Vinyl coated fabrics are perhaps the most maintenance free fabrics
ever produced and certainly will provide exceptional service life
if given proper care. Almost all vinyl manufacturers now provide
information concerning the necessary cleaning procedures for their
products. In reality, all care and maintenance instructions are
the same for all coated fabrics regardless of their manufacturing
origin.
A gentle mixture of any mild soap and warm water will generally
dissipate most common soil from the surface. Using a soft cloth,
wash the area to be cleaned and rinse. If stubborn dirt remains,
as a stain imbedded in the grain of the vinyl, use a soft brush,
and if necessary, a touch of cleaning powder. In both situations,
rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Remove all chewing gum possible prior to the application of Naptha
or Kerosene, worked in with a soft cloth. If gum cannot be removed,
ice may be used to harden the gum so that it separates itself
from the vinyl surfaces. (This same method is also useful in removing
wax.)
You must work quickly! Magic Marker, India Ink, and ball point
pen immediately will affect pigments, and, for the most part,
are difficult to remove. It is recommended that a solution of
water and rubbing alcohol be applied and gently rubbed on the
spot as soon as possible. Hair sprays, containing alcohol, are
sometimes effective in emergencies for removing ink.
| NAIL POLISH &
POLISH REMOVER |
These products will immediately damage vinyl surfaces, and to
retard further damage, should be carefully wiped clean.
Try to remove as soon as possible. It is not recommended that
any paint removers, or brush cleaners, be used. Clean oil based
paint with soft clean cloth and Naptha. To clean Latex base paints,
use the same methods as recommended for everyday soil.
Petroleum based products will stain all vinyls if allowed to
stand too long. Clean as soon as possible with cloth followed
by the immediate application of Kerosene or Naptha.
Products are now on the market that are manufactured to enhance
the beauty and service life of all vinyls. However, by using the
methods described above with minimal care and attention, the consumer
should enjoy years of satisfaction and pride with any vinyl coated
fabric.
California Technical Bulletin 133 (Cal 133) is a flammability
test that must be met by all upholstered furniture sold or offered
for sale by a manufacturer or wholesaler for use in this state,
including any upholstered furniture sold to, or offered for sale
for use in a hotel, motel, or other place of public accommodation
in this state, and reupholstered furniture to which filling materials
are added, since March of 1992. What makes Cal 133 unique is that
it is a composite test. That is, it tests all components of an
upholstered piece together as would happen in an actual fire –
not each component separately.
California defines public places to include "jails, prisons and
penal institutions; ... hospitals, mental health facilities and
similar health care facilities; nursing homes,... child day care
centers; ... public auditoriums and stadiums; ... and public assembly
areas containing 10 or more articles of seating furniture and
located in hotels, motels and lodging houses."
The specifics of where and to whom the regulation applies may
vary from state to state where the test is used. Contact the Bureau
of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation of the Department of
Consumer Affairs of the State of California at (916) 574-2040
or your state fire marshal for more information.
