Smith Brothers of Berne Upholstery Care

Unlike those mass produced furniture stores, Smith Brothers of Berne does their best to deliver to you the finest investment in your furniture. With the right care, your investment will not only see your return, it’ll stay comfortable and beautiful for years. The key? Understanding your fabric’s cleaning code provided by Smith Brothers and responding to spills quickly. Let’s break it down.

If you have a spill be sure to check under the upholstered pieces, usually tucked under the seat cushions. These codes tell you exactly what cleaners are safe to use on that specific fabric. If your furniture has one of these tags, it’s worth the 30 seconds to check it before you start cleaning – using the wrong cleaner can cause permanent damage.

If you find a cleaning code tag, here’s what the codes mean:

S – Solvent Only
Clean with pure petroleum distillate-based solvents only. Water-based or detergent-based cleaners can cause excessive shrinkage, and water stains may become permanent. Yes, this means even plain water is off-limits. Common products for S-coded Fabrics are  K2r Spot Lifter, or Force Field Dry Cleaning Fluid for Fine Fabrics.

W – Water-Based
Clean with water-based cleaning agents or foam to remove overall soil. This is the most flexible code, but remember that many household cleaners (even water-based ones) can harm fabric color and longevity. Common products for S-coded Fabrics are Mild dish soap like Dawn or gentle laundry detergent like Tide (mixed with distilled water), Force Field Fabric Cleaner Professional Strength, or Resolve Upholstery Cleaner (check that you’re getting the water-based version)

SW – Either/Or
The best of both worlds – clean with either water-based cleaning agents, foam, or pure petroleum distillate-based solvents. When in doubt, start with the gentler water-based approach.

X – Vacuum Only
Do not clean with any liquids. Only light vacuuming is recommended. This is the most delicate category – respect it.

Don’t have a cleaning code tag?
If your furniture doesn’t have a tag, your safest bet is to start with dry methods only (vacuuming and dry blotting), then contact the manufacturer or a professional upholstery cleaner before using any liquid cleaners. When in doubt, test any cleaner on a hidden area first.

Spot Cleaning Fabric

Before You Start
Always test your cleaner on a hidden area first – under a cushion, on the back panel, anywhere out of sight. Even “safe” cleaners can react differently with different dye lots or finishes. Better to discover a problem in a hidden spot than right in the middle of your sofa.

For W or SW Fabrics (Water-Safe):

  1. Remove the excess. Blot or vacuum up any crumbs or liquid residue with a clean towel. Don’t scrub – you’ll just grind it in deeper.
  2. Create your cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of mild soap (like Tide or Dawn) with distilled water. Distilled water matters – tap water minerals can leave rings.
  3. Apply gently. Use a spray bottle or clean cloth/sponge to apply the solution to the affected area. Gently dab the spot – no aggressive scrubbing. A soft brush may be necessary for stubborn spots, but keep it gentle.
  4. Rinse carefully. This is crucial – rinse away all soap residue without soaking the upholstery. Leftover soap attracts dirt like a magnet.
  5. Blot dry. Use a clean, white towel to blot until the area is barely moist. This limits water marks and speeds drying.

For S Fabrics (Solvent Only):

  1. Remove the excess. Same as above – blot or vacuum up what you can.
  2. Use the right cleaner. Apply a spot cleaning agent that specifically has an “S” cleaning code on its label. These are usually found in the upholstery care section of stores.
  3. No water! Seriously, don’t be tempted to “just rinse it a little” with water. Water can cause permanent staining or fabric damage on S-coded fabrics.
  4. Follow product instructions. Each solvent cleaner is a little different, so read and follow the label directions carefully.

General Fabric Care Tips

Vacuum Regularly
We covered this in General Care, but it’s worth repeating – vacuum your fabric furniture weekly with a brush attachment. Skip the harsh brushes that can cause pilling.

Rotate Cushions
Flip and rotate those cushions regularly to distribute wear. Nobody wants one pancake cushion surrounded by fluffy ones.

Act Fast on Spills
The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth, then check your cleaning code before proceeding.

Protect From Sunlight
Even the most fade-resistant fabrics will eventually lose their color in direct sunlight. Position furniture away from windows, or use curtains and UV-protective window film.

Professional Cleaning
For overall cleaning or stubborn stains you can’t handle, call in a professional upholstery cleaner. Make sure they know your fabric’s cleaning code.

Ongoing Maintenance

Quick Hardware Check
Once a year, do a quick inspection of hardware on pieces that get the most use. Check bedframes for any loose bolts, and make sure doors on dressers or armoires are hanging straight and hinges are tight. A quick tightening when needed keeps everything functioning smoothly and prevents bigger issues down the road. Think of it like changing your smoke detector batteries – just a smart annual habit.

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