

1. Safety and Environmental Guidelines - Cleaning technicians must comply with safety

requirements set forth by governmental agencies concerning ventilation of work areas, electricity, and chemical and equipment use.

2. Initial Survey with the Customer (when possible) - Inspect and recognize the type and condition of the fabric, fastening systems and construction of the furniture. Ask about previous cleanings. Address potential problems at this point.

3. Identifying Fiber and Construction - Make a reasonable effort to inspect and identify fiber content, and fabric and furniture construction. This helps ensure that cleaning methods and procedures do not harm furnishings.

4. Testing - Carefully inspect and test fabrics that may be weakened by age or use, are not colorfast or preshrunk, or have markings on the back of fabrics or on cushions, which might bleed through during cleaning or drying. Although inspection of all areas may not be practical, it is highly recommended that all zippers on cushions or pillows be opened to check for potential problems inside.

5. Customer Briefing - Point out potential problems and anticipate outcomes, as practical, to set realistic customer expectations. It is highly recommended that potential problems be itemized on a furniture condition report that is signed by the customer.

6. Establishing Cleaning Costs and Objectives - In determining the cost of cleaning, consider the age, condition and degree of soiling, fiber content and fabric construction. Clearly define cleaning objectives and limitations to customers.

7. Answering Questions - Answer customer’s questions relating to fabric protectors, cleaning agents and environmental concerns.

8. Furnishings and Contents - The area where the cleaning is accomplished must provide enough room to maneuver equipment and perform the cleaning process without adversely affecting nearby components and furnishings.


9. Determining Cleaning Agents and Procedures - Pretesting and preinspecting are important to

ensure optimum cleaning, without adversely affecting fibers, dyes, finishes or fabric texture.

10. Anticipating Drying Procedures - Determine proper and realistic drying times. With the customer’s cooperation, it is highly recommended that drying take place as quickly as practical. Advise customers about the importance of keeping occupants, particularly children and pets, out of the cleaning area, and off the freshly cleaned furniture until it is thoroughly dry.

POSTCLEANING CHECKLIST 1. Postcleaning Fabric Treatments - Applying postcleaning fabric treatment is a common practice.

Cleaning technicians must have full understanding of:

a. How treatments work and how they affect upholstery drying times. b. The compatibility of treatments with cleaning agents used. c. The correct selection of each treatment based on customer objectives.

2. Postcleaning Inspection - Upon completion, it is highly recommended that technicians inspect

upholstery for remaining soil, excessive dampness, and other obvious conditions or minor repairs that should be brought to the attention of the customer.

3. Postcleaning Briefing - Inspect and review the work to ensure that cleaning objectives have been

met to the satisfaction of customers. Advise them about drying considerations, when they can resume use of their furniture, and suggested maintenance guidelines.


Reference Information and Glossary of Industry Terms

Abbreviations - Quick Reference alk - alkaline

alky - alkalinity

BCF - bulked continuous filament

BHT - butylated hydroxy toluene

C, c - Celsius, centigrade, cubic

C - carbon

Can - Canada, Canadian

cfm - cubic feet per minute

Cl - chlorine

CIH - Certified Industrial Hygienist

cm - centimeter

d - denier

DIY - do it yourself

dpf - denier per filament

e.g. - [L exempli gratia] for example

F - Fahrenheit

F - fluorine

ft - feet, foot

g - gauge, gram

ga - gauge

i.e. - [L id est] that is IFD - indentation force deflection

ILD - intensive load deflection in - inch

kg - kilogram L, l - liter, litre

m - male, meter, minute, mole

mcg - microgram

mol - molecular, molecule, mole

MSDS - material safety data sheet

4-PC - 4-phenyl cyclohexene

pct - percent, percentage

POG - paint, oil, grease

ppm – parts per million

PTT - poly trimethylene terephthalate

PVC - polyvinyl chloride

S001 - IICRC Standard, Reference Guide for Carpet Cleaning 001-91

S500 - IICRC Standard, Reference Guide for Water Damage Restoration

SBR - styrene butadiene rubber

t - temperature, time, ton

TLV - threshold limit value

TPI - turns (twists) per inch

VDS - volatile dry solvent

VOC - volatile organic compound

yd - yard

Industry Acronyms (Organizations and Regulations)

AATCC - American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists AATT - American Association of Textile Technology, Inc. ACGIH - American Council of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists

ACT - Assoc. of Cleaning Technicians

AFMA - American Furniture Manufacturers Association

AIHA - American Industrial Hygienist Association

ANSI - American National Standards Institute

ASCR - Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, Intl.

ASID - American Society of Interior Design

ASQ - American Society for Quality Control

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

ATMI - American Textile Manufacturers Institute, Inc.


AWCC - Association of Wisconsin Cleaning Contractors

CAS - Chemical Abstract Service

CCINW - Carpet Cleaners Institute of the Northwest

CCOHS - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety CEPA - Canadian Environmental Protection Act CERCLA - Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act

CFI - Carpet and Fabricare Institute

COTTON, Inc. CPSC - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CRCII - Carpet and Rug Cleaners Institute of Illinois

CSA - Canadian Standards Association

EPA - US Environmental Protection Agency

FIOCCFD - Floor Covering Institute of Ontario

FTC - US Federal Trade Commission

ICCA - Indiana Carpet Cleaners Association

IFI - International Fabricare Institute IFMA - International Facilities Managers Association

IICRC - Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

ISCT - International Society of Cleaning Technicians

ISO - International Organization for Standards (Intl. Standards Org.)

JIFSC - Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee

JILSC - Joint Industry Leather Standards Committee

MSPCA - Mid-South Professional Cleaners Association

NCCA - National Carpet Cleaners Association (UK)

NEIRC - New England Institute of Restoration and Cleaning

NEHA - National Environmental Health Association

NESHAP - National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants

NIDR - National Institute of Disaster Restoration

NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NSC - National Safety Council

NUCCA - National Upholstery and Carpet Cleaners Association (Australia)

NYRCI - New York Rug Cleaners Institute

OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PCRA - Professional Cleaning and Restoration Alliance

PCUCA - Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners Association

PLRB - Property Loss Research Bureau

SBLMA - Styrene-Butadiene Latex Manufacturers Association

TRSCA - Tri-State Restorers and Specialty Cleaners Association

TSCA - Toxic Substances Control Act

UCCI - United Carpet Cleaners, Inc.

UL - Underwriters Laboratories

WFCA - World Floor Covering Association

WHO - World Health Organization

WNZ - Wools of New Zealand


Glossary of Industry Terms

[ A ]

AATCC - see "American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists"

AATT - see “American Association for Textile Technology, Inc.”

abraded yarns - Continuous filament man-made yarns in which filaments have been cut or abraded at intervals and given additional twist to produce a certain degree of hairiness, so as to simulate the character of staple yarns. Abraded yarns are usually plied or twisted with other yarns.

abrasion - The wearing away of a solid surface or coating material by friction.

abrasion resistance: 1. The ability of a solid surface or coating material

to resist abrasive wear. 2. The ability of a fabric to withstand surface wear,

rubbing, chafing and other friction forces.

abrasive wear - Wearing away the surface pile by friction or use generated by use. See also "shading, wear"

absorb - To take or draw within, usually resulting in a physical change of the absorbing material.

absorbent compound ("powder") cleaning - A minimum moisture method used to clean moisture sensitive or non-colorfast fabrics.

absorbent pad cleaning - A minimum moisture method of cleaning in which, following dry soil removal (vacuuming), detergent solutions are sprayed onto the fabric and onto an absorbent pad or "bonnet" made of cotton, rayon or combination thereof. The bonnet absorbs soil from the fabric as cleaning progresses. When one side of the bonnet becomes soil saturated, it is turned over and cleaning continues. When both sides of the bonnet become soil saturated, the bonnet is exchanged for a clean one; or the bonnet is rinsed before work continues.

absorption: 1. The property of a fiber, yarn or fabric or other

material which enables it to attract and hold gases or liquids within its pores by capillary,

osmotic, solvent or chemical action. see "adsorption"

2. To take a substance into the body through surfaces such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or skin, and ultimately into body fluids or tissues.

acetate - A low-cost, man-made (regenerated cellulose or cellulose acetate) fiber made by treating wood pulp with acetic acid, acetic anhydride and acetone, to produce a viscous, honey-colored liquid, which is extruded and hardened to form filaments. Acetate has good sun resistance and low moisture absorbency (dries rapidly, resists shrinkage), and is used in upholstery fabric, particularly as a blended fiber, and in lamp shades. It is easily abraded and weakened by strong solutions of alkalis, acids and oxidizing bleaches. Acetate is dissolved completely by acetone found in some nail polish removers. Where not less than 92% of the hydroxyl groups are acetylated, the term triacetate may be used as a generic description of the fiber. Triacetate is not produced in the U.S. because of environmental concerns. See also "rayon"

acetic acid - A volatile, colorless, pungent liquid acid (C2H4O2) that is the chief acid of white vinegar (5% acetic, pH 3) and is used in the synthesis of acetate fiber. Many acid spotters are composed of 5 to 7% acetic acid. See also "glacial acetic"

acetone - A volatile, flammable dry solvent (C3H6O) used primarily to dissolve synthetic resins, such as nail polish, airplane glue, acrylic paint, etc. Acetone dissolves acetate fiber instantly!

ACGIH - see "American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists"

acid - Any chemical that undergoes dissociation in water with the formation of hydrogen ions. Its properties include the ability to react with bases or alkalis to form "salts." Acids have a bitter or sour taste and may cause severe skin burns. Acids turn litmus paper red and have pH values that are less than seven (7) on the pH scale. When fatty acids (organic) react with alkalis, a simple soap is formed. Many soils are acid in nature and thus, are more easily removed with alkaline solutions.

acid dyes - Negatively charged coloring material used primarily on nylon fibers.


acid washed - The process of altering dyes in fabrics by washing them with chemicals. Acrilan® - Registered trademark of Monsanto (Solutia) for acrylic fiber.

acrylic - A synthetic, thermoplastic, staple fiber that contains at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units. It is used primarily in clothing, blankets and upholstery fabrics. Basic building blocks for acrylic are natural gas and air. Like wool, acrylic has good bulking and insulating properties. As an upholstery fabric (usually latex backed) it performs very well and even resists damage from oxidizing bleaches, and dilute alkalis and acids. Common trade names include Acrilan, Creslan, Orlon and Zefran.

active ingredient - Those components of a compound or solution that enable it to perform a specific function, as opposed to inert ingredients that serve as fillers or extenders. For example, in most chlorine bleach solutions the active ingredient (5.25%) is sodium hypochlorite, while the inert ingredient (74.75%) is water.

adsorbent - A material capable of adsorption.

aesthetics - In textiles, properties perceived by touch and sight, such as the hand, color, luster, drape and texture of fabrics and garments.

AFMA - see “American Furniture Manufacturers’ Association”

Agent - An ingredient that causes activity or reactions to take place (e.g., a cleaning agent causes cleaning to occur).

agitation - see "soil suspension principle"

AIHA - See "American Industrial Hygiene Association."

air entangling (also air-interlacing or commingling) - A system for producing yarn from BCF singles (primarily polypropylene or nylon), in which fibers are entangled by alternating jets of pressurized air.

alcohol - A class of colorless, volatile, flammable, organic dry solvents containing one or more hydroxyl groups (OH). Alcohols are used as cosolvents in some cleaning or spotting compounds. The alcohols commonly used in light duty and liquid laundry detergents are isopropanol or ethanol (ethyl alcohol). In detergents, they control viscosity, act as solvents for other ingredients, and provide resistance to freezing temperatures encountered in shipping, storage and use. Alcohols (isopropyl and ethyl) also may be used in a 60-90% concentration for disinfecting.

aliphatic solvent - A non-polar dry solvent classification that includes solvents produced by refining petroleum products (e.g., odorless mineral spirits).

alkali - Any soluble chemical substance that forms soluble soaps when mixed with fatty acids. Alkalis also are referred to as "bases," and they may cause severe skin burns. Alkalis turn litmus paper blue and have pH values that are above seven (7).

alkaline builders (salts) - Chemical agents that are added to surfactants to enhance cleaning ability. Many alkaline builders (e.g., trisodium phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.) are used alone or with surfactants to increase "detergency" in fabric and hard surface cleaning compounds.

alkalinity - The property of water-soluble substances that causes the concentration of hydroxyl ions (OH-) in water-based solutions to be higher than the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Soap is mildly alkaline and detergents may be formulated with any desired degree of alkalinity. Denotes values above (but not including) seven on the pH scale. see "alkaline builders"

alpaca - A member of the camel family that is native to the high Andean regions of southern Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.

alumina trihydrate - A chemical additive in SBR latex compounds that provides improved flame retardancy to fabrthemics, thus allowing it to conform to ASTM standards for flame spread.

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) - A professional association of dye chemists and others in the dyeing industry, which is located in Research Triangle Park, NC.

American Association for Textile Technology, Inc. (AATT) - A New York-based national technical society whose members are qualified textile technologists engaged in development work, research operation, and testing in the field of yarns, fabrics, or finishes.

American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) - An organization of professional personnel in governmental agencies or educational institutions located at 64500 Glenway Avenue, Building D-7, Cincinnati, OH 45211, which is engaged in occupational safety and health programs. ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure limits for


hundreds of chemical substances and physical agents. see "TLV"

American Furniture Manufacturers’ Association (AFMA) - A voluntary association of furniture manufacturers dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the furniture industry, and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of furniture manufacturers.

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) - An association representing and setting standards for industrial hygienists.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - A privately funded, voluntary membership organization headquartered in New York City, which identifies industrial and public needs for national consensus standards, and coordinates development of such standards. Many ANSI standards relate to safe design/performance of equipment, such as safety shoes, eyeglasses, smoke detectors, fire pumps and household appliances. It also specifies safe practices or procedures, such as noise measurement, testing of fire extinguisher and flame arresters, industrial lighting practices, and the use of abrasive wheels.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) - An organization located in Philadelphia, PA with voluntary members representing a broad spectrum of individuals, agencies and industries who are concerned with testing standards for a variety of materials. As the world's largest source of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems and services, ASTM is a resource for sampling and testing methods, health and safety of materials, safe performance guidelines, and effects of physical and biological agents and chemicals.

ammonia - An alkaline gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonium hydroxide (NH3). Most ammoniated solutions used for spotting are 5-7%, while household ammonia (sudsing) is in a 5-10% range. Since ammonia is a gas suspended in water, it provides excellent alkalinity, while drying residue free and neutral in pH. Ammonia is included in some hard surface cleaner formulations to assist in degreasing, wax stripping and general soil removal.

amyl acetate - A organic dry solvent (C7H14O2) that is usually blended with other dry solvents and fatty acids to make non-volatile dry solvent (NVDS or POG) spotters. Amyl acetate is slower acting than acetone, but it is effective in removing similar types of spot contaminants; e.g., nail polish, acrylic paint,

and airplane glue. Amyl acetate is safe to use on acetate fiber.

angora - The soft hair of the Angora goat, native to Anatolia and Turkey, often called mohair.

anhydrous - Free from or containing no water.

aniline dye - In general, the term refers to an organic dye; however, it means an oily, poisonous, liquid amine, C6H5NH2, obtained chiefly by the reduction of nitrobenzene and used chiefly in making dyes.

aniline dyed leather - Full grain leather colored with nontoxic aniline dye, rather than pigments or other opaque materials. Aniline dyes completely penetrate the hide so that color is uniform on both sides.

Aniline Plus® - Leather that has been aniline dyed and slightly pigmented with a clear top coat to ensure more even color consistency and protection against spills and stains. Also, this is known as Semi-aniline.

animal dander - Tiny scales of shed animal skin.

animal fibers - A term used to distinguish protein or natural fibers obtained from animals. Examples include: alpaca, angora, goat hair, camel hair, cashmere, cow hair, horse hair, fur, mohair, rabbit hair, silk, vicuna, etc.

anion - Negatively charged ion.

anionic surfactant - A surface active agent usually derived from reacting aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkalis to form a salt, and in which detergency and other properties depend in part on the negatively charged ion of the molecule. Anionic surfactants are sensitive to water hardness, and are particularly effective in emulsifying oily soils and in suspending particulates. Anionic surfactants are used widely in high-sudsing detergents.

ANSI - see "American National Standards Institute"

antichlor - A chemical used to neutralize chlorine bleach; e.g., reducers such as sodium bisulfite or sodium hydrosulfite.

antique finish - Full-grain leather that generally is hand rubbed with black dye after the base coat has dried. This technique is used to bring out the natural markings in the hide and highlight the grain.

antique satin - A satin fabric with slubs in the yarns that appear to be irregularities. see "weaving (upholstery)"

antistatic - The ability of a fabric or additive to disperse electrostatic charges and prevent the buildup of static electricity within textile fabrics (primarily nylon or wool).


appearance - A description of a substance at normal room temperature and atmospheric conditions. Appearance may include the color, size, and consistency of a material.

appearance retention - The ability of a fabric to retain its original aesthetics, color and construction integrity.

appliqué - A decoration or design made separately, then embroidered, pasted, or sewn on a fabric.

