PVC / Ripstop Cleaning Instructions

Polyester Fabrics

Polyester panel fabrics are colorfast to both water-based and solvent-based cleaning solutions and may be cleaned with all conventional upholstery cleaning systems.

Note that the following are general recommendations for the panel fabric only. Some fabric cleaning methods may cause damage to underlying materials in panel or wall panel systems. Contact the panel manufacturer for recommendations and precautions prior to attempting any of the following procedures:

• Vacuum the fabric periodically to remove accumulated dirt and dust. The frequency of this and any other routine maintenance is determined by end use conditions.
• Blot fresh spills immediately.
• Ensure that the fabric is adequately rinsed after cleaning, as residual cleaning agents may accelerate soiling.
• Have the fabric professionally cleaned whenever large stains or an overall soiled condition occurs.

For most water-based stains, a clean, absorbent cloth dampened with a detergent solution (e.g. 1 teaspoon laundry detergent / 1 pint warm water) should be applied to the stain. Blot the fabric with the treated cloth, working from the outer edge of the stained area moving inward.

In order to effectively draw out the stain, renew the cleaning cloth frequently. Rinse well with clear water, and dry the fabric as quickly as practical. Oil-based stains may be treated in a similar manner, substituting a volatile solvent-based cleaner for the detergent solution.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for using such products, and always pretest an inconspicuous area of the fabric for colorfastness to the cleaning agent.

 

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PVF Film
The procedures for removing stains from PVF Film can be divided into three categories depending on the staining agent.

 

1. Easy Procedures (Cloth only, Wet or Dry) PVF Film is inherently easier to clean than other protective materials. Thus, many staining agents can simply be wiped from the film with either a wet or dry cloth. Many of the clear liquid agents such as those found in hospital areas, i.e., alcohols, mild acids, etc., may simply be wiped off and forgotten.
2. Mild Procedures (Soaps, Household Detergents) Some staining agents, notably products such as common lipstick or ball-point pen ink, require the use of warm, full-strength solutions of standard household detergents. These stains should be removed with a soft cloth and the detergent solution, and given a final rinse of clear water to effect maximum stain removal.
3. Moderate Procedures (Solvents) Many staining agents, especially those with heavy oil or grease bases, will require the use of a solvent for removal. No common solvent will affect the PVF finish on wallcoverings. To remove asphalt, tar, road oil, grease, fresh paint, or caulking compounds from the PVF protected wallcoverings, use a good grade of mineral spirits, kerosene, naphtha, turpentine, or commercial automotive or road oil removal agent. Follow the procedure with a detergent rinse and a clear water rinse. Commercial fabric cleaning fluids may also be toluene, or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) may be used.

Note: In all cases cleaners should be applied generously using a soft cloth with very light pressure to avoid polishing the stained area.

 

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PVC Film
PVC may be cleaned with a low concentration of a mild soap in water. The solution should be applied with a sponge or soft cloth with a gentle rubbing action. Cleaners with abrasives such as scouring powders or steel wool should be avoided. Also, cleaners that contain keytones, kerosene, or petroleum products must not be used.

 

If a PVC encapsulated product should become ripped or torn, it can easily be repaired with a matching PVC repair tape. If PVC tape is not available, then a clear packaging tape will work very well. As with all tapes, it is extremely important that the surface be clean and dry. When applying the tape, a sufficient amount of pressure must be used to ensure proper adhesion.

 

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Vinyl
General Conditions: Day-to-Day Soil Ordinary dirt and smudges can be removed with a mild soap, warm water, and, if necessary, a hard bristle brush to remove dirt from the crevices of deeply textured patterns. Clean from bottom of wall upward. Rinse thoroughly with clean water from the top down using a sponge.

Deeply embossed wallcoverings need extra attention in case suds or loosened dirt lodge in depressed surfaces. Dry wallcovering with a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. For more difficult stains that are only surface deep, the use of a stronger detergent is recommended.

Not recommended for cleaning are steel wool or powdered abrasive cleaners because they mar the surface leaving an unsightly appearance.

Unlike wallcovering with conventional finishes, active solvent type cleaning preparations such as nail polish remover, tar and bug removers, etc., can be used with Pre-Fixx protected wallcoverings to remove residual stains that remain after cleaning with standard cleaning agents.

Special Conditions
Stains on Pre-Fixx protected vinyl wallcoverings can be cleaned by the following methods (Staining agents have been grouped to allow quick reference for cleaning instructions):

Cleaning Agents to Use:

1. Full Strength household cleaners (non-abrasive type) to be used with water and scrub brush

• 409 All Purpose Cleaner
• Fantastic
• Butchers Sun Bath Cleaners
• Service Master's Wallglide Plus
• Other type household cleaners and bleaches

2. Solvent type cleaner to be used with scrub brush and cloth. For most effective cleaning, use 100% full strength with brush. Dry area with cloth.

• Rubbing Alcohol (IPA type)
• Service Master's Disaster Clean
• Mineral Spirits
• Kerosene
• Naptha (lighter fluid)
• Turpentine (paint thinner)

3. Strong active solvent cleaners such as nail polish remover (acetone/water) with scrub brush and cloth