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Welcome to our latest article! If you’re a regular around here, a hearty welcome back—and thanks for your ongoing support! New to the page? Hello, and welcome aboard!
I hope you enjoy the read. Our amazing director whipped up this piece in response to a question we hear all the time, and we want to help you understand why this happens and what you can realistically do about it. Remember, though, some problems are just too tricky to tackle on our own!
Have you ever noticed dark, greasy marks forming on your sofa’s headrest or your upholstered headboard? These unsightly stains are caused by head grease—the natural oils your skin produces that transfer to fabrics over time. While seemingly harmless, head grease can be stubborn to remove, especially if left untreated for too long. But why is it such a challenge to clean, and what can be done to prevent it from ruining your upholstery? So, let’s explore head grease on your upholstery, what it is and how you manage it.
Your skin naturally has oils that keep it moisturised and protected. These oils, combined with products like hair gels or sprays, transfer to fabrics when you rest your head on sofas, chairs, or bed headboards. Over time, these oils bond to the fibres of your upholstery, creating sticky, greasy patches.
Synthetic Fibres: Commonly found in modern upholstery, these are made from oil-based materials, meaning they naturally cling to greasy soils. While they may clean up more easily in the early stages, grease left untreated can embed deeply.
Natural Fibres: Fabrics like cotton or linen are highly absorbent. While this makes them breathable and comfortable, it also means they’re quick to soak up oils, which can bond to the fibres permanently if not cleaned promptly.
Grease left untreated doesn’t just sit on the surface—it becomes a magnet for additional dirt and grime. Over weeks and months, these sticky areas attract more soils, which further stain and degrade the fibres. Here’s what happens:
Bonding to Fibres: As grease sits, it forms a strong bond with the fabric, making removal increasingly tricky.
Attracting Soils: Sticky patches pick up dust and dirt, amplifying the problem.
Fibre Deterioration: The oils and grime weaken the fibres, reducing the lifespan of your upholstery.
When homeowners spot grease stains, their first instinct is often to try cleaning them with household products. Unfortunately, this can worsen the issue:
Superficial Cleaning: Many products only clean the surface but fail to penetrate the fabric to remove deep-set oils.
Residue Build-Up: Some off-the-shelf cleaners leave behind residues, making the area even stickier.
Fabric Damage: Incorrect cleaning techniques can cause shrinkage, colour fading, or other damage, especially on delicate natural fibres.
Professional upholstery cleaning offers the expertise and tools needed to effectively remove head grease without harming the fabric. At Art of Clean, we use specialised methods to tackle even the most stubborn marks, restoring your upholstery to its best condition.
Prevention of Permanent Damage: Head grease left too long may not be fully removable. Early intervention is critical.
Thorough Cleaning: Professionals can remove oils embedded deep within the fibres, something DIY methods often can’t achieve.
Preservation of Fabric: Proper cleaning prevents further deterioration, helping your upholstery last longer.
Prevention is just as important as cleaning if you want to keep your upholstery looking its best. That’s where fabric protection and regular maintenance come in.
Fabric Protection:
Applying a high-quality fabric protector creates a barrier on the fabric, making it harder for oils and grease to penetrate.
Protected fabrics are easier to clean during subsequent maintenance.
Regular Cleaning:
Regular cleaning removes grease before it bonds too deeply with the fibres.
With Art of Clean’s Maintenance Plan, you can ensure your upholstery is cleaned annually and protected after every session. This not only keeps your furniture looking fresh but also extends its lifespan.
A simple way to check if your upholstery needs cleaning is by paying attention to the headrest. If you notice greasy patches or areas that appear darker after cleaning with a damp cloth, it’s time to act. Early cleaning is much more effective and saves the fabric from further damage.
Head grease is a common but preventable issue that can seriously impact the appearance and longevity of your upholstery. The best approach is proactive -clean regularly, use fabric protection, and consult professionals before the problem becomes unmanageable.
At Art of Clean, we specialise in restoring and protecting upholstery across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire. Whether you need advice, a one-off Upholstery Cleaning, or a comprehensive maintenance plan, we’re here to help. If you’re not in our catchment area, check out the NCCA’s website, and you will find an accredited, reliable Upholstery Cleaner there!
Take the first step in caring for your upholstery. Contact Art of Clean today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our Maintenance Plan, which includes annual cleaning, fabric protection, and advice tailored to your needs.
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry-Cleaning service