ASTM - see "American Society for Testing and Materials"

attached back - Upholstery style in which the back padding is in the form of a lightweight, non-woven material, into which various filling materials are placed.

automobile leather - see “upholstery leather”

[ B ] backcoat - Adhesive applied to the back side of woven goods. The backcoat serves to add strength and stability to the weave, while increasing its stiffness ("hand," or feel). backerboard - A low cost material that provides additional strength when installed behind thin surface materials.

balanced - A term that describes cloth with the same size yarn and the same number of ends and picks in the warp and filling.

base - see "alkali"

basic finish - Treatment or process that alters or improves the surface appearance, function or texture of a fabric; e.g., mercerizing, calendering, glazing, moiré, shearing, cropping, embossing, sanding or beetling.

basket weave - Two or more warp and weft yarns running parallel, which are woven as a plain weave. It is not as durable as a plain weave.

bast fiber - a strong, woody fiber (e.g., hemp, jute, cotton, linen, ramie, sisal, pineapple) obtained from the phloem of higher plants and used in making cord, mats and yarns for woven fabrics. Cotton is a seed fiber; linen and hemp are stalk fibers, and pineapple is a leaf fiber.

batch dyeing - A dye process in which textiles, usually from 100-1000 kg by weight, are loaded into a dyeing machine and dyed together.

batik - Hand-printed material, colored by dipping into dyes of various hues. Portions of the fabric,

which do not accept color, are made resistant by treating them with wax or other substances.

batt - Fibers in a sheet form used in the manufacture of non-woven textile fabrics.

BCF - see "Bulked Continuous Filament"

beam: 1. Large horizontal cylinder or spool holding warp

yarns that are ready to be fed into a weaving loom. Woven fabric may be wound onto a beam as it is made.

2. A large spool used to feed many face yarns (usually colored BCF) to a tufting or fusion bonding machine. See also "creel"

beck - A vessel used in "batch dyeing" a loop of fabric or carpet (with ends sewn together) in "rope" or open-width form. The beck consists primarily of a large tank and a cylindrical reel that advances or rotates the fabric during dyeing. Dye becks may be operated at atmospheric pressure, or they may be pressurized to obtain elevated temperature (around 225oF / 107oC). See "dyeing"

belly - Leather terminology indicating that part of a hide from the underside of an animal.

bengaline - A densely woven fabric that originated in Bengal, India, with warp singles yarns, and heavier yarns forming ribs that are spaced at intervals running in the weft direction. It may be made of rayon, acetate, nylon, silk, cotton, wool or blends. It is often sized for increased stiffness.

benzoyl peroxide - A bleaching agent (C14H10O4) commonly used in acne medications, adult fade creams and other cosmetics, which can progressively remove color from some fabrics. Its bleaching effect is often accelerated by moisture and/or heat.

BHT - see "butylated hydroxy toluene"

bicomponent (biconstituent) fiber - A fiber formed by spinning an joining two different polymers, such as nylon and polyester, simultaneously from one spinneret.

birdseye - Cotton or linen cloth with a small geometric pattern that has a center dot resembling a bird’s eye, which is woven on a dobby loom, often with filling yarns that are heavier and loosely twisted.

bleach - A cleaning, sanitizing and color removing material that functions through a chemical reaction called oxidation. Bleaches often are used with detergents, or by themselves to break chemical, rather than physical bonds, as detergents do. Common bleaches used in cleaning are sodium


hypochlorite (chlorine bleach), hydrogen peroxide, and sodium perborate, which converts to hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. See also "oxidizing agent; reducing agent; sodium hypochlorite; hydrogen peroxide"

bleeding - The migration or transfer of dyes within or from wet fabric, usually due to improper dyeing (fixing), from the use of poor dyestuffs, or from exposure to high-pH chemicals. Fabrics that bleed when wet may stain fabrics that come in contact with them; or color may be transferred from one portion of a multi-colored fabric to another. Also, floor tile (particularly asphalt) may bleed from an excessive concentration of floor stripper solution.

blend - A mixture of two or more fibers in a yarn or fabric, or two or more yarns types in a fabric. Blends are used to achieve color mixtures, such as heathers, unusual dyeing variations or better performance.

blending - Mixing batches or bales of staple fiber (often repeatedly) before they are carded, drafted, and spun into yarn. Blending is necessary for consistency in the final yarn and is a critical step to avoid streaks in a manufactured fabric.

blue (in the blue) - Leather terminology applied to hides or skins that have been chrome-tanned, but not finished.

body - The firm, full feel of a fabric. See also "hand"

bolster - A loose pillow.

bonded fabric -Two fabrics that are permanently joined, usually a face fabric and a lining. Woven or knitted fabric from its urethane foam or backing material.

bonnet cleaning - see "absorbant pad cleaning"

border (boxing) - The 3-4" wide piece of fabric that surrounds many cushions on upholstered furniture, often bounded by piping. See also "piping"

bouclé - A flat, irregular-surfaced fabric, woven or knitted from twisted bouclé yarns made of natural or synthetic fibers, which have small loops or curls; from French, “bouclé,” meaning” buckled” or “ringed.”

bow - Stretching into a curve: (see "skew"). Curvature of a textile fabric with respect to, or across, the direction of manufacture.

box cushion - A cushion construction in which two pieces of convoluted foam or wrap are glued to a center foam core. Also, a cushion construction where the top and bottom fabric panels are sewn with a fabric boxing around the perimeter.

box pleat - A pleat formed by folding fabric back on itself, then folding back again in the opposite direction. It creates a partially hidden fabric panel.

braid - Any material made from textile fibers and used for binding or trim. It usually comes in widths up to 3 to 4 inches, and may be woven round or tubular, or plaited flat.

breaking strength - Maximum stretch that can be applied to a fiber, yarn or fabric before it breaks or separates. It is expressed as "pounds of force" applied to a standard sized specimen in an ASTM Grab Test.

brightener - see "optical brightener"

broadcloth - A tight, plain-woven lustrous cotton or cotton-blended fbric made with a crosswise rib, which are finer than those of poplin.

brocade - A woven fabric in which raised patterns or engraved effects are created using heavy yarn tufts on a ground of lighter yarns, usually with the same color. Brocade upholstery fabric is woven on a jacquard loom and is characterized by low relief floral patterns and figures. They are often seen on period furniture or on antiques. Fibers used may include cotton, silk, rayon, acetate, metallic, nylon, and blends. The name brocade is derived from French, meaning “to ornament.”

brocatelle - A tightly woven, elaborate fabric produced on a Jacquard loom. It is a variation on brocade fabrics, in which the warp pattern stands in high relief from the background yarns, often forming "floats" as in a satin weave. The tight weave and "high relief" pattern distinguishes it from a brocade.

browning - A yellow, red or brownish discoloration formed when cellulose, particularly jute with a high (24%) lignin content, is degraded in the presence of moisture. It results from overwetting cellulose, especially with hot alkaline solutions for prolonged periods (i.e., overwetting during cleaning followed by improper drying). Dissolved cellulosic components (lignin, beta-glucose) wick to the surface of fabrics where they remain when their water-based carrier evaporates. Browning is usually corrected with mild solutions of acetic or citric acid, or a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%).

buffer - Any substance in a solution that is capable of neutralizing both acids and bases, thereby maintaining the original pH of the solution when either acid or alkali is added.

builder - A material used to enhance the cleaning efficiency of a detergent. This is accomplished either by sequestration, i.e. holding hardness minerals in solution, by precipitation, or by ion exchange.


Builders also supply alkalinity, prevent suspended soils from redepositing during cleaning and emulsify oily or greasy soils. see "alkaline builder"

built detergent - A cleaning product that contains both surfactants and alkaline builders.

bulked continuous filament (BCF) - An abbreviated term used to identify yarns made of fibers that are extruded, drawn, crimped and gathered with other continuous filaments to make BCF yarn for fabric manufacture.

bulking - Processing yarn, usually by mechanical means, to fluff it up and give more coverage with the same weight; also known as crimping, texturizing, and lofting.

burlap - A coarse, canvas-like fabric (sometimes called “gunny”) usually made of jute, but it can be made of cotton or hemp. Burlap is used primarily in making sacks or bags, but it may be used in furniture, draperies and wall coverings.

burn testing - A method used to identify fibers by observing the resulting flame (color, action, smoke), odor and ash (color, shape, hardness). Burn testing may not always be sufficiently accurate for conclusive determination of fiber content.

burr: 1. A rough or prickly seed that becomes entangled

in wool, and must be removed after shearing during the initial stages of carding.

2. An irregular, usually sharp, spur that may develop on cleaning tools, which may damage yarns or fabric if not removed prior to cleaning.

butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) - A chemical agent (C15H24O) that serves as an ultraviolet inhibitor and anti-oxidizing compound when blended in polymer solutions. It is often used when forming polypropylene fibers (slit-film or spun polypropylene yarns). BHT was removed from most synthetic backing materials in 1985 when "yellowing" of face yarns was attributed to its presence. BHT may also be found in fabric adhesives and cushion, and in some backcoating materials.

butyl - see "ethylene glycol monobutyl ether" or "propylene glycol monobutyl ether"

Butyl Cellosolve® - A volatile, water-miscible dry solvent from the glycol classification that is used frequently in preconditioning and degreasing products. see "ethylene glycol monobutyl ether"

[ C ] c - see "centigrade"

cabled yarn - Yarn formed by twisting together two or more plied yarns. This term is commonly used to describe relative large yarns of two or more plies.

CAD - computer aided design. A tool used by textile designers and stylists that enables them to use a computer to design and color fabrics electronically. The CAD process speeds product development.

calendering - Passing cloths between one or more rollers, or calenders, usually with carefully controlled heat and pressure, to produce a variety of surface effects or textures in fabrics. Calender finishes include moiré, glazed, friction, chased or water-marked.

calorific - The heat generating property of light, especially sunlight, which accelerates chemical degradation of fabrics or dyes. See also "actinic"

cambric - Originally, a thin white linen fabric, but today the term refers to any plain-woven (cotton or cotton/polyester), relatively inexpensive fabric used primarily for linings or coverings on upholstered furniture (e.g., platform covering, skirt liner, cushion cover).

camelback - A sofa or chair with a serpentine line at the top back, that creates a “camel hump” effect.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) - The Canadian counterpart to the U.S. OSHA, headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario. See also "OSHA"

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) - A Canadian legislative act administered by Environment Canada and Health Canada beginning in 1988. CEPA is the cornerstone of federal environmental legislation since the 1980s, which addresses controlling toxic substances, preventing environmental harm rather than merely reacting to dangerous conditions after the fact, providing coherence among powers and authorities under federal environmental statutes, enforcing federal regulations, and encouraging penalties for environmental offenses. Environment Canada, Environmental Protection is located at 351 St. Joseph Blvd., Hull, Quebec K1A OH3

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) - Canadian organization (See also "Underwriters Laboratory") responsible for the establishment of product and testing standards, located in Rexdale, Ontario. See also "ISO, ANSI, UL"

canvas - Cotton, linen, or synthetic fabric made with an even weave in heavy and firm weights for sails, upholstery, awning covers, and industrial purposes.


card - A machine used in the processing of staple yarns. Its functions are to separate, align (parallel) and deliver staple fibers in a "sliver" form. This machine incorporates large, counter rotating drums that are covered with "carding fabric" (many projecting wire teeth) for this important function in yarn spinning.

carding - The process of passing fibers between rollers with steel wires to help align them. Carding opens and aligns staple fibers in a parallel configuration to produce uniform, constant density slivers for delivery to yarn spinning frames. Carding also helps remove impurities and unusable (short) fibers from natural fiber stock (cotton, wool).

Carrier - A product added to a dye bath to promote the dyeing of hydrophobic man-made fibers and characterized by affinity for, and ability to swell, the fiber.

C.A.S. - see "Chemical Abstracts Service"

catalyst - A substance that initiates a chemical reaction and allows it to continue under less than favorable conditions.

cation - Positively charged ion.

cationic dyeable - Nylon polymer that has been modified chemically to make the fiber receptive to cationic (basic) dye. Cationic dyeable yarns are used in conjunction with acid dyeable yarns to create multicolor graphic patterns in piece dyeing.

cationic surfactant - A surface active agent in which detergency and other properties depend in part on the positively charged ion of the molecule. Cationic surfactants are marginal cleaners; but they have other properties that allow them to perform effectively as disinfectants, antimicrobials, antistatic compounds, etc. The most common cationic surfactants are known as quaternary ammonium chloride compounds, such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. These are widely used as disinfecting and sanitizing products.

cattlehide leathers - Leathers made from the hides of cows, steers, and bulls.

caustic - The property of a chemical (usually a base) that enables it to burn, corrode, dissolve or eat away other substances. When the term caustic is used alone, it usually refers to sodium hydroxide, which is used in manufacturing hard soap. It also refers to caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), which is used in manufacturing soft soap. see "alkali," and "sodium, potassium hydroxide"

caustic soda - see "sodium hydroxide"

cc - Cubic centimeter. A volume measurement in the metric system that is equal in capacity to one milliliter (ml), or approximately 20 drops. There are 16.4 cc in one cubic inch of air volume.

CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

cellulose - A polysaccharide of glucose units that is the basic building block of plant cells (See also "cotton; jute"). Also used as a basic raw material in the manufacture of rayon and acetate. About 96% of cotton fiber is cellulose.

cellulose acetate - Filaments spun from acetic acid ester of cellulose, which have been solidified from a spinning solution when pumped through a spinneret.

cellulosic browning - see "browning"

Celsius (c or C) - An international thermometric scale (See also "centigrade").

centigrade (c or C) - A scale for measuring temperature. On the centigrade scale, water boils at 100o and freezes at 0o (cp, "Fahrenheit"). Centigrade is converted to Fahrenheit by multiplying by 9, dividing by 5, and adding 32.

CEPA - see "Canadian Environmental Protection Act"

cfm - see "cubic feet per minute"

CFR - see "Code of Federal Regulations"

chaise lounge - A double or couch chair.

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) - A Columbus, Ohio based organization that indexes information published in "Chemical Abstracts" by the American Chemical Society, and provides index guides by which information about particular substances may be located in "Abstracts" when needed. C.A.S. numbers identify specific chemicals.

chemical resistance - The ability of a fiber, fabric, or material to resist the damaging or staining effects various categories of chemicals; e.g., acids, alkalies, oxidizers, dry solvents, or other chemical agents.

chenille - A pile fabric made by sewing rows of surface yarns in a fur or caterpillar form through strong, plain-woven cotton backing. In upholstery fabrics, pile yarns are usually cut, rather than loop, and may be made of cotton, wool, rayon, or silk.

chevron - Herringbone weaves or prints in zig-zag stripes.

chintz - Plain woven, usually printed, cotton, polyester, rayon or blended fabric treated with durable or non-durable resins, and glazed or set with hot rollers or heat curing. Also known as


“glazed” or “polished” cotton, chintz has a high-gloss appearance. The non-durable glaze is usually made of wax and starch compounds set with hot rollers; while the durable glaze consists of urea or melamine resins that are applied and heat cured. The glazed finish may be dulled with abrasive use, body oils, or aggressive cleaning.

chlorinated solvent - An organic, non-polar dry solvent that contains chlorine atoms (e.g., perchloroethylene, trichlorethylene, 1,1,1-trichloro-ethane).

chlorine bleach - Strong oxidizing agents that have one or more chlorine atoms in their molecular makeup. Liquid chlorine bleach products for home use (e.g., Clorox®, Purex®) are normally 5.25% solutions of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO); 6% in Canada (Javex®). Chlorine bleach also may be found in bathroom cleansers, dish washing compounds, and powdered laundry detergents (potassium or sodium dichloroisocyanurate). Chlorine bleach should not be used with silk, wool, chlorine sensitive dyes and on certain stains, such as rust, which it can set. In a ½-1% solution (mixed 1:9 or 1:4), chlorine bleach is an effective germicide. The addition of ammonia or acids to chlorine bleach liberates toxic chlorine gas.

chrome tanned - Leather tanned with chromium salts, resulting in soft mellow upholstery leather.

circling - Rings or spots resulting from uneven wetting, or from "wicking" of moisture into home decor fabrics (upholstery, draperies) from damp carpet.

circular knit - Weft-knit fabric made on a circular needle-bed knitting machine, which creates material in a tubular form. Space dyeing uses circular knit material, applying dyes with rollers at intervals. see “space dyeing”

ciselé - A form of velvet with a distinct pattern formed by contrasting cut and uncut loops of yarn.

citric acid - An organic acid (C6H8O7) used in cleaning, primarily to neutralize alkalinity, and prevent or correct browning, yellowing or general discolorations resulting from cellulose degradation, or chemical reaction discolorations.

cleanability - The ability of a textile fabric to release soil and stains without damage to the fiber, color or backings when cleaned using appropriate processes.

cleanability codes - see “colorfastness codes”

cleaning - The traditional activity of removing contaminants, pollutants and undesired substances

from an environment or surface to reduce damage or harm to human health or valuable materials. Cleaning is the process of locating, identifying, containing, removing and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment or material.

cleat - Any strip of material attached to the surface of another material to strengthen, support or secure a third material.

coated fabric - Fabrics that have been coated with a substance to make them longer lasting or resistant to water or other liquids. Coating substances or materials might include: oil, pyroxylin, rubber, resins, melamines, and plastics. Coated fabrics include imitation leathers.

coir (kore) - a stiff coarse fiber from the outer husk of a coconut.

