Glossary of Terms for Furniture and Upholstery Care

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/Article_Webp/glossary%2520furn.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> Here are some key terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your furniture and/or upholstery care project. deodorizing The process of neutralizing odors from upholstery, often performed during professional cleaning services. Deodorizing is crucial for eliminating smells from pets, smoke or food, ensuring the furniture smells as clean as it looks. dry cleaning Unlike steam cleaning, dry cleaning involves the use of chemical solvents instead of water. This method is often used for fabrics that can’t tolerate water because it prevents shrinkage, color running and other water-related damage. fabric grade This term refers to the durability and quality of upholstery fabric. Fabric grades can range from residential to commercial quality, with higher grades typically offering greater longevity and resistance to wear. fabric protection Fabric protection involves applying a protective coating to upholstery to repel water and prevent stains. It’s especially recommended for new furniture or pieces that have just been cleaned, extending the life and appearance of the material. fiber content This term describes what the upholstery fabric is made of, such as cotton, polyester, leather or a blend of materials. Fiber content determines the care requirements and durability of the upholstery, influencing cleaning methods and the potential need for fabric protection. foam density In the context of upholstery padding, foam density refers to the compactness of the foam used within cushions and other parts of furniture. Higher density foam tends to be more durable and offers better support, but it may also be firmer. pilling Pilling occurs when fibers in the fabric begin to break and ball up, resulting in small, unsightly lumps on the surface of the upholstery. Some fabrics are more prone to pilling than others, and removing these pills can help maintain the furniture’s appearance. spot cleaning This targeted cleaning method is used to remove stains from a specific area of upholstery without cleaning the entire piece. Spot cleaning must be done carefully to avoid spreading the stain or damaging the fabric. steam cleaning A cleaning method that uses steam to penetrate upholstery fabrics, loosening and removing dirt and stains. It's effective for many types of fabric but may not be suitable for delicate materials that can be damaged by high temperatures. upholstery This refers to the material (fabric, leather, etc.) that covers your furniture, as well as the padding and springs beneath it. Upholstery can vary greatly in terms of material and requires specific care techniques depending on its type. wearability code The wearability code, often found on fabric samples or furniture tags, indicates the durability of upholstery fabric. It’s usually represented by terms like “Delicate Duty,” “Light Duty,” “Medium Duty” and “Heavy Duty,” guiding consumers in choosing the right fabric for their lifestyle and furniture usage.  <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-county-upholstery/" target="_self">Marin County Upholstery Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-upholstery/" target="_self">Sonoma County Upholstery Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/solano-carpet-upholstery-cleaning/" target="_self">Solano County Upholstery Cleaning Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-carpet-upholstery-cleaning/" target="_self">Alameda County Upholstery Cleaning Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-county-furniture-repair/" target="_self">Sonoma County Furniture Repair Companies </a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/furniture-and-upholstery/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Furniture & Upholstery Care</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>