fabric protection is a great choice for your new furnishings. to make sure your protection appointment goes smoothly, Follow these 5 steps to prepare your home and household for a visit from the professionals.
SO YOU’VE OPTED TO APPLY PROTECTION TO YOUR FURNITURE, RUG OR CARPET!
First, congratulations! You’ve made a choice that extends the life of your investments, leaves a smaller environmental footprint and preserves the health and cleanliness of your home. By now, you have researched the most effective and safest product for your protection needs and have vetted the best company for the application job. If you’re unsure how to select a reputable service company, lean on first the reviews, references, and first impressions. But once you have scheduled your fabric protection service, you will want to take a few minutes to prepare for the appointment.
FOR EFFICIENT FABRIC PROTECTION, GIVE THE PROFESSIONALS ROOM TO WORK.
The best protection products can be used on a range of surfaces and still provide an effective encapsulation of the fibers. So whether you have a designer rug or an heirloom, a new sectional or a newly cleaned sofa, or if you are looking to get longer life from your carpet, an application of high-quality protection will optimize the durability of your textiles. But the homeowner can ensure a faster, more effective service by keeping these pointers in mind.
First of all, a fabric protection application requires technicians to move freely and work without interruption. The professionals will likely ask that clients take all safety precautions – be sure that friends, family members and pets stay clear of furnishings and areas that are being treated. You can plan ahead, securing your animals and shifting any family activity to another area of your home. With a trusted provider onsite, you may find it easier to simply leave your home for the duration of the service.
PLEASE do not schedule any other service companies at the project site during the scheduled application. If any professionals must be working on site when fabric protection is being applied, please share these guidelines with them.
BE SURE THE CARPET, RUG, DRAPERY OR FURNISHING TO BE TREATED IS READY AND ACCESSIBLE.
Please clear items or areas to be treated of any loose personal belongings. Removing clothing, toys, electronics and other possessions will insure your appointment is efficient. For rug applications and carpet protection, it is advisable that all movable items such as chairs, ottomans, floor lamps or tables, are removed from the area.
Additionally, PLEASE call ahead to your provider, no later than the day before the appointment, if larger pieces such as sectionals or sofas will need to be moved the day of service. This will guarantee the appropriate personnel are assigned to your fabric protection project. Keep in mind too that some companies may limit the amount of moving that their technicians can do. Good communication with your service provider is key.
COMMUNICATE YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT THE ITEMS TO BE PROTECTED.
Please make time to review the project area with the technician before work begins. You can help us by pointing out any pre-existing spots, stains, soiling or defects on items to be protected.
ALLOW FOR VENTILATION AND SET ASIDE TIME FOR THE FABRIC PROTECTION TO CURE.
It is common for protection products to give off an odor, during treatment. Take, for example Fiber Protector. The carrying agent for this product is Isopropyl Alcohol. But this highly-vetted, environmentally friendly fabric protection is safe for families and their pets.
Whatever the treatment, the companies who use a product should be able to provide you with in-depth information about the chemical make-up of the protectant. In the case of Fiber ProTector, there is no reason for concern. The product is applied directly to the textile or furnishing and does not remain airborne. Within a short time of service, the smell of the Isopropyl Alcohol will dissipate. Many service companies can direct you to helpful videos to further explain the product and the process.
Technicians can facilitate proper ventilation during the application process. When possible, they will open any available windows or doors. Air movers can also be used to improve dry time. Communicate clearly with your professionals about your needs around ventilation and let them talk you through their protocols.
Lastly, please restrict access to the treated items and surfaces for two to four hours after the application is complete. This will insure ample dry time and lasting protection.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PREPARING FOR YOUR FABRIC PROTECTION APPOINTMENT?
If you are working with a quality local service provider, good customer service will insure you know all you need to know about the protection process. Whether the company provides great online resources, helpful phone or chat communications or a combination of both, you should feel confident about your fabric protection project. That said, there are more great online resources for anyone preparing for this service.
Time to relax and enjoy all the perks of your investment. Furnishings are meant to be lived on, so whether you are preserving a well-loved item or wanted to get the longest life out of a new rug, carpet or upholstery piece, fabric protection will give you peace of mind. Still trying to decide if protection is right for you? Read what the pros have to say.