colloidal alumina - The basic ingredient for several anti-static treatments (also soil retardants). See also "colloidal silica"

colloidal silica - A basic ingredient for particle soil retardants. see "fabric protector"

color breakdown - A situation in which incorrect dyeing methods or defective dyes cause a color change over a period of time.

colorfastness - The ability of a fiber or fabric containing dyestuffs or pigment to resist breakdown according to manufacturer and government test standards, under ultraviolet light exposure, wet crocking, dry crocking, cleaning, or atmospheric contaminants.

colorfastness codes - An ASTM labeling system used by furniture manufacturers to assist consumers in determining colorfastness to spotting/cleaning agents. In essence, the codes are:

CODE MEANING

"W" Dyes are stable to water-based spotters/cleaners

"S" Dyes are stable to dry solvent-based spotters/cleaners

"W-S"Dyes are stable to either water or dry solvent-based spotters/cleaners

"X" Dyes are not stable in either water or dry solvent-based spotters/cleaners

These codes have evolved into a cleaning designation system: “W” meaning wet clean; “S” meaning dry solvent clean; “W-S” meaning clean


with water or dry solvents, and “X” meaning vacuum only. These codes in no way suggest that careful testing and evaluation on the part of the cleaning technician is not required.

color matching - The proper coordination of color hues and shade depth. Critical to color matching are: the light under which colors are compared; the surface texture of the object being and the surface luster of the object being matched .

color remover - Reducing agents that are sufficiently reactive to remove color or stains from textile fabrics without destroying the textiles themselves.

combination fabric - Fabric that uses combination yarns.

combination yarn - Yarn that is composed of two or more yarns having different fibers (blended), or different twist levels; i.e., one yarn may have a high twist; the other, little or no twist (e.g., frieze).

combing - Removing short fibers - those less than 1¼” - and impurities from staple that has been carded. Combed yarn is superior to carded yarn in that there are fewer short fibers to make the yarn appear “hairy.” see "pin drafting"

combustible - Able to catch fire and burn. According to DOT combustible materials have a flashpoint between 141 and 200oF (60-93oC). see "flammablity"

commodity yarn - Yarn that is not warranted by the manufacturer to have special attributes or value. Generally, it is less expensive than branded yarn.

compound - A combination of substances, which results in a reaction that forms a new substance that differs from either of its components.

concentrate - The undiluted form of a product that is normally mixed with water.

concentration - The relative amount of a substance when combined or mixed with other substances. Examples: 2 ppm hydrogen sulfide in air, or a 50% caustic solution.

conditioning - Bringing a textile sample to moisture equilibrium within a specified atmosphere, prior to performing certain tests.

construction: 1. The method by which fabric (e.g., tufted, woven,

bonded carpet or upholstery) is manufactured. 2. The sum of a fabric's components, including

fiber type, total density, method of dyeing, etc.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - A U.S. federal agency with responsibility for regulating hazardous materials when they appear in consumer goods. For CPSC purposes, hazards are defined in the Hazardous Substances Act and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970.

continuous dyeing - see "dyeing"

continuous filament - Continuous strand of synthetic fiber extruded, drawn, crimped and bundled with other continuous filament fibers to make yarn directly from the extruder, without the need for spinning, as is required by all natural (or synthetic staple) fibers. Any synthetic fiber may be made in a continuous filament form, and silk is the only "natural" fiber that may be loosely termed "continuous filament."

corded fabric - One in which there is a discernable filling-rib in the material; e.g., bengaline, grosgrain, Ottoman, poplin, taffeta.

corduroy - A raised, cut-pile fabric formed with one warp and two filling rows, that form ribs or wales that run lengthwise. One of the two filling rows interweaves with the warp chain to form a base or "ground" fabric, while the other attaches with some warp yarns but floats over three or four others. After weaving, the float yarns are cut, and the pile is brushed ("tigering") to form the velvet-like cords. Older corduroys were made of cotton, but today, they may be made of cotton, polyester, acrylic, or blends.

core-spun yarn - A compound structure consisting of a readily separable core surrounded by fiber, and suitable for use as a yarn.

corrected grain - Leather on which the outer surface of the grain has been lightly removed by sanding.

cotton - A soft, white, naturally twisted vegetable (cellulosic) fiber, dating back to 3000 B.C., obtained from the seed of the cotton plant. When processed (ginned, carded, combed), cotton fiber consists of 95-99% cellulose and 1-5% binding gum called lignin. Cotton is highly absorbent and is easily dyed and printed with a variety of colors and designs. It wrinkles easily and is flammable and susceptible to attack by mildew. It is frequently encountered in upholstery fabrics as the sole or blended fiber. Upholstery and other cotton fabrics may be mercerized (increases strength and luster), Sanforized (reduces shrinkage), glazed (chintz), or treated for flame, wrinkle or stain resistance. "Cotton" also is the term used for thread or fabric made from cotton.


cotton count - The numbering system based on length and weight, originally used for cotton yarns and now employed for most staple yarns. It is based on a unit length of 840 yards, and the count of the yarn is equal to the number of 840 yard skeins required to weigh one pound. Under this system, the higher the cotton count number, the finer the yarn. A three's cotton count that has been two-plied is written 3.0/2 c.c.

Cotton, Inc. - The central organization representing all segments of the cotton industry in the fields of research and promotion. Its goal is to increase the consumption of US grown cotton, seed, and products thereof throughout the world.

cotton linters - Short fiber stock (< ”) that is used to make absorbent cotton, rayon, celluloid and other products from the short fibers that remain on the cotton seed after ginning.

cotton, long staple - Cotton fiber not less than 1 ” long, usually considered premium grade.

count (cloth, fabric count) - The number of ends and picks per inch in a woven fabric, or the number of wale loops and course loops per inch in knitted fabric.

course - The row of stitches across a knitted fabric, which corresponds to the weft or filling in woven goods.

cover -The outer fabric on upholstered furniture.

cowhide leather - A term applied specifically to leather made from hides of cows, although it also is generally used to designate any leather tanned from hides of animals of the bovine species.

CPSC - see "Consumer Product Safety Commission"

creasing - The formation of folds, wrinkles or ridges in textile materials, especially those which adversely affect the appearance or performance of the material during use (following manufacture or installation). see "wrinkles"

creel - A frame or rack that holds hundreds (thousands) of cones of yarn. The yarn is fed from the creel through plastic tubing to the needles of a tufting machine.

crepe - A variety of lightweight fabrics characterized by a crinkly surface that is obtained either by use of hard twist yarns, chemical treatments, weave, construction, or some form of embossing or surface treatment.

cretonne - A plain, twill or satin weave made of twisted, round yarns and usually printed with large designs. It usually contains some foreign matter that

adds to the natural appearance of the finished weave. Today, it may be made of cotton, silk, polyester, rayon, linen, or blends of fibers. Wet cleaning may cause crocking or bleeding of dyes.

crewel - A plain woven fabric base (usually cotton) with a raised surface design, usually created with bulky wool yarns, embroidered into the base fabric.

crimp - A non-linear configuration (waviness) in fiber, such as sawtooth, zig-zag, or random curl relative to the fiber axis.

crimping (bulking, texturizing) - Processing yarn, usually by heat and mechanical pressure, to fix a wavy texture and increase bulk and coverage. Crimping also aids in holding staple yarns together.

crocking - Term used to describe the wet or dry transfer of excess color, rubbing off as the result of improper dye penetration or fixation, the use of improper dyes or dyeing methods, or insufficient washing (rinsing) and treatment after dye application. Generally, dyes are transferred from the crocking fabric or material to another fabric or surface. Crocking is easily detected by wiping a clean, white cloth over an unused portion of the fabric (avoids soil transfer) 10-12 times. Samples are required for confirmation of crocking.

cross-dyed - Multicolored effect produced in fabric with fibers having different dye affinities. see "dyeing"

crosslinked polymer - Long chain, complex chemical polymer molecules which have crosswise connections with other polymers; e.g., crosslinked adhesives, plastics, etc.

cross section - The shape of an individual filament when cut at right angles to its axis.

crushed leather - Leather, which has had the natural grain accentuated during manufacture by plating, boarding, or other processes; artificially grained.

crushed velvet - A pile weave with intentional distortion in the face yarn. The crushed effect is set with resins or sizing, which can be removed with use or with cleaning.

crush marks (roll crush) - Bands of flattened pile usually running across the width of rolled, pile fabrics, such as velvet upholstery. Crush marks develop when fabrics are rolled while fibers are hot, or, most likely, when subjected to excessive weight or heat during shipping or storage. Generally, crush marks or bands become lighter and narrower, and closer together as they progress toward the center of the roll. See also "bands"


crust - Leather that has been tanned, dyed, and dried, but not finished.

CSA - see "Canadian Standards Association"

cubic feet per minute (cfm) - A measure of the volume airflow, or of a substance flowing through air within a fixed period of time. Indoors, cfm is the amount of air measured in cubic feet that is delivered and exchanged in one minute. Along with lift ("Hg or "H2O), cfm is one of the major methods of determining vacuuming efficiency.

Curv-a-flex® - see “Plygrip®” cut - A length of fabric.

cut velvet - Velvet, made on a Jacquard loom, which has a cut-out pattern.

[ D ] Dacron® - A registered trademark of DuPont for polyester.

damask - A figured, reversible woven fabric made on a Jacquard loom. Introduced to the Western world by Marco Polo in the 13th century, it was named from Damascus, the center of fabric trade between the East and West. It is characterized by float yarns running in both the warp and filling direction to form different portions of the satin design. When the fabric is reversed, the satin designs formed by warp and filler yarns are reversed. It is distinguished from a brocade, which is not reversible, nor is it as lustrous.

deck (platform) - The top layer of the seat area upon which loose cushions are placed.

deflected needle - see "needle deflection"

defloculation - In cleaning, this term refers to separation of soil from a surface on which it is deposited, normally accomplished with detergent action.

defoamer - A liquid or powdered material (usually silicone based) that suppresses or inhibits the formation of foam during cleaning (especially hot water extraction).

degrade: 1. To impair with respect to some physical

property of a material (e.g., texture, color, surface properties).

2. To reduce a chemical in terms of complexity. To break down into simpler compounds.

degreaser - An aggressive detergent compound or dry solvent designed to be used primarily on heavy,

oily soils. Degreasing activity is usually achieved by adding alkaline builders or dry solvents to basic surfactants.

delustered fiber (yarns) - Subduing or dulling the natural luster of synthetic fibers (primarily) by the addition of pigment (titanium dioxide), or by physical means. Fiber producers' designations of such fibers include: dull, semi-dull and semi-bright, with bright fibers being non-delustered.

denier: 1. fiber - The weight in grams of 9000 meters of

filament. Generally, the lower the denier, the finer the fiber. The higher the denier, the coarser the fiber.

2. yarn - Fiber denier multiplied by the number of fibers comprising the yarn.

denim - A twill weave fabric made of coarse, highly twisted yarns, and calendared to provide a flat smooth finish. Most denim is made of cotton fiber, occasionally blended with polyester.

detergent - A cleaning agent. Usually, the term detergent refers to a prepared compound that may include surfactants, builders, dry solvents, softeners, brighteners, fragrances, etc. but does not include true soap. see "anionic, cationic, detergency, nonionic"

differential dyeing - Fibers having different dye affinities (dye variant fibers) are mixed together to produce multicolor textiles from a single dyeing.

digester - An enzyme used to break down complex protein molecules that cause stains or odor.

digestion - The biochemical decomposition of organic matter.

dilute - Making a substance less concentrated by the addition of gas or liquid.

dilution ratio - The ratio at which a cleaning agent is diluted in water for its recommended effective use, often expressed as a number such as 1:128, referring to parts of chemical dissolved in parts of water (e.g., 1:128 = 1 part chemical to 128 parts water).

dimensional stability - The ability of a textile to retain or maintain its size and shape when subjected to mechanical action, changes in ambient humidity and/or temperature, or when soaked with water and dried. In fabrics, dimensional stability also may be achieved by the application of a backcoat.

dirt - see "soil"

discoloration - A condition in which existing dye structures have been altered or removed.


disperse dye - An organic dye originally used for acetate, but today, finding wide use in dyeing some nylon, acrylic and, especially, polyester fibers. Although disperse dyes are not soluble in water (like pigment), they are supplied in a finely ground form that will disperse in water. Disperse dyes are held onto fiber surfaces by friction and strong electrical forces and, for the most part, are unaffected by cleaning and many color removing agents.

dispersing agent - A wetting agent (detergent or other chemical) that accelerates the uniform diffusion of dye molecules throughout a dye bath.

distortion - Any of several alterations in the appearance of textile surfaces.

d'limonene - A dry solvent (C10H16) with a citrus fragrance that is used in some preconditioning and spotting agents to aid in emulsifiying oils.

dobby loom - A type of loom on which small, geometric figures can be woven in as a regular pattern. It differs from a plain loom in that it may have up to 32 harnesses and a pattern chain.

do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning - Cleaning accomplished by non-professional fabric owners.

dope dyed - see "solution dying"

double-cloth construction - A fabric made with a plain or twill weave, or in combinations of weaves. Two cloths are woven on the loom at the same time, with one being made on top of the other, sometimes linked together by binder yarns. Double-cloth constructions may have a plain-weave face, a twill-weave back, and a satin-weave stitching arrangement.

down (goose) - Stuffer material made from the feathers of geese.

drawing: 1. Stretching synthetic fiber immediately after

extrusion in order to align and strengthen polymer molecules. It is during drawing that fibers polymer molecules are oriented so that they have greater tensile strength.

2. Elongation of sliver (combed staple fiber strands) in the yarn spinning process, prior to being twisted into yarn singles.

drawing in - Process of drawing in warp yarns from the warp beam, through heddle eyes of the harness frame, and then through the reed splits of the reed of the loom. A plan is followed so that the actual weave from design paper is produced in the woven cloth.

drop match - A pattern that continues across the fabric diagonally or at a 45o angle to the edge of a seam. see "match"

drum dyed - A dyeing process in which leather is immersed in dye and tumbled in a rotating drum, thus ensuring maximum dye penetration.

dry cleaning - A cleaning process in which organic solvents, such as chlorinated or aliphatic hydrocarbons and a dry solvent compatible detergent, are used as the cleaning medium, rather than water.

dry foam cleaning - A minimum-moisture cleaning method in which, following dry soil removal (vacuuming), a dense foam is produced within a dry foam machine through mechanical aeration of liquid detergent. The foam is distributed via brush action. As the machine moves over the fabric, foam is applied, it is agitated for soil suspension, and the excess foam (along with suspended soil) is extracted by means of a wet vacuum, often incorporated into the same machine.

dry rot - The slow, progressive deteriorating effect of microorganisms (fungi) over a period of time under minimum-moisture conditions on organic (especially cellulosic) textile fibers. Eventually, dry rot causes a loss of strength and fabric integrity.

dry solvent - A non-water liquid (hydrocarbon) that has an ability to dissolve oils, greases, etc.

dry soil removal principle - see "principles of cleaning"

duck - A closely woven, heavy material that is one of the most durable fabrics made. The term actually covers a wide range of fabrics.

dust cover - An inexpensive spun or plain woven fabric that covers the bottom of upholstered furniture or box springs. Originally made of non-colorfast cotton cambric, most of today's dust covers are made of spun polypropylene. see "Typar®"

dwell time - see "soil suspension principle"

dye - A soluble, color absorbing/reflecting material. Dyes differ in: their resistance to sunlight, perspiration, cleaning agents, atmospheric gases; their solubility; their affinity for differing fibers; and their method of application. See also "pigment"

dye band - see "band"

dye beck - A large, cylindrical vat into which rolls of fabric are submerged for piece (batch) dyeing.

dye blocker - Napthalated phenolic compounds that block dye sites on nylon fibers to prevent staining by acid dyes. see "acid dye blocker"


dyeing - The process of coloring materials, or impregnating fibers with dye-stuffs (chemical dye) or pigment (reflective particles). Dye application may be plain (single colored fibers or yarns), tonal (different colored fibers or yarns but no distinct pattern), or patterned (a readily defined area of two or more colors, or of single colors present in areas of different structure or texture in a predetermined pattern).

dye level defects - Uneven application of dyes across a fabric’s width. see "bands"

dye site - An irregular, electrically charged area on the surface of a fiber which has an affinity for dye.

dye streak - Relatively long, narrow variations in color running in a lengthwise direction and usually associated with continuous dyeing. Dye streaks may be caused by defective or partially blocked applicator jets, something rubbing over the fabric during continuous dyeing, or even creases or folds in the fabric during continuous dyeing or rope beck dyeing (length or diagonal streaks). see "streak"

dyestuff - A water-soluble or insoluble, highly-colored substance that is capable of permanent physical or chemical attachment to textile fibers, generally having an affinity for a specific fiber type. Most dyestuffs are applied from water-based solutions. The primary types of dyestuff are: pigment, reactive, vat, naphthol, and disperse. see “dye types”

[ E ] elasticity - The ability of a textile fiber to “recover” when released from tension or stretch.

electrostatic flocking - see "flocking"

elongation - An increase in length or deformation of a fiber, measured as a percentage of the original length, resulting from stretching.

embossed leather - Hides or skins finished with designs stamped on by etched, engraved, or electrotyped plates or rollers. Embossing is used extensively on fancy pocketbook leather, upholstery and bag leathers, as well as splits and on shoe upper leather. Embossed designs may be an imitation of the natural grain of different animal skins, or designs of an artificial nature.

embossing: 1. A surface effect achieved on fabric by passing

cloth through a series of engraved rollers that use heat and pressure to produce figures or designs on the fabric’s surface.

