Upholstery Care
Tips to keep your vinyl upholstery looking like new
General - It is important to remove many stains as quickly as possible. This is particularly true of lipstick, paint, lacquer or enamel, ball point pen ink, mustard, nail polish, oil shampoo tints and other substances which contain either coloring matter or a solvent. Where the soiling material is heavy in nature, such as chewing gum or road tar, cleaning is more efficient when as much of the foreign material as possible is carefully removed by scraping. In general, it is best to try to remove the stain with detergent (or soap) & water. If unsuccessful, then go to a stronger means such as a carbon tetrachloride (carbona), alcohol, turpentine, hydrogen peroxide, etc. *Try the turpentine or peroxide on an an inconspicuous portion of the material to make sure it will have no adverse affect.
Normal Soil - Use your favorite detergent with warm water applied from a sponge or cloth. Before the surface dries, go over it with a clean, dry cloth. Before the surface dries, go over it with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat, if necessary, to remove more stubborn stains.
No-No's - Never use abrasive cleaners. Use only solvents or cleaners recommended by their manufacturer for vinyl upholstery.
Nail Polish or Laquer - Must be removed quickly to obtain good results. Pick up as much as possible with a dry cloth taking care not to spread the stain.
Tar, Asphalt - Remove as soon as possible using a cloth dampened with kerosene or gasoline. Avoid spreading the stain. Contact with tar or asphalt for any length of time will cause permanent damage.
Paint or Enamel - Remove as soon as possible using a cloth dampened with turpentine or kerosene.
Ball Point Ink - Will cause permanent staining if allowed to remain for any length of time. Prompt cleaning with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol will remove the stain.
Chewing Gum, Tar - Chill with ice to reduce tackiness. Rub carefully with dull wooden instrument such as a tongue depressor, to remove substance without injuring the upholstery. Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse & wipe dry.