Holdsworth have established the following care and maintenance instructions for fabrics.
Considerable thought and development work has gone into the production of our fabrics to enable them to withstand the rigorous use on public transport vehicles. We felt therefore, a few hints on the care and cleaning would help you to obtain the best possible life from your fabric.
One of the main advantages of these fabrics is their construction which allows dirt to fall to the base of the pile. This presents a relatively clean surface to your passenger which is obviously very important.
Routine Cleaning.
All that is required to remove the dirt is gentle beating with the hand or the back of a brush. This will bring the dirt to the surface where it is easily removed by a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. It is preferable to vacuum or brush in the direction of the pile which can easily be recognized by running a hand lightly over the pile. Cleaning should be carried out as often as possible. If the fabric becomes excessively dirty, then particles of grit will cause gradual wear to take place, thus reducing the life of the moquette.
Steam Cleaning.
Occasional steam cleaning will breathe new life into tired upholstery. Portable steam cleaners are readily available from hire shops to rent or buy, and we have many examples showing how a vacuum and steam clean can rejuvenate a drab interior. (The need to follow safe operating procedures when steam cleaning is vital to prevent risk of scalding.)
FABRIC MAINTENANCE
With proper care your upholstery will provide years of beautiful service. To help keep your upholstery looking new, certain precautions and cleaning instructions should be followed. By giving your upholstery a little extra attention, it will stay looking great for years!
According to the Environmental Protection Agency your upholstery serves as a magnet that collects a variety of pollutants and contaminants from various sources. Internal sources include air conditioners, heaters, tobacco smoke and food particles. Outdoor sources include pollen and spores from trees, plants and other vegetation as well as exhaust fumes from cars, fireplaces and other form of pollution.
Satisfactory results are usually achieved by cleaning with a non-water-based foam cleaner, provided that manufacturer’s directions are carefully adhered to. Any product or technique should always be tested on an inconspicuous area before attempting overall cleaning.
CLEANING OF UPHOLSTERY
The seat cushion and back covering may be fabricated of different materials, consisting of both synthetic and natural fabrics. Vinyl coated fabrics cannot be machine washed (laundered).
For cleaning of the seat upholstery in view of the above limitations, the following procedure is suggested:
Woven Fabrics
- Frequent and thorough vacuum cleaning.
- Occasional steam cleaning.
- To the cover (not removed) apply a thick layer of soap (non-alkaline) or approved foam type cleaner. Suds are to be scrubbed into fabric using a stiff bristle brush or a sponge.
- After scrubbing sponge the suds from the fabric with a clean sponge or cloth dampened with water. Rinse sponge or cloth frequently with clean water.
- Do not water soak fabric, as this will cause shrinkage.
Method 1
Apply a non-inflammable solvent (trichlorethylene) with a clean, white, absorbent material, treating small areas working from the outer edge towards the center of the stain. Blot frequently with a dry cloth to avoid rings.
OPEN WINDOWS AND DOORS TO ALLOW FUMES TO DISPERSE.
Method 2
Sponge the stain with a solution of household detergent and lukewarm water. DO NOT SOAK. Follow this by rubbing with a damp cloth, rinsing cloth between each treatment.
Warning
DO NOT USE SOAP, WASHING POWDER, AMMONIA, SODA, BLEACH OR ANY PRODUCTS WHICH CONTAIN THEM.
Alcoholic Liquids
Sponge with water followed by Method 2
Battery Acid
Saturate with a solution of sodium bicarbonate, leave for several minutes before drying out. It is important for the above treatment to be carried out immediately to avoid serious damage to the moquette.
Beverage Stains
Use Method 1. If stain persists, try methylated spirits.
Burns
Scrape blackened area with a knife and treat with Method 2. Extensive burns require expert attention.
Chewing Gum
Soften with cyclohexanone and scrape off carefully with a knife.
Writing Ink
Use Method 2. If brown stain remains, treat as for rust.
Copying Ink
Treat with methylated spirits, blotting frequently to avoid ink spreading. Use cleaning Method 2 to complete the treatment.
Ballpen Ink
Treat as copying ink.
Marking Ink (Felt-tipped pens)
Treat with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (M.E.K.), followed by Method 2.
Oil, Greage and Paint Marks
Remove surplus substance with a knife or spoon, then treat with Method 1, followed by Method 2. Should stains reappear, repeat cleaning process.
Rust
Use Method 2, followed by a warm solution of oxalic acid. Complete treatment by sponging with water.
NOTE Prompt and correct cleaning will remove most stains. Wrong treatment will only increase the damage. In cases where there is doubt, always seek expert advice. Information is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate, but all recommendations or suggestions are made without guarantee since the conditions of use are beyond our control.
Trim Maintenance
Cleaning of trim parts - Aisle End Panel & Rear Shell
Minor stains may be removed from trim parts with a good quality toilet soap. More severe cleaning problems require the use of diverse cleaning agents and polishes. Most household cleaners, automotive waxes, and polishes can be adapted to this job. Solvents and spray type household cleaners containing hydrocarbons, will attack A.B.S. materials and should be used sparingly, if at all.
A cleaning solution should be applied sparingly with a clean, relatively dry cloth and wiped over the material gently. It is recommended that the cleaning be accomplished by repeated applications of the cleaner rather than one heavy application. All normal soaps and detergents may be considered safe for removing dirt and grease from A.B.S. materials.
CAUTION:
- Never soak panels in cleaning solution or allow them to remain wet with solution for any length of time.
- Do not use waxes which dry with a bloom as they are extremely difficult to remove after application