2. Impressing a pattern onto the surface of a hide to create a motif or texture. A very even and uniform pattern is created, possibly to disguise natural defects or blemishes, or to create visually exciting designs.

embroidery - Ornamental needlework, produced by hand or machine, that consists of designs worked on fabric in silk, cotton, metalized or other threads.

emulsification - The process of dispersing one liquid into another liquid with which it is immiscible; the action of breaking up fats, oils and other lipids into small particles that remain suspended within a cleaning solution until extraction may be accomplished.

emulsion - Two or more liquids that do not dissolve in each other but are held in suspension, one in the other. A colloidal dispersion of one liquid within another (usually lipids or oils in water) without forming a compound or solution; e.g., milk is animal fat emulsified in water. see "emulsification"

end: 1. An individual warp yarn in woven fabric. 2. An individual pile yarn in tufted fabric. 3. A roll end or short length (remnant) of fabric.

see "remnant"

end-on-end - Woven fabric with two colors alternating in the warp direction, usually one in color and the other white.

engineered pattern - Fabric with more than one type of pattern repeated over the length of the fabric.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - A U.S. federal agency with environmental protection regulatory and enforcement authority. Administers Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, FIFRA, RCRA, TSCA, and other Federal environmental laws. Its office of air and radiation is located at 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460.

EPA - see "Environmental Protection Agency"

epidermis: 1. The outer epithelial layer of a skin. The epidermis is the nonsensitive, nonvascular layer that covers the dermis. 2. The outer layer of overlapping scales on the

surface of wool fiber.

exhaustion - The process of dye molecules leaving a dye liquor completely and becoming fixed on fiber dye sites. In theory at least, when dyes are completely exhausted and properly fixed on fibers, the resulting effluent should be colorless.


extraction cleaning - see "hot water extraction; steam cleaning"

extrusion - The process of forcing (pumping) the liquefied raw materials (polymers) that make up fibers through a spinnerette to form filaments when cooled and/or dried. The cross section of the fiber is determined by the shape of the spinnerette opening.

[ F ] f (F) - see "Fahrenheit"

fabric - In the broadest sense, any woven, knitted, plaited, braided, felted, tufted, or non-woven material made of fibers or yarns.

fabric marker - A marker of all pattern parts, laid out for use in cutting fabric for upholstered furniture.

fabric pattern direction: Parallel to the selvage applies to any fabric whose

design, stripe, plaid, or stria direction is perpendicular to the selvage.

Perpendicular to the selvage will apply to any fabric whose design, stripe, plaid, or stria direction is perpendicular to the selvage. Occasionally, there will be an exception to the above guidelines, in that the fabric cutting direction will be specified opposite to that of the fabric pattern direction; e.g., a stripe with parallel fabric pattern direction cut perpendicular to the selvage to obtain a horizontal application.

fabric softener - An additive (usually cationic) that provides fabrics with a softer "hand" or feel. Fabric softeners also reduce static electricity build-up in fabrics.

fabric protector - Materials that enhance the performance of fibers or fabrics, especially in the area of soil/stain retardancy/repellency. Fabric protectors include:

MATERIAL COMPOSITION PERFORMANCE REMOVAL

stain repellant

silicone wet stain repellency

dry solvents (chlorinated)

soil/stain repellant

fluorochemical dry soil retardant some wet stain repellency oily stain repellency

prolonged wear dry solvents (glycol)

face (fiber, yarn) - Those fibers (yarns) extending above the primary backing or base fabric. see "pile" fadeometer - A laboratory testing device used to determine the amount of color loss a fabric has

sustained, after being subjected to a xenon arc lamp (simulated sunlight) for a specified number of hours.

fading - Gradual, irreversible loss of color intensity, usually due to exposure to light (actinic radiation, especially direct sunlight); or from contact between dyes and various soils or oxidizing gases (ozone); or fumes from certain liquids (oxides of nitrogen, sodium hypochlorite), etc. Fading may occur locally or throughout a fabric, depending on exposure to outside agents and airflow. Windows and the general orientation of the structure may be a contributing factor, since the greatest potential for sun fading is from a Southwest exposure with the least being from a north or northwest exposure.

Fahrenheit (f or F) - A scale for measuring temperature. On the Fahrenheit scale, water boils at 212o and freezes at 32o. Fahrenheit is converted to degrees centigrade (Celsius) by subtracting 32, and multiplying by 5. See also "centigrade"

fake fur - Fake, simulated or man-made furs are fabrics that appear to be animal skins. Most are woven or knitted fabrics made of mohair, wool, rayon, acrylic, and blends of fibers.

fastness - The property of a dye which allows it to retain its color when the dyed textile is exposed to light, abrasion, atmospheric gases, cleaning or other color destroying agents (e.g., lightfastness, washfastness). Dyestuff, fiber type and dyeing method all influence the ability of colored textiles to withstand the effects of color destroying agents.

fatliquoring - The process of replacing the oils that have been leached from the hide during processing.

fat wrinkle - Natural wrinkles in leather grain that are a part of its unique beauty. These are only visible in top-grain leathers.

felting - The tendency of wool fibers to intertangle and mat when subjected to excessive traffic or agitation.

fiber (fibre) - A generic term for any natural or synthetic strand or filament that is strong enough to be used in thread or yarn in the manufacture of a textile product. Important properties of fibers include elasticity, fineness, uniformity, durability, soil resistance and luster.

fiber characteristics: 1. chemical - Includes reaction to bleaches, dyes,

light, heat, metallic salts, fungi, oxidizing agents, reducers, acids, alkalies, water, swelling capacity, etc.

2. physical - Includes abrasion resistance, capillarity, penetrability, cohesion, color,


composition, conductivity of heat, crimp, diameter, fineness, elasticity, elongation, breaking point, flexibility, hygroscopy, length, luster, appearance, resiliency, tensile strength, texture, twist, wearability, etc.

filament - A single strand of fiber, natural or synthetic. Natural fiber filaments must be spun into yarns, and synthetic filaments may be extruded directly into yarn form. see "BCF; staple"

filling pile fabric- Cloth formed by floating extra picks on the surface of goods. The floats are cut in or out of the loom to form the tufts of pile; e.g., corduroy. The filling-pile yarn on the surface of the fabric does not always have to be cut.

filling yarn (also "weft" and "stuffer") - Yarns that are interlaced with warp yarns to form a woven fabric; also, called the “pick” or “filling pick,” and often confused with “woof,” the English term for warp. The filling yarn goes from side to side (selvage to selvage).

fineness - A characteristic of fibers referring to the thickness measured in microns, centimeters or fractions of an inch. Fineness does much to determine the end use of a fiber.

finish - A term that describes treatment of a fabric to impart a desired surface effect: calendered, embossed, lacquered, napped, mercerized, Sanforized, etc. Some add luster; some create a dull effect. They often contribute to the feel or “hand” of a fabric.

finishing: 1. The end-processes through which fabric passes

following construction and dyeing, in preparation for marketing and use by consumers. Finishing may include backcoating, curing, application of chemical additives (protectors), shearing, inspection, cutting, rolling, wrapping, storage, etc.

2. In leather, any processing performed after the initial dyeing, such as: buffing, embossing, flame proofing, milling, spraying, waterproofing, waxing, etc.

fireproofing - According to the FTC, for a fabric to be classified as fireproof, it must resist fire or flames 100%. If merely treated to prevent the spread of flames, the term used is “fire resistant.

fire-rated - A rating (F.R.R.) given to a specific material after laboratory tests. The term applies to finished structural systems.

fire retardant - A chemical agent or finish that makes fabrics retard or resist burning.

flame retardancy - see "alumina trihydrate"

flammability - The ability of a material to ignite easily and burn rapidly. This term is used to classify certain liquids on the basis of their flash point. see "flammable liquid, gas, solid"

flat knit - weft knit fabric made on a flat-bed knitting frame with needles in a straight line, as distinguished from a tubular fabric made on a circular frame.

flax - A slender, erect plant cultivated for its bast fiber, used in making linen. see "linen"

fleece - Wool shorn from sheep or any animal whose fur is classified as wool.

flexibility - The ability of a material to bend without breaking. Flexibility varies with temperature.

float - Yarns that rise and pass over two or more adjacent warp yarns, to form a satin weave or other effect.

flock - Short fibers attached to a fabric surface with adhesive.

flocked velvet - A fabric made by electrostatically implanting short pieces of nylon fiber into an adhesive coating on a plain woven cotton, polyester or combination base fabric. The final fabric simulates a velvet weave, although it isn't as durable. Flocked velvets are easily damaged by abrasive wear and exposure to dry solvents (wet clean only). Oily soils in armrest areas eventually damage the adhesive resulting in fiber loss.

flocking - A textile construction technique in which short, or chopped fiber ("flock") is implanted or adhered to a latex precoated backing fabric, usually by electrostatic processes. Fabric constructed by this method is a short-pile material with a velvety texture that has a primary backing only.

flounce - A ruffle or strip of fabric running along the base of upholstered furniture that is attached (usually stapled) to the frame by the flounce's the upper edge only.

fluffing (shedding): 1. Appearance of loose individual fibers or fiber

fragments, usually on the surface of new fabric, which are left after manufacture; not a defect, but a characteristic that disappears (within six months or less) after fabric is used and vacuumed. See also "fuzzing"

2. Back brushing velvet pile upholstery fabric with a velvet finishing or "carding" brush following cleaning and drying, to separate fibers and restore a soft texture.


fluorescent whitening agent - see "optical brightener"

fluorochemical soil/stain repellent - Fabric protectors that serve as soil retardants, and as water and oil-based stain repellents at the same time. see "fabric protectors"

formic acid - An colorless, pungent, fuming liquid organic acid (CH2O2), which, in concentrated form, is used to identify nylon fiber (particularly in yarn blends) by completely dissolving a small sample or tuft.

formula - The conventional scientific designation for a material (e.g., the chemical formula for water is H2O; sulfuric acid is H2SO4; sulfur dioxide is SO2; etc.).

FR - see "flame retardant”

frames (creel) - Racks at back of the Wilton loom holding spools from which yarns are fed into the loom. Each frame holds separate colors; thus, 3-frame Wilton has three colors in the design.

fraying - The loss of yarn from a fabric edge or from a backing material; or a loss of the backing material itself.

frieze (pronounced "free-zay") - A coarse pile plain or jacquard weave, with rough, fuzzy face yarns. It is durable and wears well. Originally made of wool, today's frieze may be made of a variety of natural, synthetic or blended fibers.

fringe - decorative trim used in place of piping or skirts on upholstered furniture.

FRR - "fire resistance rating" A measure of the ability of a finished structural system to withstand fire.

FTC - U.S. Federal Trade Commission

full aniline - Leather that has received its color from dyes and also from a topical stain, wax and/or water repellent.

full drop pattern - A pattern repeat in which one of two identical patterns placed side by side is positioned a full pattern lower than the other.

full grain - The outer layer taken from the hair side, with only the hair and surface debris removed. Also, it is referred to as “full top grain.”

fume – Airborne dispersion of irritating smoke, vapor or gas particles suspended in air. The minute solid particles may arise fro the heating of a solid material, or the evaporation of a liquid

fume fading - Loss of fabric color due to atmospheric gases passing over or through fibers

for prolonged periods and reacting with dyes. Although fume fading may be accelerated by the heat associated with sunlight (calorific property), it is different in that it may occur in areas where sunlight does not contact the fabric. Ozone pollution and nitrogen dioxide fumes from gas furnaces are the primary contributors to fume fading.

fundamentals of cleaning: (see "soil suspension principle") 1. chemical action (preconditioner/cleaner

application) 2. temperature (to excite chemical molecules and

speed activity in suspending soil) 3. agitation (for maximum distribution of cleaning

agents) 4. time ("dwell" time required for cleaning agents

to fully suspend soils) furniture condition report form – a form used to list conditions that may adversely affect the outcome of the cleaning procedure. It is filled out by the technician during the inspection and signed by the customer prior to the beginning of the cleaning.

FWA - see "fluorescent whitening agent"

[ G ] g - see gram.

g/kg - Grams per kilogram. An expression of dose used in oral and dermal toxicology testing to indicate the grams of substance dose per kilogram of animal body weight. see "kilogram" or "kg"

gauge (gage): The number of knitting needles in 1½” of the needle bed or cylinder on certain machines.

gauge row - Rows of tufts across the width of the fabric, perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of manufacture. Also known as "tuft" or "loop" row.

gimp - Scroll-type decorative finishing material used to cover tacks, staples and unfinished edges of upholstery and add interest to the piece.

glacial acetic acid - A 98% pure form of acetic acid (solidifies at 56oF/13.3oC), used in the production of acetate fiber. In the context of spotting, glacial acetic must be diluted to a 5-7% concentration (1:19 or 1:13). Glacial acetic is extremely hazardous (toxic fumes, severe skin burns) and should not be used without special training, PPE and under carefully controlled conditions. see "acetic acid"


glazing - Finish that provides luster, sheen, shine, or polish to some fabrics. It is accomplished by friction calendering. Chintz is an example of a glazed fabric.

gloss - The sheen, shine or reflectivity of a surface, based on the type material or finishes used.

glossing - A progressive and irreversible increase in the luster of a use surface, due to the deformation of fiber cross sections resulting from mechanical action (abrasion).

glycol solvent - A dry solvent classification. Glycol solvents are fairly miscible in water and they have a particular affinity for dissolving animal and vegetable oils. Therefore, they are found in many cleaning compounds (preconditioners or traffic lane pretreat-ment).

grain - A reference to the outer or hair side of a hide or skin. Grain also refers to the pattern of the outer surface after the hair or wool and epidermal tissues have been removed.

grained leather - Leather on which the original, natural grain has been highlighted by a finishing process.

gram (g) - A metric unit for mass weight. One gram is about 4/100th of an ounce, or one ounce U.S. is about 28 grams. One pound is 454 grams. One teaspoon of sugar weighs about eight (8) grams.

gray goods - see “greige goods”

gray scale - A standard of comparison developed by the AATCC using degrees of color change ranging from 5 (no change) to 1 (severe change).

greige goods (Pronounced "gray" goods) - Term designating undyed (usually off-white), unfinished fabric just off the weaving loom. The term "greige goods" is normally associated with continuous or beck (batch) dyeing processes.

grooming - The process of nap setting following cleaning and after treatment (e.g., fabric protector) application.

ground color - Background color against which the top colors create the pattern or figure in the top design.

[ H ] hairiness - The extension of fibers above the normal level of the use surface or pile or textile fabrics. Hairiness usually is not removed by brushing or vacuuming.

Haitian cotton - An off-white, usually undyed, plain-woven, latex backed upholstery fabric made of 100% cotton warp threads and bulky, minimally twisted cotton weft yarns. The weft yarns are made of minimally processed cotton fiber that is ginned and carded to remove some impurities (seed, stem and leaf fragments), but not pin-drafted or combed to remove all of them. The result is impurities in the weft yarns with a high lignin content, which brown easily when subjected to normal cleaning. Seldom dyed, Haitian cotton fabrics have a soft, natural look preferred for casual decorating.

half drop-match - see "match"

hand - The tactile qualities (feel) of a fabric; e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch.

hand antiqued (hand rubbing) - The process in which skilled craftsmen hand rub a contrasting color into the surface of the leather to accentuate the natural grain or embossing.

hand buffed - Upholstery leather on which the top grain has been lightly buffed to remove the top of the hair follicles.

hank - A skein of reeled yarn.

harness - The frame on a loom which holds the heddles and moves them up and down to form the shed through which the shuttle passes during the insertion of weft yarns in weaving.

heather - A subtle, multi-colored effect produced by commingling yarns or spinning blended fibers of different colors together. see "moresque; barber pole"

heat-setting - Stabilizing yarn twist to ensure no change in size or shape; the process of batch heat-setting yarn in an autoclave, or continuous heat-setting in Superba or Suessen units using super-heated steam and pressure.

heat transfer printing (HTP) - The technique of printing fabrics by transferring a printed design from paper to fabric using heat and pressure. HTP is used primarily on knitted or flocked fabrics.

heddle - A series of vertical cords or wires on a loom, each of which has, in the middle, a loop or eye which holds an individual warp end. There are two heddle frames on a typical loom, each carrying a set of warp yarns. These frames are mounted in the harness and rise and fall alternately to form the shed through which the weft shuttle passes during weaving.


hemp - A plant native to central Asia, which grows from 4-12 feet high and is retted to produce fiber used rarely in specialized fabrics.

