How can I figure out what fabric my sofa is made of, so I can clean it?

G'Meister

I don't know if it really matters specifically which fabric it's made of but I presume it does and I've been meaning to give it a good clean since buying it second hand recently, I've taken pictures:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/DVDExtras/IMG-20120612-00398-1.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/DVDExtras/IMG-20120612-00397-1.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/DVDExtras/IMG-20120612-00396-1.jpg

I don't have a clue about sofa fabrics, I know the covers are non-removable (except the seat cushions and back cushions) - it's all covered with the same material, even the back and sides.

lizzyb1812

Have you looked inside the seat cushion covers for a label?

G'Meister

I haven't, no, why didn't I think of that!
Just went to take a look, there's only a label on the filling, bit disappointed - makes sense that there should be a label or some markings somewhere on the sofa to say something, anything! (there is a label about fire safety but I've read it very careful for clues and it's just legal stuff, specific to my sofa).

Chris25

looks a bit like dralon - is it velvety?

G'Meister

Chris25 wrote: »

looks a bit like dralon - is it velvety?

Yes it is (velvety).

I've just googled quite a bit and it doesn't look much like other dralon sofa's I can find online (not sure it's as old as other dralon sofa's I can find online either).. but that doesn't mean it's not dralon.

I found some cleaning instructions (http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-dralon-sofa/), if it turns out it's not dralon, maybe I'm worrying too much about what it's made of anyway (mostly not wanting to create patches of discoloration - obviously with the cover being non-removable I'll be careful not to get it too wet).

What makes you think it's dralon btw?

Thanks

Chris25

I used to have a dralon sofa and it looks like a similar texture from the photos. I used to use a scrubbing brush all over to get the dust off, then an upholstery cleaner (was a clear liquid like washing-up liquid) that you diluted with warm water & frothed it up ( Iused potato masher) I then used a nail brush to lightly brush on just the foam over the stains, then when dry, brushed it with a dry brush to plush up the fabric.

Used to come out really well - if it dralon, it's a very forgiving fabric.
Had it for years & it coped well with pets & children - but not sunshine! But then any fabric would bleach if just inside the window.

Butterfly_Brain

Dry foam carpet shampoo should do the job

G'Meister

Thanks for your replies, very much appreciated , going to clean it tomo .