Herculon® - Hercules Chemical Corporations trade name for olefin or polypropylene. see "olefin"

herringbone twill - A broken twill weave giving a zig-zag effect by alternating the direction of the twill weaving process, i.e., chevron.

hides - Pelts of large animals, almost always meaning cattle, in contrast to “skins,” which refer to the pelt of young or small animals.

high pile - Pile in upholstery fabric that is more than 1/8" in height.

hot water extraction - A restorative method of cleaning that begins with dry soil removal (vacuuming) followed by preconditioning (detergent application to heavily soiled areas, with agitation for even distribution, and dwell time of 10-15 minutes). Then, hot water (from 110-165oF/49-83oC) from a holding tank or heating coil incorporated into the cleaning unit (often combined with detergent) is injected under pressures ranging from 35-100 psi. Suspended soil is removed from fabrics through a combination of the flushing action of injected solutions, coupled with wet vacuuming (3-11 "Hg). Excess solution and suspended soil is collected within a waste water recovery tank or disposal system.

hue - The amount or intensity of a color that allows it to be classified as pink, red, blue, green, etc.

hydrofluoric acid - An inorganic acid (HF) primarily used in the cleaning industry to remove rust stains.

hydrogen peroxide - H2O2; An antiseptic, and an oxidizing bleach normally used in a three percent (3%) solution primarily for spotting and browning correction. In solutions >3%, hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant.

hygroscopic - A material that readily absorbs and retains moisture or water vapor from air. see "humectant"

hypochlorite - The active bleaching and disinfecting ingredient in liquid chlorine bleach. see "sodium hypochlorite"

[ I ] IICRC - see "Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification"

imitation leather - Materials made and finished to resemble leather. Included are coated fabrics,

rubber and rubber compositions, and plastic materials.

imperfects - see "seconds"

indentation force deflection (IFD) - The load, expressed in pounds per cubic foot, that is required to compress four-inch thick urethane foam cushion material 25% of its original thickness.

in-plant cleaning - Any cleaning process in which upholstery is brought into a plant facility for cleaning, as opposed to cleaning "on-location" in homes or businesses.

insoluble - Not capable of being dissolved in a liquid.

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, Inc. (IICRC) - A non-profit organization owned by trade associations throughout North America, which is responsible for setting standards and providing certification for the professional inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries: (360) 693-5675; FAX 360 693-4858; [email protected] (www.iicrc.org).

intensity - The brightness or dullness of a color.

International Gray Scale - A standard of comparison to rate degrees of color change from 5 (no change) to 1 (severe change).

International Standards Organization (ISO) - An organization made up of experts from various scientific disciplines who represent many countries. The ISO meets every 18 months to establish internationally acceptable standards for testing a wide range of goods and materials.

ion - A molecule-sized particle that has either a positive or negative charge.

irregulars - see "seconds"

iridescent fabrics - Fabrics that show varying tints and hues as light strikes them from differing angles.

[ J ] jacquard - An intricate woven fabric, usually with floral design (tapestry, brocade, brocatelle, damask), produced on a complicated, punch-card controlled Wilton loom. The system was invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801-1804.

jaspé - Drapery or upholstery fabric that has a series of faint stripes formed by light, medium and dark yarns of a particular color.

JIFSC - see “Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee”


JILSC - see “Joint Industry Leather Standards Committee”

Joint Industry Fabric Standards Committee (JIFSC) - A voluntary standards organization dedicated to developing standards, guidelines, test methods, classifications, and definitions for the upholstered furniture industry.

Joint Industry Leather Standards Committee (JIFSC) - A voluntary organization dedicated to developing standards, guidelines, test methods, classifications, and definitions for the leather furniture industry.

Journeyman Cleaning Technician (JCT) - An advanced certification category used by the IICRC to designate professional cleaning technicians who have completed a regimen of IICRC-approved courses and examinations, and have at least one year working experience in the cleaning service industry since the date of their first certification. see "Master Cleaning Technician"

jute - A plant thought to be native to India and the far East. This bast fiber (76% cellulose, 24% lignin) is obtained from fibrous materials located just below the outer bark of the jute plant. Jute is harvested, shredded, stream-retted, cleaned and spun into yarn.

jute browning - see "browning"

[ K ] kg - Kilogram. A metric unit of weight, equal to about 2.2 U.S. pounds. See "g/kg," "g," and "mg"

kickboard - On upholstered furniture, the lower portion of the frame that extends across the front, and behind the skirt.

knit gauge - the actual number of needles in 1 ½ inches in a knitting machine. The higher the gauge, the finer the fabric.

knitting - A manufacturing process in which yarns are interlaced in a series of connected loops with three sets of knitting needles. This is a popular process for making clothing or upholstery fabrics.

[ L ] l - "liter"

lamé - Brocade, brocatelle or damask fabric in which laminated metallic threads or yarns are interspersed throughout the weave. The metallic threads may be copper, gold or silver, or Mylar (plastic coated aluminum).

laminate - To join layers by means of an adhesive, heat bonding, or other means.

latex - A viscous, milky emulsion of rubbery liquid found in several seed plants (milkweed, rubber tree, poppy). Latex is used to lock yarns or tufts into place in fabrics.

latexing - The application of latex backcoatings.

lay - see "pile lay"

leather - A hide or skin that has been tanned into a non-perishable material, either with or without the hair removed. Leather also is made from a hide or skin that has been split into layers before or after tanning. But if the tanned hide or skin is disintegrated into fibrous particles, either mechanically and/or chemically, or into small pieces or powders, and then, with or without the combination of binding agent, is made into sheets or forms, such materials are not leather. Leather may have surface coatings of a reasonable amount, but beyond this, the resulting product shall be described as a laminate or composite. The term “laminated leather” should not be used if the leather content is less than two-thirds of the total thickness.

Leather Industries of America - Association representing the leather industry: 1000 Thomas Jefferson St., N.W., Suite 515, Washington, DC 20007. Their research and testing laboratory is located at the Univ. of Cincinnati: PO Box 210014, Cincinnati, OH 45221.

leveling agent: 1. A substance added to coatings which allows it

to flow evenly in application and to help prevent "puddling."

2. A substance added to a dye bath to allow dyes to fix uniformly throughout a textile with no streaks.

light fastness - The degree of resistance of dyed textile materials to the color-destroying influence of sunlight. At least two methods of testing are in use: exposure to sunlight, either direct or under glass, and accelerated testing in a laboratory apparatus equipped with any of several types of artificial light sources.

light reflectivity - The percentage of the total light falling upon an object or surface that is reflected back to the viewer's eye. Reflectivity is dependent primarily on the color (hue) and shade of a surface.

lignin - A reddish-brown binding gum forming, and cementing together the cell walls of cellulose comprising jute, linen or cotton fiber. Lignin is easily dissolved in the prolonged presence of alkaline


cleaning solutions. Lignin comprises about 1% of fully processed cotton fiber and about 24% of jute fiber.

liming - The process of removing hair from a raw hide through by using chemicals.

limonene - see "d'limonene"

linen - A natural fiber obtained from retting the stems of flax plants. Linen is a strong, light weight, absorbent, somewhat expensive fabric. It is brittle and wrinkles easily. It is easily damaged by strong acids and mildew, and dyes are prone to crocking (rubbing off). see "retting"

lofting - Brushing pile weave upholstery fabrics after cleaning against the pile lay to lift and separate individual fibers and produce a soft, even texture.

loom - A complicated weaving machine that is designed to efficiently interlace warp, weft and sometimes pile yarns to form woven textiles.

love seat - A small sofa or sleeper that accommodates two people.

low end - Goods having minimal face yarn per yard; the opposite of "high end" goods.

luster - The brightness or reflectivity of fibers, yarns or fabric. The ability of a fiber to reflect light or sheen is determined by several factors including: its modification ratio, cross section and delustrants used. Luster is judged in terms of bright, semi-bright, semi-dull or dull.

[ M ] m - see "meter"

m3 - Cubic meter. A metric measure of volume, about 35.3 cubic feet, or 1.3 cubic yards.

maintenance cleaning: this includes routine procedures such as vacuuming, attending to spots and polishing surfaces as required. Maintenance helps to keep the furnishings in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear.

manmade fibers - A term that loosely describes all manmade textile fibers, whether cellulose based or not.

Master Cleaning Technician (MCT) - An advanced certification category used by the IICRC to designate professional cleaning technicians who have completed a regimen of IICRC-approved courses and examinations, and have at least three year working experience in the cleaning service industry since the date of their first certification. See also "Journeyman Cleaning Technician"

match - The frequency with which a pattern repeats and matches with an adjacent pattern in a printed fabric. Examples include:

TYPE DESCRIPTION

set-match The figure producing the parallel bands (example: 36 inches wide by 24 inches long) of pattern down the entire length of fabric matches straight across from side to side.

drop-match The pattern in an adjacent band "drops" (e.g., 24 inches) before repeating.

half-drop match

The figure matches midway on the design; i.e., it "drops" 12 inches before repeating.

quarter-drop match

The figure matches one-quarter of the length of the repeat on the side of an adjacent pattern; i.e., pattern "drops" 6 inches before repeating.

matched pattern - Furniture upholstered so the pattern is matched on the back, seat cushions, and rail of the piece.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - Document that chemical manufacturers must supply with their hazardous products to describe the chemical's general properties, its hazards, and how to safely use, handle and store it.

matelassé - A double-woven or compound fabric with a puckered or quilted surface appearance. It can be made of cotton, nylon, acetate, polyester, rayon, silk, wool or blends of fibers. Increased puckering (shrinkage) is often encountered while wet cleaning.

medium buffs - Leather term that formerly called “special machine buffs.” see “upholstery leather”

medulla - The inner or central portion of a plant or animal fiber. See also "lumen"

mercerizing - a process developed by chemist, John Mercer in 1844, for treating cotton fabric with controlled alkalinity (cold, strong sodium hydroxide) to increase dye affinity, strength and luster.

metallic fiber - A manufactured fiber composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated plastic, or a core completely covered by metal. In upholstery, metallic fiber is used to create decorative effects.

metamerism - Variations in the color of a fabric under differing lighting sources, when compared to a master sample of the same apparent color; i.e., sunlight versus incandescent light. A metamerism results when a shade of color in a fabric sample is matched by using dye components that are


chemically different from those used in the master sample.

meter - A unit of length in the metric system. One meter is about 39 inches.

mg - see "milligram"

migration: 1. Gradual movement of moisture, usually on a

horizontal plane, as it is absorbed by materials outward from its source or point of origin. See also "wicking"

2. The movement or leveling out of dye molecules on fiber stock, yarn or greige goods during dyeing.

mildew resistant - Fabric treated to make it resistant to fungi; e.g., mold and mildew.

milling - The process in which tanned hides are tumbled in rotating drums, using a combination of heat and a misting of water to soften the hand or enhance the grain.

mixture - Any combination of two or more chemicals, if the combination is not, in whole or part, the result of chemical reaction (in which a "compound" is formed).

ml - Milliliter. A metric unit of capacity, equal in volume to one cubic centimeter (cc), or about 1/16th of a cubic inch. There are 1,000 milliliters in one liter (l).

modacrylic - An acrylic fiber comprised of 35-85% acrylonitrile units, that tends to be more flame resistant than acrylic.

modulus - The measure of elasticity or stretching fabrics.

mohair - The long, lustrous, strong hair of an Angora goat.

moiré - An upholstery or drapery fabric made from embossing a "wood grained" or "watermarked" design on a ribbed weave, using engraved rollers, pressure and heat. Fibers used in moire fabrics usually include silk, cotton, rayon, acetate and nylon.

molecule - The smallest unit into which a substance can be divided and still retain its chemical identity, e.g., a single molecule of water is H2O, and if reduced further, it no longer would be water. Molecules are made up of combinations of atoms; e.g., atomic oxygen is 0, a single atom, whereas molecular oxygen is 02, a component of air, or 03, ozone gas.

monofilament - A single filament that is large and strong enough to be used directly as a yarn for making textiles through any established process.

moresque - Plied yarn made of different colored yarn singles, twisted or plied together, to form one multicolored yarn, usually of contrasting colors. see "barber pole"

motif - A dominant feature or theme in a fabric.

multifilament yarns - Yarns made of many filaments which are simultaneously extruded (usually through the same spinnerette). After extrusion and drawing, the hot fibers are mechanically crimped to create bulk, and then twisted together to form a yarn; thus BCF, or bulked continuous filament, yarn is made.

muslin - Term used for a variety of cotton fabrics based on finish, weight, etc.

MSDS - see "Material Safety Data Sheet"

Mylar - A polyester film impregnated with metallic (aluminum) particles, or used to cover metallic yarn.

[ N ] nap - The surface of a textile comprised of pile yarns extending above the primary backing. See also "pile"

nap brush - see "grooming"

nap lay - see "pile lay"

nap reversal - see "pile reversal"

nap setting - see "pile setting"

narrow cloth - Woolen or worsted fabric that is less than 52" wide.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - An agency of the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). A Federal agency that recommends occupational exposure limits for various substances, and assists OSHA and MSHA in occupational safety and health investigations and research. It is located at 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH.

native hides - Hides from steers, cows, or bulls, which are free of brand marks.

natural grain - Leather with grain that has not been altered in any way, so the natural appearance of the grain is apparent.

needlepoint - Single stitch embroidery that completely covers a mesh or canvas ground fabric.


neutral - A chemical state that is neither acid or alkali; seven in pH (e.g., distilled water).

neutral cleaner - A cleaning agent having a pH of 7 and which is, therefore, neither acid nor alkaline. In a less technical sense, a "neutral" cleaner has a pH between 6 and 8.

neutralize - To eliminate potential hazards by inactivating strong acids, caustics and oxidizers. For example, acid spills can be neutralized by adding an appropriate amount of caustic substance to the spill. A neutralizer is a chemical used to bring the pH of a textile or surface to approximately 7.

NIOSH - see "National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health"

non-chlorinated bleach - Bleaching agents that do not contain chlorine, often referred to as "color safe." Most non-chlorinated bleaches are encountered in powdered form and contain sodium perborate, which converts to hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Other examples of non-chlorinated bleaches include potassium monopersulfate, sodium percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and organic peracids, but they are used less frequently.

non-volatile dry solvent (NVDS) - A spotting compound that may contain aromatic and chlorinated solvents, alcohols, amyl acetate and fatty acids (oleic), and used in removing heavy oils and greases, or paints, lacquers, varnishes and synthetic resins.

non-woven - A textile structure produced by bonding and/or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by mechanical, chemical, thermal or solvent means, or combinations thereof. This category does not include woven, knitted, tufted, or felted fabrics.

normal cleaning: Normal cleaning is the process of thorough cleaning using one or more of the cleaning methods described in this standard. It must be performed periodically, approximately every 12-24 months, depending on the furniture’s location, use, and exposure to soiling. Normal cleaning should be accomplished before soiling causes permanent damage to fibers, dyes or fabric texture. novelty yarns - Irregular, uneven, non-uniform diameter yarns made for special textured effects; e.g., slub, nub, bouclé, chenille, loop, etc.

nubuck aniline - A top-grain aniline-dyed leather from which the top hair cell layer has been removed through buffing to create a “suede-like” nap effect.

nude finish - Leather that is usually vat-dyed, but has little or no protective topcoat to prevent crocking, cracking, or staining.

NVDS - see "Non-volatile Dry Solvent"

nylon - One of the first completely synthesized thermoplastic petrochemical fibers comprised of atoms of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. There are two basic types of nylon: type 6,6 (made from adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine) and type 6 (made from caprolactam). see "type 6,6" and "type 6"

[ O ] Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - A division of the U.S. Department of Labor. A federal regulatory agency with safety and health regulatory and enforcement authority for most U.S. industries, located at the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution AV, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210 (hot line 1-800 321-OSHA).

odorless mineral spirits - A relatively safe, aliphatic hydrocarbon used as the base of several dry cleaning solvents.

offal: 1. The part cut off, usually referring to the piece

that falls off when a panel is cut to size. 2. Portions of hides or skins not normally used for

making the finest grades of leather; not necessarily waste.

off pattern - A defect caused by equipment error in reading the tufting pattern from film, or computer and/or clutch failure on a tufting machine.

off shade - Fabric color that does not match a standard reference.

olefin (polypropylene) - A long-chain, thermoplastic polymer composed of at least 85%, by weight, ethylene, propylene or other olefin units. Propylene is widely available and at a comparatively lower cost than nylon. Olefin is the lightest weight fiber and it has good bulk and cover. Its polymer base produces a softer fiber, compared to nylon, which results in poorer resiliency and texture retention in olefin. Olefin cannot be contact dyed; it does not accept water-based staining agents (whether dyes or foods and beverages), so it must be solution (pigment) dyed. Common trade names include GenesisCM, Marquesa-LanaCM and Herculon®.

oleophilic: Literally "oil loving." See also "hydrophilic, hydrophobic"


1. A reference to a material's (e.g., fiber's) ability to attract oily substances.

2. That portion of a detergent molecule that is attracted to non-water substances or substrates.

oleophobic: Literally "oil fearing." 1. A substrate that repels oily substances. 2. That portion of a detergent molecule that is

repelled by non-water substances or substrates.

OMS - see "odorless mineral spirits"

optical brightener - A fluorescent dye or "whitening" agent, that reflects the ultraviolet (UV) portion of the light spectrum as visible blue-white or pink-white light.

organic - Of, related to or arising in a bodily organ; materials or chemicals containing carbon atoms. Substances derived from living organisms (plant or animal).

OSHA - see "Occupation Safety and Health Administration"

osnaburg - A coarse, strong, rough-surfaced, plain woven fabric made of non-uniform, usually cotton, yarns that often contain pieces of cellulosic waste, thus giving it a canvass-like, off-white, natural appearance. It can be made of cotton, linen, rayon, polyester or fiber blends.

ottoman - Low upholstered seat with no arms or back, often used as a footstool.

ounce: 1. Unit of weight. 2. Term used to indicate weight or substance of certain types of leathers. In theory, it is based on the assumption that one square foot of leather will weigh a certain number of ounces and will uniformly be of a certain thickness; hence, a three-ounce leather theoretically would be one square foot weighing three ounces. In practice, this varies because of specific gravity of various materials, and for that reason, a splitter’s gauge has been adopted, and controls the commercial thickness of leather when sold by the square foot. An ounce is equivalent to 1/64th (0.0156) of an inch in thickness of one square foot of leather. overwetting - Application of excessive moisture coupled with failure to extract an adequate amount, thus resulting in prolonged drying. Overwetting is almost invariably traced to technician error.

oxalic acid - An organic acid (C2H2O4) primarily used in the cleaning industry for rust removal. An

8% oxalic acid solution has replaced the more aggressive (and dangerous) hydrofluoric acid rust remover (HF).

oxidation - A chemical reaction involving the combining with oxygen atoms or molecules containing oxygen. Oxidation is the principle behind the degradation of natural substances over time (e.g., latex adhesives), the effect of oxygen bleach (NaClO, H2O2) on dyes, or of ozone gas (O3) on organic odors. See "ozone"

oxidizing bleach - An agent that removes color by adding oxygen to a dye structure rendering it colorless (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, sodium perborate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite). see "oxidizing agent"

[ P ] package dyeing - Dye process in which dye liquor is forced through yarn while wound on perforated tubes or wire forms.

parachute fabric - A fine woven, lightweight fabric made of silk, rayon, cotton or polyester. Sometimes used as upholstery fabric.

patina - A surface luster that develops on pure anilines and nubucks, causing it to grow more beautiful with the passing of time.

pattern: 1. An artistic decorative design on the surface of a

fabric. It may be printed, woven with colored yarns or sculpted with multiple pile designs.

2. A single repeat in the construction of a fabric.

pattern bow or skew - see "bow," "skew"

pattern match - Lining up printed or tufted patterns in two pieces of fabric in such a way that the design element is continued across seams, making the finished appearance uniform and cohesive. Patterns must be matched in the same way as they appear on the fabric itself, either in a set match or drop match. see "match"

pattern repeat - The lengthwise distance from one point in a pattern to a matching point where the full pattern begins to repeat.

peroxide - Any of several oxidizing compounds, but usually a reference to hydrogen peroxide. see "hydrogen peroxide"

personal protective equipment (PPE) - Safety equipment, such as chemical resistant gloves, splash goggles, respirator, hard hat, etc., that is worn or used on an individual basis.


petit point - In a broad sense, any needle tapestry work or stitch.

pH - The negative logarithm of the concentrations of hydrogen (H-) or hydroxyl (H+) ions (parts, %) in a water-based solution; an indication of a solutions relative acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH above 7 indicates alkalinity (bases), and a pH below 7 indicates acidity.

phosphate - Phosphoric acid salts used primarily in built solutions to soften water (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate sequesters water hardness), and to provide other builder functions, such as degreasing and soil suspension (e.g. sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, trisodium phosphate).

pick - In upholstery fabrics, the pick is a filling thread or yarn that runs crosswise or horizontally in woven goods. The pick interlaces with warp yarns or threads to form the weave.

pigment - A white or highly colored insoluble substance that is used to impart color to other materials. White pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide, barium sulfate) are dispersed in fiber polymers to produce delustered (semi-dull or dull) fibers. Colored pigments are added to liquid fiber polymer (fiber liquor) prior to extrusion to create "solution dyed" fibers (all olefin, some nylon).

pigment dyeing - see "solution dyeing"

pigmented yarns: 1. Yarn made from fiber to which light diffusing

pigment (titanium dioxide) was added prior to extrusion to make the fiber less lustrous, i.e., providing greater soil hiding.

2. A colored (solution dyed) yarn made from fibers extruded from a hot, liquid polymer, to which colored pigment has been added prior to extrusion.

pigmented leather - Leather with a surface that is coated with pigment or other opaque solution. This process also covers imperfections on the leather’s surface.

pile (face, nap) - The visible wear surface of textiles.

pile distortion - Any generally adverse change in the appearance or texture of the surface yarns of a textile material. Pile distortion may be a characteristic of the pile (fibers, yarn) or simply a result of excessive wear and tear. It includes such phenomena as matting, crushing, twist loss, tuft blooming, crimp loss, pile reversal, water marking and pooling.

pile fabric - Fabric in which yarns project from a foundation fabric and form a cut or uncut pile on the surface. Corduroy and velveteen are examples of cut filling-pile fabrics, while velvet is an example of a cut warp-pile fabric.

pile lay - Orientation of the pile of a fabric relative to the backing or substrate: the tendency of a fabric's pile to lie uniformly in a specific direction relative to the backing. Pile lay is in fabrics is created by slight tension on yarns during manufacturing processes.

pile reversal - A generally irreversible, localized change in the orientation of the pile yarns of textiles, often associated with less resilient fibers, heavy use, or with the application of excessive wet (above 212oF/100oC) or dry heat during manufacture. Pile reversal is more common with less resilient fibers (e.g., acrylic and olefin).

pile setting (finishing) - Brushing accomplished soon after cleaning to restore the damp pile to its original configuration and best appearance (maximum light reflection).

pile weave - A woven fabric that requires two or more warp and one filling yarn, or two or more fillings and one warp. the extra warp or filling is called the pile warp or filling and forms the loops on the face of the goods. Loops may be cut by knife blades attached to the loom. Pile fabrics should not be confused with napped fabrics.

pile yarn - The yarn making up the tufts of a fabric.

pilling - As it relates to upholstery, pilling is a condition associated with face yarns in which fibers from yarns are snagged or pulled to the surface by wear or maintenance. There, they entangle or roll together with one another forming hard knots or masses (aggregates) of fibers called "pills." Pilling can occur in heavy use areas. Never pull pills from fabrics. Cut them off with scissors or shears at the pile surface. Pills on wool fabrics (staple fiber) generally are removed with vacuuming. See also "fuzzing"

piping - Rolled (stuffed with polypropylene stuffer material) trim stitched in seams of upholstered cushion covers, arm rests and other areas. Also, called welting.

piqué - Medium or heavy weight fabric with raised cords that run in the warp direction. It may be produced on a dobby, Jacquard, drop-box or other type of loom.

plaid - A pattern consisting of colored bars or stripes that cross each other at right angles. It is a multi-colored motif, rather than a large pattern repeat. Checks occur on a much smaller scale.


platform - That portion of upholstered furniture on which the cushions sit. The platform is covered with the upholstery fabric or an inexpensive cambric material.

pleat - Uniformly folded or gathered fabric; e.g., pleated skirt. plied yarn - A yarn composed of two or more singles twisted together.

plush - In upholstery, a plush is a warp-pile fabric with a surface of cut-pile yarns. A plush pile is longer than a velvet and not as densely woven. Plush pile fabrics often are woven face-to-face.

ply: 1. The number of individual "singles" yarns twisted

together to produce the finished yarn, as in "two-ply" or "three-ply." Also, the number of plied yarns twisted together to form a cord.

2. An individual yarn in a plied yarn or cord. 3. One of several layers of fabric.

Plygrip® (Curv-a-flex®) - Flexible metal fastener usually used to attach fabric on curved outside edges of furniture frames.

plying - The act of twisting yarns together usually to increase strength, bulk and overall performance.

polished cotton - see "chintz"

polishing/buffing - The process of removing grain, scars, and blemishes from a hide.

polyester - A thermoplastic polymer compounded from by-products of coal, air, water and petroleum (at least 85% by weight of an ester of dihydric alcohol terephthalic acid; p-HOOC-C6H4-COOH). Polyester is quite colorfast and stain resistant, and, although somewhat oleophilic, it cleans well. Common trade names include Trevira, Fortrel, Kodel and Dacron.

polymer - In synthetics, the high molecular weight chemical unit (e.g., plastics, resins) from which synthetic fibers is made. A polymer is a large complex molecule chain formed by linking simple molecules (monomers).

polypropylene - A synthetic thermoplastic polymer used for molded items, sheets, films and fibers. Developed by Professor Guillio Natta of Italy, it is obtained from propylene gas, a byproduct of oil refining. It is used for upholstery, and has a relatively low melting point - 348°F/250°C. The FTC's classification is olefin. see "olefin"

polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - In upholstery fabric manufacture, PVC is a synthetic polymer or plastic

used to coat polyester yarns that are woven into fabrics for patio furniture, awnings, and other outdoor uses.

poplin - One of several fabrics made from various yarns. It is identified by a fine ribbed effect in the filling or weft direction, with warp yarns being much finer than weft yarns, and with a texture count of 2-3 times as many warp ends as filling picks.

PPE - see "Personal Protective Equipment"

preconditioner - A preparatory solution that is applied prior to soil removal activities incorporated in various cleaning methods, especially hot water extraction. Preconditioners usually are built detergents whose application in the cleaning sequence allows sufficient "dwell time" for complete soil defloculation to occur.

preconditioning - Chemical application of a cleaning solution used to prepare fabrics for soil removal through such activities as suspending, emulsifying, and sequestering various types of soil.

preshrunk - Fabrics - especially cellulosics, such as cotton - that have received a preshrinking treatment, prior to end use application. Residual shrinkage percentage must be stated on label of preshrunken materials.

presoak - A soaking operation to remove stains or heavy soil that precedes the regular cleaning or laundering process.

prespot - To remove spots and stains before overall cleaning commences.

primary colors (see "secondary" and "tertiary" colors):

1. additive primary colors (blue, green, red) - Basic colors from a white light source that may be mixed to create all other colors; i.e., blue, green and red lights combined in equal intensity create white light.

2. subtractive primary colors (blue, yellow, red) - Basic colors (dyes, paints) which are mixed to absorb (or subtract) a portion of the light spectrum and reflect other portions, in order to create the various colors of dye; e.g., blue, yellow and red dyes combined in equal parts create black.

principles of cleaning - Basic steps that cannot be overlooked if technically correct, aesthetically pleasing, professional results are to be accomplished. The principles of cleaning consist of: 1. dry soil removal (vacuuming)


2. soil suspension (chemical action, temperature, agitation, time)

3. soil extraction (absorption, wet vacuuming or hot water rinsing)

4. finishing (grooming of fabrics as required) 5. drying (promoting evaporation and

dehumidification)

principles of spotting: 1. remove the excess contaminant - Scoop, blot,

or use wet or dry vacuum extraction. 2. dissolve - Use dry solvent to dissolve oil-based

contaminants or components of spots; water-based solvents to dissolve water-soluble components.

3. suspend - Use dry solvents or water-based detergents to lubricate fibers and suspend insoluble components of spots or stains.

4. digest - Use enzyme digesters to reduce complex, long-chain amino acids (proteins) to simpler, soluble forms prior to removal.

5. chemically change - Use strong acids, oxidizing bleaches, or reducing agents to remove color-added stains.

printcloth - A medium weight, plain weave cloth made of carded yarns, with pick counts ranging from 64 to 80 square.

printing - As it relates to upholstery and drapery fabrics, printing covers a wide variety of techniques used to produce patterns, designs or motifs of one or more colors onto fabric.

print pattern defect - Blurred or smudged patterns caused by slipping or sticking screens on flatbed or rotary printers; patterns that are out of register due to screens being installed incorrectly; patterns that are too light or dark, or which show side-to-side variation due to incorrect or variable pressure on screens.

protein fiber - Fibers obtained from the processing of animal hair (wool, cashmere), or protein substances secreted by insects (silkworms); e.g., wool, silk.

pucker - A rippled appearance in fabrics, especially at seams, occurring when two pieces of fabric are sewn together.

puckering - A rippled appearance in upholstery fabrics, especially at seams, that is difficult to remove. see "buckling"

pull-up - Leather that derives color from dyes, waxes and/or oils. When this leather is pulled during

upholstering, the oils and/or waxes dissipate and become lighter in those areas.

pure aniline - Leather that receives its only color from dyes and exhibits natural markings and characteristics.

pure silk - FTC term that refers to silk goods that are degummed and dyed, including necessary finishing material except weighting. Weighting of 10% is allowed for all “pure silk” fabrics, with the exception of black where 15% is permissible.

[ Q ] quarter drop-match - see "match"

quilted fabric - Fabric made with two or more layers stitched together, and displaying a puffy or raised pattern. The first layer is the face fabric, usually a printed, plain-woven cotton. The second layer is a stuffer material, usually bats of white polyester or foam. The third layer is normally a plain-woven base fabric made of cotton, polyester or a blend of both. Stitching often surrounds a printed figure or design on the face of the quilted fabric.

quilting - Creating a puffy appearance by spacing and patterning seams through a fabric and soft padding material.

[ R ] rayon (viscose) - An absorbent, man-made (regenerated cellulosic) fiber made by converting purified wood pulp and cotton linters into xanthate, and dissolving the diluted xanthate in dilute caustic soda. Rayon characteristics are similar to cotton, however, it loses 40-70% of its strength when wet, regaining strength as it dries. "High wet modulus" rayon has been developed for greater dimensional stability and strength.

recovery - The degree to which a yarn returns to its relaxed position after stretching.

reducing agent - In a reduction reaction, the reducing agent is the chemical or substance that: (1) combines with oxygen, and (2) loses electrons in the reaction. In the context of cleaning, reducing agents are used in spotting (color-added stains) or as an antichlor (neutralizer) for chlorine bleach (spot dyeing, upholstery stain removal). Common reducing agents encountered in cleaning are sodium bisulfite and sodium hydrosulfite.

regenerated cellulose - Cellulose (wood pulp, cotton linters) that has been dissolved by chemical treatment, and then restored to a solid state by


precipitation or solvent evaporation to form rayon. see “rayon”

remnant - An end roll of fabric. See also "short roll"

rep (repp) - A fabric that resembles poplin, but has a more noticeable and distinct cross rib or cord. see “poplin”

repeat - The distance from one point in a printed pattern to the same point where that portion of the pattern occurs again. The pattern repeat is critical to obtaining proper side match during upholstering of furniture. see "match"

residue - Any unremoved material that is left on a surface or in a fabric following cleaning.

resilience - The ability of fiber or cushion material to "spring back" or recover its original shape or thickness after being crushed by static (furniture) or dynamic (traffic, use) pressure.

resist-printing - A dyeing technique in which a dye-resist agent is printed on the face of a textile prior to overall piece dyeing; i.e., areas with dye-resist agents remain undyed, which creates a pat-terned effect.

restorative cleaning - Restorative or “salvage” cleaning is required when soiling has become severe and, by request of the consumer, the furnishing must be returned to a sanitary and improved condition. Restorative cleaning is not a normal cleaning process and typically is performed by technicians specially trained or skilled in restorative cleaning. Often, procedures that may go beyond those outlined in this standard must be used.

retting - Immersing bundles of jute or flax stalks in ponds or streams for several days to dissolve the softer, pulpier portion of the plant before coarse jute or linen fibers are recovered, scoured and spun into yarns. Also, the use of moisture and steam, along with bacterial action, to speed the separation of bast fibers from natural gums and other matter to form bast fibers. rib - A straight, raised cord formed in a weave by threads that are heavier than others. Ribs may occur lengthwise, crosswise, or diagonally.

rinse detergent - a surfactant or wetting agent which, when mixed in solution tanks or metered through various cleaning units (primarily as a "final rinse" in hot water extraction), improves the ability to remove preconditioners and suspended soil from fabrics, thus leaving fibers more "residue free."

russet - A term of variable meaning in the leather trade, since it connotes both color and tannage. Russet upholstery is tanned but not finished.

rust remover - Products, such as hydrofluoric or oxalic acid, that have the ability to remove rust stains from fabrics.

[ S ] sailcloth - A fine woven (184 count square), light weight (6 yds to a pound) fabric, often made of 100% polyester. It is used for sails and sometimes for upholstery fabric.

Sanforized® - Preshrinking a fabric (especially upholstery) during manufacture to ensure dimensional stability, less than 1% shrinkage in either direction, in end-use situations.

saponification - A chemical reaction in which fat is converted into soap by reacting it with an alkali. The term has evolved to apply to reacting petroleum products (aliphatic hydrocarbons) with alkalis to form synthetic detergents as well.

sateen - Cloth made with a 5-end or 8-shaft satin weave in warp or filling face effects. Sateens use mercerized yarns and have a smooth, lustrous surface.

satin - A cloth, developed in Zaytun, China, originally made of silk, but now made of rayon, acetate and other manmade fibers. Satins are characterized by a smooth, lustrous face effect, and with a dull back. They are used in upholstery and draperies.

satin weave - One of the four basic weaves (plain, twill, satin, pile - Jacquard weaves being a fifth that incorporates elements of the three basics). see "weaving, upholstery"

SBR - see "styrene-butadiene rubber"

Scotchgard® - A fluorochemical soil/stain repellent made by 3M Corporation.


scouring: 1. A cleaning process that removes oils,

perspiration, soil, cellulose and other foreign materials from natural fibers; or which washes oils and other processing chemicals from synthetic fiber or greige goods.

2. Removing sizing or tint used on warp yarns during weaving; cleaning prior to dyeing.

scrim (scrim-back): 1. an open-mesh, plain-woven cotton cloth made

with carded and combed yarns in several constructions and weights; used for buckram, curtains, etc.

2. A loosely woven or knitted secondary back made of light, coarse fabric (usually jute or cotton).

seam - The point at which cut edges of two sections of fabric are joined by hand sewing or machine stitching.

secondary colors - Colors formed by combining two primary colors: 1. additive secondary colors - cyan (pronounced

"si-an"), yellow, magenta. 2. subtractive secondary colors - green, orange,

violet.

seconds (imperfects, irregulars) - Substandard, off-quality fabric that fails to meet government and/or industry standards or manufacturer specifications; or which are aesthetically flawed (not performance defective) in some way. Generally, seconds are substantially reduced in price, although the perfor-mance of the fabric may be quite good. Sales tickets must specify "seconds."

selvage (selvedge) - The longitudinal edges of a fabric that are formed during weaving, with the weft turning at the edges and then passing continuously across the width of the fabric from edge to edge.

semi-synthetic - manmade fibers made from chemically treated (regenerated) cellulose; e.g., rayon and acetate.

serge - Any smooth faced cloth made with two-up and two-down twill weaving. Serge is made in many weights, textures and fibers, and usually is piece dyed.

serging (also oversewing) - A method of finishing the cut side edges of a textile by whipping or sewing loops of thread or yarn along the entire edge.

shade - The relative brightness (light or dark), rather than amount or hue, of color.

shading: 1. appearance - Apparent change in color of pile

fabrics caused as light is reflected in different ways when fibers are bent or abraded.

2. color - The deepening of color in one type fiber compared to another fiber, as in various union dyeing operations.

3. spot or area dyeing - Mixing a color with black. “Shade” is the degree of darkness of a color. Although “toning” technically refers to adding gray to a color to soften it (make it less intense), the terms “toning” and “shading” often are used interchangeably, since gray and black are equal quantities of primary colors but in different amounts. Black is called a shading color, since it affects a color’s light value. Gray is called a toning color, since it softens a color. see “toning, tinting”

shampoo cleaning - A method of cleaning in which, following dry soil removal (vacuuming), a foaming detergent is applied to fabric using sprayers, or hand or mechanical brush action. In heavily soiled areas, following shampoo application, suspended soil and excess moisture is recovered by means of a "wet pick-up" vacuum.

shantung: 1. A fabric originally woven with wild silk in

Shantung, China, characterized by numerous slub yarns.

2. Cotton fabric with elongated slub yarns running in the weft direction.

shearing: 1. Cutting (clipping) wool from sheep. 2. A step in pile fabric finishing in which fabric is

drawn under revolving, reel-type cutting blades in order to remove (shave off) excess fuzzing and produce a uniform pile height and smooth surface texture.

shed - On a weaving loom, the shed is the angle formed by two alternating sets of warp yarns that extend from the loom harness (through the heddle) to the edge of the goods being woven. The shuttle passes through the shed to insert weft yarns. shedding – see “fluffing” shrinkage - Generally, contracting or curling up of fibers, yarns or fabric to make them shorter. However, this is not the only form of shrinkage encountered in textiles. Swelling of natural yarns causes them to exert horizontal and vertical


pressure on one another. This results in "drawing in" of the fabric from its outer edges.

shuttle - In weaving, a long, elliptical ("boat") shaped, wooden instrument that holds the bobbin from which weft yarns unwind as it passes through the warp shed (angle formed by raised and lowered warp ends).

silicone-based stain repellant - A silicone based fabric protector, usually suspended in a dry solvent solution, that lowers the surface tension of a fabric to enable it to repel water-based staining materials.

silk - A bi-component protein fiber obtained by unreeling the cocoons of various types of silkworms, the cultivated species being Bombex Mori. It is composed of 80% fibroin and 20% sericin. Silk is a highly lustrous fiber with high strength, good elasticity and wrinkle and soil resistance. It is slightly weaker when wet, and is easily yellowed and damaged by age, sunlight, alkalinity, oxidizing bleaches and perspiration. Color may be lost when spotted with chlorinated dry solvents, and ringing may occur if not uniformly dampened during cleaning, followed by careful moisture extraction and drying.

simulated leather - A non-woven material with the appearance of leather. The base fabric may be knitted or woven, with a coating of PVC or nitrocellulose coating the surface. Simulated leather may be wet cleaned with little difficulty using mild detergents.

simulated suede - A luxurious woven, knitted or flocked fabric that is finished to resemble suede leather. See also "suede"

single - One end of a continuous filament or staple yarn (non-plied).

sizing - A product that provides a stiffening effect to fabrics, such as starch or wax.

skein dyeing - Dyeing yarn wound into skeins or hanks in dye vats. This method produces small to mid-size dye lots, but has custom color advantages for colored yarns in patterned fabric. see "dyeing"

skew - Seams or patterns that deviate from a straight line. skin – The pelt from a young or small animal (e.g., sheep, calf, goat).

skirt - Cover fabric attached to the lower part of a frame, usually reaching to the floor.

sliver - An intermediate stage in the production of spun yarn from staple fiber. Sliver is a large, loose, untwisted web or rope of parallel fibers as they are

removed from a carding or combing (pin drafting) machine. see "parallel spinning"

slub (yarn) - An enlarged portion of a yarn with little or no twist; one that is irregular in diameter.

snuffed - Grain leather that has had the outer surface lightly removed by buffing.

soap - The substance formed by reacting animal fat or fatty acids with an alkali (sodium or potassium hydroxide) at a specified temperature for a specified period of time.

soaping off - The removal of residual dyestuff from detergents.

soap scum - An insoluble curd that is formed when soap reacts with water hardness ions or with select components of soil. Also known as lime soap or soap curd.

sodium bisulfite - A mild reducing agent (NaHSO3) used in color removal. see "reducing agent"

sodium hydrosulfite - A strong reducing agent (Na2S2O4). see "reducing agent"

sodium hydroxide - A strong alkali (NaOH), also known as "lye" or "caustic soda," often used in saponification to make soap, or as a builder in aggressive cleaning solutions.

sodium hypochlorite - Chlorine bleach (NaClO)

sodium metasilicate - A strong alkali (Na2SiO3) used primarily as a builder in aggressive detergent solutions (a form of sodium silicate).

sodium perborate - An oxidizing bleach (NaBO3) that converts to hydrogen peroxide in water, and is used for gentle color (stain) removal.

sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) - A relatively mild alkaline builder (Na5P3O10) which, as a complex phosphate, has excellent water softening properties. see "phosphate"

soft goods - A term used to describe textile fabrics and products.

soil - Any undesired substance that is deposited on, or that is foreign to, the construction of a textile material. Soil results from environmental conditions and use (e.g., dust and particles, shed fibers, foods and oily substances).

soil extraction principle - The third "principle" of cleaning in which suspended soils are physically removed from a fiber or fabric. See also "principles of cleaning"

soil hiding - The ability of a fiber, yarn or textile to mask the presence of soils.


soil repellency - A property of, or treatment for, a fabric which allows it to resist the deposition and/or buildup of soil. In upholstery, soil resistance is accomplished primarily through the application of fluorochemical based treatments in post-dyeing or finishing procedures. soil suspension - the use of chemical action, heat or temperature, agitation and time to separate soils from fibers and materials so that those soils may be more readily removed or extracted.

soil suspension principle - The second cleaning principle that incorporates the four fundamentals of cleaning: chemical action, heat or temperature, agitation and time. See also "principles of cleaning"

soluble - Capable of being dissolved or emulsified in a liquid.

solution - A liquid mixture in which one component is dissolved in another but will separate again upon drying.

solution dyeing - Fiber colored by adding pigment to the fiber polymer solution (liquor) prior to extrusion. All colored olefin and some nylon fibers are solution dyed. see "dyeing"

solvent: 1. A substance capable of dissolving or dispersing

one or more other substances. 2. The liquid component of a solution in which a

substance is dissolved. The most common solvent is water.

souring - Treating fabrics, chiefly cellulosics, with a weak acid solution to neutralize alkalinity, to stabilize dyes and to retard or prevent browning. From the German word “soüre,” meaning acid.

spew (spue) - A portion of the oily constituents of leather that comes to the grain surface in the form of white crystallized or dark gummy deposits.

spinneret (spinnerette): 1. An organ of silkworms used to spin silk fiber

(usually spelled spinneret). 2. A metal plate with very fine holes (resembling a

showerhead) through which hot liquid polymer is pumped to form strands or filaments of fiber (usually spelled spinnerette). It is at this stage of fiber production that the fiber cross section, denier, and the number of fibers in a yarn bundle (for BCF) are determined.

spinning: 1. chemical spinning - The process of producing

man-made fibers by pumping liquid polymer

through a spinnerette into a hardening medium. see "extrusion"

2. mechanical spinning - Twisting together and drawing out short fibers into strands of singles yarn.

spinning frame - A machine used to draw out fibers from slivers to their final yarn size, twisting them to add strength, and winding them onto bobbins.

split - The under portion of a hide or skin that has been split into tow or more thicknesses. Splits may be finished and embossed to simulate a full top-grain leather.

spot - A foreign material adding substance or change in texture to a fabric or surface. The terms spot, stain and discoloration (color loss) often are used interchangeably in a non-technical context. See also “stain”

spotting - Using specifically formulated agents and techniques to treat isolated spots and stains, which do not respond to normal cleaning.

spun yarn - Yarn that is made up of twisted short lengths of fiber, either manmade staple or natural fiber. see "parallel spinning"

stabilizing - Treating fabrics so that they will not shrink or stretch in excess of standard percentages. see "Sanforizing" or "Mercerizing"

stain - The addition of color (without texture) to a fabric or surface. In a non-technical context, the term "stain" is often applied to discolorations, or color removal from fabrics, as well. Stains may be left after the removal of spots. See also "spot"

stain repellent - A silicone-based product that repels water-based staining materials, and is normally suspended in a dry solvent solution. Usually they are used undiluted. see "fabric protec-tors"

stain resistance - The ability of, or treatment for, a fiber to enable it to resist staining from most oil or water-based contaminants; particularly related to the resistance of staining from acid dyes found in common household foods and beverages.

staple fiber - Natural or synthetic fiber of a specific, relatively short length, which must be spun or twisted into yarn (See also "continuous filament"). All natural fiber is staple (except silk) and synthetic staple fiber begins as continuous filament that is chopped into a specific short length for use in a staple yarn. Generally, staple fiber provides better bulk and softer texture than continuous filament yarn.


static - An electrical charge that builds up during periods of low humidity when friction is generated between two surfaces and collects within the nearest and most efficient conducting material (usually a person's body). Discharge occurs when a "charged" person touches another conductive object (e.g., metal, another person). See also "antistatic"

"steam" cleaning - see "hot water extraction"

STEL - see "threshold limit value"

stitch row - Rows of tufts extending in a lengthwise direction on a fabric.

stock dyeing - Dyeing raw fiber stock in a vat before being spun into colored yarn. see "dyeing"

STPP - see "sodium tripolyphosphate"

streak: 1. Visual defects running lengthwise in fabric; e.g.,

dye (color) streaks, optical streaks from defective yarn (improper size, stretch or blend), twist streaks from improperly twisted (slack) yarn, or from oil-contaminated yarn, etc.

2. Elongated soil patterns remaining in fabric following cleaning.

stretch - The ability of a textile fabric to elongate.

strie - A velvet with very faint, irregular striping produced by yarns that vary slightly in shade.

stripper - In the context of fabric cleaning, a stripper is a color-removing agent in the form of a reducer. see "reducing agent"

styling - The combination of color, pattern, texture and general aesthetics that causes textile products to appeal to consumers.

styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) - An adhesive that is blended with calcium carbonate (filler) and used as a backcoating or laminating adhesive in fabric manufacture.

suede - Textured leather with a soft feel resulting from the surface of the leather being "napped" or textured. Suede absorbs soil and oils and, due to potential damage from water or dry solvent-based cleaners, may be difficult to clean with conventional techniques. See also "simulated suede"

suede fabric - Woven or knitted cloth made from various fibers and finished to resemble suede leather.

suede finish - A finish produced by running the surface of leather on a carborundum or emery wheel to separate fibers to give it a nap. The grain side of a leather may be suede-finished, but the process most often is applied to the flesh surface. The term

“suede” when used alone, refers to leather only; See also “suede fabric.” The term denotes a finish, not a type of leather.

sueded splits - Leather produced from the flesh split, exhibiting a velvet-like nap. Sueded splits are not top-grain leathers.

surface active agent - A detergent or other material that reduces the surface tension of liquids, such as water, enabling uniform distribution of that cleaning solution among fibers comprising a fabric, for more efficient cleaning. See also "surfactant"

surface tension (energy) - A cohesive bond that exists between molecules of a substance.

surfactant - A contraction for "surface active agent." A surface active agent is used in detergents to make water "wet," to cause lathering and, by itself, to accomplish light-duty cleaning. see "detergent"

suspension - A colloidal distribution of an insoluble material in a liquid without forming a solution. A suspension is created when detergent action disperses and prevents redeposition of soil on a surface, usually until that soil can be extracted (rinsed) or otherwise removed.

swatch - Samples of a textile taken at various stages of the manufacturing process and retained for quality assurance. Swatches are used for inspection, comparison, construction, color, finish and sales purposes.

synthetic - Produced by chemical means.

synthetic fibers - Fibers formed by chemical (petrochemical) synthesis; e.g., nylon, olefin, polyester, acrylic.

synthetic detergent (syndet) - Detergents based on synthetic surfactants (petroleum derived), rather than the natural components (animal, vegetable lipids) involved in making true soaps. In fabric cleaning, one of the chief advantages afforded by syndets over a true soap is less potential for rapid resoiling.

[ T ] tack strip - Metal strip with attached protruding nails used to fasten fabric to furniture frames, usually along the outside arms and backs.

tannin - A soluble, complex phenolic substance (C13H11O11) of plant origin used in tanning hides, in dyeing, in making ink and in medicine. Tannin stains are brownish coloration that respond well to acid spotters or mild bleaches, such as hydrogen peroxide.


tanning - The process of converting a raw hide into a stable, non-perishable material.

tanning agent - Modern tanning uses soluble chromium sulfate to preserve the leather. Synthetic tanning and natural materials (plants and wood bark) also maybe used in certain combinations.

tapestry - A heavy, hand or machine Jacquard-loomed textile used as an artistic wall hanging, or as upholstery or drapery fabric. It is characterized by complex pictorial designs, with a surface that is much rougher than a damask, brocade or brocatelle. It is usually made of cotton, or blends of cotton, linen, rayon, acetate, nylon or polyester.

Teflon® - A fluorochemical soil/stain repellent (C2F4) produced by the DuPont Company.

tensile strength - Breaking point of fibers or yarns. The higher the tensile strength, the stronger the fiber or yarn.

tertiary color - Hues (olive, citron, russet) that result from blending two secondary colors (portions of all three primary colors).

textile - Originally, a woven fabric made by interlacing yarns; derived from the Latin verb, texere - to weave. Today, textile includes any fabric or cloth, woven or non-woven, made on a loom, tufting machine, knitting machine; even those that are needled, felted, spun, bonded or entangled.

Textile Fibers Identification Act - A 1960 US federal law, amended in 1974, that requires a tag or label on textile merchandise that must include: - fiber content by generic name as defined by the

US FTC, and the percentage by weight in order of importance of each fiber used in an article

- the manufacturer’s name, address and registered ID number

- the country of origin of imported fabrics.

texture - A surface effect or tactile feel obtained by using different heights of pile, by two or more forms of yarn, by alternating loop and cut pile, by engraving, simulated or actual carving or shaving with an electric razor, or by other special treatment of the design. Texture lends added interest beyond that provided by the fabric’s design or color tones.

textured yarn - Modification in the structure of continuous filament yarns so that filaments are not parallel. This gives yarns more bulk and covering ability, along with a softer hand.

texturing (texturizing): 1. Fibers: The process of crimping, imparting

random loops, or otherwise modifying fibers to

increase cover, resilience, abrasion resistance, warmth, insulation and moisture absorption, or to provide a different texture.

2. Yarns - air jet texturing of BCF yarn - Yarn is fed through the turbulent region of an air jet at a rate faster than it is drawn off on the opposite side of the jet. In the jet the yarn structure is opened by heat, loops are formed and the structure is closed again.

thermoplastic material (fiber) - One that will soften when exposed to heat and will harden again upon cooling.

thread - A specialized plied yarn used for sewing, basting and embroidery. Threads are made from yarns, but yarns are not made from threads. threshold limit value (TLV) - A term used by the ACGIH to express the airborne concentration (ppm) of a material to which nearly all persons can be exposed day after day without adverse health effects. ACGIH expresses TLVs in three ways:

TLV-TWA

The allowable Time Weighted Average concentration for a normal, 8-hour work day, or 40-hour work week.

TLV-STEL

Short Term Exposure Limit, or maximum concentration for a continuous 15-minute exposure period per day, (maximum of four such periods per day, with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods, provided that the daily TLV-TWA is not exceeded).

TLV-CL

The Ceiling Limit, or concentration not to be exceeded for any length of time (even instantly). CL may be referred to as IDLH (immediately dangerous or lethal to health).

ticking - Compactly woven cotton (blue/white stripes) or polyester (floral design) cloth used for coverings; e.g., mattresses, pillows, etc.

time - see "soil suspension principle"

tinting - Mixing a color with white. In the cleaning industry, tinting has evolved to mean simply adding hue to existing color to enhance the appearance or coloration of fabric. see “toning, shading”

TLV - see "Threshold Limit Value"

tone - Mixing a color with gray. Tone is a value or intensity of color with reference to the degree of light absorption or reflection. In spot dyeing, the intensity of colors are softened or “toned down” by adding gray, which has the same effect as adding black but on a more gradual scale. see “tone, shading”

top arm - Part of a furniture frame.

top colors - Colors of the yarn used to form the main pattern or design, as distinguished from ground color yarns forming the pattern background.


top grain - The top layer of a hide, after the splitting process, in which the hair and epidermis have been removed. The grain may be either natural or embossed.

top grain snuffed - Upholstery leather of the same type as full top grain, except that the surface of the hide is lightly snuffed or sandpapered overall. Snuffing removes only the top of the hair follicles. See also “hand buffs,” and “corrected top grain”

tow - A thick strand or "rope" of continuous man-made fibers without twist, collected in a loose, rope-like form and held together by the fiber's crimp. Tow is the form that synthetic fiber takes before being cut into staple.

Trevera® - Registered trademark of Hoechst Celanese for filament and staple polyester fiber. see “polyester”

1,1,1-trichloroethane - Volatile dry solvent (C2H3Cl3) from the chlorinated classification, used primarily as a spotting agent (TLV-TWA 350 ppm). This dry solvent was removed from the general market by January, 1995, usually being substituted with trichloroethylene (TLV-TWA 100 ppm).

trisodium phosphate (TSP) - A fairly aggressive alkaline builder (Na3PO4) commonly used in detergent solutions to enhance the degreasing, soil suspension and water softening properties of that solution.

TSP - see "trisodium phosphate"

tuft - The cut or uncut yarn ends or loops forming the face of a tufted or woven fabric.

tufted fabric - A fabric with fluffy tufts made from soft twist, multiple-ply yarns. In tufting, face yarns are machine stitched into a base woven fabric with multiple needles. Then, the fabric is backcoated with adhesive to produce greater tuft bind.

tufting: 1. Fabric construction method in which surface or

pile yarns are inserted (sewn, punched) into a pre-constructed backing.

2. In upholstering, using buttons pulled down tightly to hold the cover (face fabric) and stuffing in place, and decorate the surface with raised tufts.

turmeric - A yellow or reddish brown organic (disperse) dye obtained from the rhizome of the turmeric plant. It is found in mustard, herbal tea and other foods, and stains many fabrics readily.

TWA - Time Weighted Average. see "Threshold Limit Value"

tweed - A tough, irregular, soft, flexible, unfinished fabric named for the Tweed River which separates England from Scotland. Tweeds are made of a two-and-two twill weave.

twill weave - A woven fabric characterized by diagonal lines in the goods. It is one of three basic weaves, others being plain and satin weaves.

[ U ]

Ultrasuede® - Registered trademark of Spring Mills, Inc. for a microfiber non-woven fabric with tiny polyester fibers embedded in a soft, luxurious surface to resemble suede leather.

unbleached - The natural condition of many fabrics, especially those with cellulosic fibers (cotton, linen). These fabrics tend to be stronger than bleached fabrics, and they often contain foreign matter. Examples include: canvas, duck, muslin, Haitian cotton, etc.

unbuilt detergent - A light-duty detergent with few, if any, additives.

union damask - Drapery, upholstery or wall hanging fabric made with cotton or linen warp and woolen or worsted filling yarns.

union dyeing - A piece dying method for fabric made with fibers having differing dye affinities, which is dyed in a single color application (trough, spray, beck, etc.). see "dyeing"

upholstery - A fabric furniture covering.

upholstery leather - Generally, leather used for furniture, airplane, bus, and automotive “furniture” coverings. The staple raw material in the US consists of large or “spready” cattle hides, split at least once and, in many cases, two or three times. Top cuts go into higher grade upholstery, and splits are used in lower grades.

use-dilution - The final concentration at which a product is applied to fabrics or surfaces during use.

[ V ] vacuum cleaner - Equipment (upright or canister) used to remove soil from fabrics and surfaces, using air suction.

vacuuming - The act of removing soils or moisture from a textile by means of mechanical suction combined with airflow.


vapor - The gaseous form of a solid or liquid substance formed as it evaporates at atmospheric temperature and pressure.

vegetable fibers - Abaca, coir, cotton, linen, hemp, henequin, istle, jute, kapok, kenaf, manila hemp, pineapple fiber, ramie, sisal, straw, sunn. see “cellulosic fibers”

vegetable tanning - A generic term that covers the process of making leather using tannins from barks, wood, or other parts of plants and trees, as distinguished from “mineral tanning.”

velour - A term originally applied to dense cotton velvets, but today, loosely applied to any dense, cut-pile fabric, or fabrics with a fine raised finish.

velvet - A luxurious, soft, warm, "warp-pile" fabric woven with warp yarns, weft yarns, and pile yarns that run in a lengthwise or warp direction.

velvet double - Two fabrics woven face-to-face as a single unit connected by their pile yarns, then cut apart with a horizontal knives.

velveteen - A "filling-pile" fabric usually woven with warp yarns, weft yarns, and pile yarns (inserted in the widthwise direction during the weaving process).

virgin wool - Wool not previously used in any other manufacturing process.

viscose - see "rayon"

volatile: 1. A substance that evaporates readily. 2. Property of a substance that allows it to

transition to gas phase from a liquid or solid phase.

[ W ] wale - Chain loops, or ribs that run lengthwise in knitted or corduroy fabrics.

warp (warp chain) - In upholstery and drapery fabrics, the warp yarns are those that run vertically or lengthwise in weave.

warp beam - A large spool that supplies multiple warp yarn ends to a weaving loom.

warp pile - Upholstery fabric made with two sets of warp yarns and one set of filling or weft yarns. One of the warp pile sets forms the surface of the fabric and may be cut or uncut.

washable - Fabrics that will not fade or shrink when wet cleaned.

water hardness - Minerals dissolved in water - such as calcium and magnesium expressed in "grains per gallon" Of water. When water hardness is reacted with soaps or detergents, scum is formed and cleaning solutions are less effective. The U.S. Geological Survey categories of hardness are:

HARDNESS GRAINS/GALLON

soft 0.0-3.5

moderately hard 3.6-7.0

hard 7.1-10.5

very hard >10.5

water-jet loom - A shuttleless, high-speed loom that uses jets of water to carry the filling yarn through the shed.

water repellant - the ability of a fabric to resist water under certain conditions.

water-repellant leather - Leather, which has been treated with any of several chemical compounds, that inhibit absorption of external water.

water softener - Any agent that sequesters or removes hardness minerals from water.

water soluble - A substance that will dissolve in water.

weaving (upholstery) - A fabric manufacturing technique in which warp, weft, and sometimes pile yarns are interlaced to form fabrics and patterns. There are three basic upholstery weaves (plain, twill, satin), with variations on each. Pile and Jacquard weaves are examples of these variations and often, are classed as separate systems. Weaves may include:

1. plain weave - The simple under-and-over interlacing of each successive warp and weft yarn to form a strong, durable fabric.

2. twill weave - Fabric yarns interlaced in such a fashion that diagonal or herringbone patterns are produced.

3. satin weave - A fabric with warp or filling yarns not raised consecutively, but with the presence of "float" yarns that surface and pass or "float" over four or more intersecting yarns. A satin weave is characterized by a smooth texture and glossy appearance. "Antique satins" have slubs in the yarns that appear to be irregularities.

4. pile weave - A woven fabric constructed that starts with a plain woven or twill base fabric,


and with a third set of yarns that form the pile (e.g., velvet, corduroy).

5. Jacquard loomed fabric - A complicated, punch-card controlled weaving loom, which produces a fabric that usually displays complicated, multi-colored floral designs. Jacquard weaves (e.g., brocades, brocatelles) may incorporate elements of the three basic weaves, or even pile weaves. It is recognized by the fact that the back side of the fabric displays the "photo negative" of the front.

webbing - A closely woven, strong narrow cotton, jute, or synthetic fabric, which has many uses. It ranges in width from 1 to 6". Webbing is used as a support material on furniture frames for padding and cover, on backs, arms, or other areas.

weft (filler) - Yarns running across a woven fabric, being interlaced with warp (woof or lengthwise) yarns. Also called filling yarns.

weft insertion knits - Fabrics knit on a warp knitting machine with weft yarns inserted across the width of the fabric. The weft gives added stability in the course direction, and can increase fabric cover, creating a fuller, bulkier texture than is present in ordinary warp knits.

weft knit - The simplest of knitting procedures, in which a single yarn passes across a fabric in the weft direction in a series of loops.

welt (welting) - see "piping"

wet finishing - Wet, chemical operations that may be used to make fabrics more pleasing to consumers. Included are: washing, dyeing, fulling, milling, scouring, mercerizing and souring.

wet vacuuming - Removing excess water or moisture from fabrics with vacuum only; i.e., no rinsing.

wetting agent - A material that reduces the surface tension of water and thus, more efficiently displaces the air within a fabric that might prevent the penetration of cleaning solutions. see "surfactant" and "wetting"

white goods - Fabrics that are bleached and finished; e.g., muslin, cambric, etc.

wicking - Passage of liquid through or along the interstices in a permeable material. Wicking is a capillary effect dependent on the surface character of the material.

wire velvet - Velvet made on a loom that employs a series of wires to create the pile effect. see “wires”

woof - Originates from the Anglo-Saxon term “owef” and is synonymous with warp, although in the U.S., it often is misused to mean weft. To avoid this confusion, the term filling yarn is used instead of weft. see "warp"

wool - A protein fiber obtained from sheep, primarily raised in Australia or New Zealand, composed of approximately 50% carbon, 23% oxygen, 7% hydrogen and 4% sulfur. Wool fibers have three parts: the epidermis (cuticle) consisting of protective, overlapping scales on the fiber's outer surface; the cortex, a softer, more abrasion sensitive group of cells that comprise the majority of the fiber; and the medulla, or the central portion of the fiber responsible for nourishment and cell generation during the fiber's growth cycle. Wool is a dull, durable, non-flammable, soil resistant fiber that is easily dyed with a wide range of colors. It responds well to wet cleaning, although it loses some strength when wet and can be damaged by aggressive agitation. It is easily damaged by exposure to extreme alkalinity and chlorinated bleaches. Unless treated, it can be damaged by insects such as moths and beetles. The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, decreed that “wool” means the fiber or fleece of a sheep or lamb, or the hair of the Angora or Cashmere goat. The term also may include specialty fibers from the hair of the camel, alpaca, llama, and vicuna.

worsted yarn - Quality yarn made of long staple wool fiber (1.5-6" for upholstery fabrics), carded and combed to parallel the fiber and remove extremely short fibers.

wrap - A filling material, generally made from polyester fiber and used in conjunction with foam or other materials to pad seats, arms, backs, and cushions.

[ X ] xanthating - A process in making rayon in which cellulose is treated with disulfide to react with cellulose crumbs to produce bright orange cellulose xanthate.

[ Y ] yarn - A continuous strand composed of twisted natural or synthetic fibers, which serves as one of the basic raw materials of textiles.

yarn dyeing - Applying color to yarns that are later used in making textiles. It can be in continuous yarn dyeing methods, such as space dyeing or pad


dyeing, or it can occur in batch methods, such as skein dyeing. see "dyeing"

yarn ply - see "plying"

yellowing - Fabric coloration that arises from one of several possible sources. Potential sources include, but are not limited to: dye loss, fume fading, general soiling, oily soiling, oxidation, BHT off-gassing, excess optical brightener.

[ Z ] zipper - Slide fastener made with interlocking elements. zipper tape – A woven or knotted narrow fabric made to hold a continuous helical slide fastener element or series of interlocking teeth along one edge.


Conversion Charts Metric Conversions Temperature Conversions_______________Length: oC= < oF/oC > =oF oC= < oF/oC > =oF To convert: Multiply by: -17.8 0 32 25.6 78 172.4 inches to millimeters 25.4 -15 5 41 26.1 79 174.2 inches to centimeters 2.54 -12.2 10 50 26.7 80 176 inches to meters 0.0254 - 9.4 15 59 27.2 81 177.8 feet to millimeters 304.8 - 6.7 20 68 27.8 82 179.6 feet to centimeters 30.48 - 3.9 25 77 28.3 83 181.4 feet to meters 0.3048 - 1.1 30 86 28.9 84 183.2 yards to meters 0.9144 0 32 89.6 29.4 85 185 miles to kilometers 1.609 0.6 33 91.4 30 86 186.8 1.1 34 93.2 30.6 87 188.6 Volume and Capacity: 1.7 35 95 31.1 88 190.4 cu in to centimeters 16.387 2.2 36 96.8 31.7 89 192.2 cubic inches to liters 0.016387 2.8 37 98.6 32.2 90 194 cu ft to cu meters 0.02832 3.3 38 100.4 32.8 91 195.8 cu ft to liters 28.32 3.9 39 102.2 33.3 92 197.6 pints (U.S.) to liters 0.4732 4.4 40 104 33.9 93 199.4 quarts (U.S.) to liters 0.9463 5 41 105.8 34.4 94 201.2 gallons (U.S.) to liters 3.785 5.6 42 107.6 35 95 203 cu yds to cu meters 0.7646 6.1 43 109.4 35.6 96 204.8 oz (fluid) to cu cm 28.574 6.7 44 111.2 36.1 97 206.6 7.2 45 113 36.7 98 208.4 Area: 7.8 46 114.8 37.2 99 210.2 sq in to sq millimeters 645.16 8.3 47 116.6 37.8 100 212 sq in to sq cm 6.4516 8.9 48 118.4 40.6 105 221 sq ft to sq centimeters 929.03 9.4 49 120.2 43.3 110 230 sq ft to sq meters 0.0929 10 50 122 46.1 115 239 sq yds to sq meters 0.8361 10.6 51 123.8 48.8 120 248 11.1 52 125.6 51.7 125 257 Mass: 11.7 53 127.4 54.4 130 266 ounces to grams 28.35 12.2 54 129.2 57.2 135 275 ounces to kilograms 0.02835 12.8 55 131 60 140 284 pounds to kilograms 0.4536 13.3 56 132.8 62.8 145 293 tons to kilograms 1016.0 13.9 57 134.6 65.6 150 302 long tons to metric tons 1.016 14.4 58 136.4 68.3 155 311 15 59 138.2 71 160 320 15.6 60 140 73.9 165 329 16.1 61 141.8 76.7 170 338 16.7 62 143.6 79.4 175 347 17.2 63 145.4 82 180 356 17.8 64 147.2 87.8 190 374 18.3 65 149 93 200 392 18.9 66 150.8 98.9 210 410 19.4 67 152.6 104 220 428 20 68 154.4 110 230 446 20.6 69 156.2 115.6 240 464 21.1 70 158 121.1 250 482 21.7 71 159.8 126.7 260 500 22.2 72 161.6 132.2 270 518 22.8 73 163.4 135 275 527 23.3 74 165.2 137.8 280 536 23.9 75 167 143.3 290 554 24.4 76 168.8 148.9 300 572 25 77 170.6 162.8 325 617


Reference Sources The following publications served as primary reference sources of information contained within IICRC S300: American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Research Triangle Park, NC, 1991. Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) International, Technical Bulletins. Annapolis Junction, MD. Bishop, Lanier J., The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection and Safety (CRIS) Glossary. Clean Care Seminars, Inc., Dothan, AL, 1992 (revised ’99). Bishop, Lanier J., Upholstery and Drapery Cleaning. Clean Care Seminars, Inc., Dothan, AL, 1983 (revised ‘97). Bishop, Lanier J., Specialized Fabric Spotting. Clean Care Seminars, Inc., Dothan, AL, 1984 (revised ‘91). Block, Seymour S., Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, Third Edition, Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1983. Casarett and Doull's Toxicology - The Basic Science of Poisons, Iurtiss Klaassen, Mary Amdur, John Doull, ed., Third Edition, Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1986. Cotran, R.S.; Kumar, V., and Robbins, S.L., Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, 4th Edition. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1989. Dictionary of Textile Terms. Dan River, Inc., New York, NY. Groseclose, Aaron, Leather and Suede Upholstery Cleaning, Part I, The Rug Cleaning Specialist, September 18, 1998. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, Inc., IICRC Standard for Carpet Cleaning - S001-91, IICRC, Vancouver, WA, 1991. International Society of Cleaning Technicians Technical Bulletins. Sharpesburg, GA. Lackawanna (Div. of US Leather, Inc.), Leather: The Inside Story, Conover, NC, 1998. Leather Industries of America, Dictionary of Leather Terminology, Eighth Edition, 1991. Soap and Detergent Association A Handbook of Industry Terms. New York, NY, 1987. Tortora, Phyllis G., Merkel, Robert S., Fairchild’s Dictionary of Textiles, Seventh Edition, Fairchild Publications, New York, 1996. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Glossary of Terms Related to Health, Exposure, and Risk Assessment. EPA/450/3.88/016, 1989. Wools of New Zealand, Specifications for Cleaning Wool Carpet. The International Wool Secretariat, Atlanta, GA.

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