Welcome to Our Blog! Hello again to our regular readers and a warm welcome if you’re visiting for the first time! We’re delighted you’re here. Today, we’re diving into an upholstery cleaning question we get asked quite a bit: how do you clean Dralon sofas? If you’re wondering, “What’s Dralon?”—you’re not alone! Let’s explore this unique fabric together.
Individual sections will be large and bold. I have written a section, “So, How Do You Clean Dralon Sofas?” which are instructions if you want to try it at home. I will also add some “Images of our work… and one of how our technicians carry out an upholstery clean-headed… Short video of our upholstery cleaning process. There will also be a few helpful blogs at the end for more on upholstery cleaning.
We get sofas made of Dralon now, but it’s a newer type… I will explain more about this material in the section headed “A Quick Look at Dralon”
Dralon is a synthetic fabric first developed in Dormagen, Germany, in the 1950s. It became super popular in upholstery, carpets, curtains, workwear, and furniture because of its durability and easy-care nature. If you grew up in the ’70s or ’80s, you probably remember Dralon sofas at your nan’s house or in your childhood photos!
Dralon’s appeal comes from its dirt-resistant qualities. Often, a regular vacuum is enough to keep it clean. However, there are important points to remember if your Dralon sofa needs deeper cleaning. For starters, never use water hotter than 50°C (122°F). And here’s a major warning: if a cleaner approaches your sofa with a steam cleaner, stop them immediately! Older Dralon fabric can be easily damaged by high temperatures.
Interestingly, early Dralon was flammable and released dangerous fumes when burnt. Thankfully, modern Dralon has been updated to meet strict European safety standards and is now flame-retardant.
Step 1: Gentle Brushing
Begin with a very soft brush. Dralon is delicate, so gentle brushing will remove loose dirt without harming its delicate fabric.
Step 2: Thorough Vacuuming
Using your upholstery attachment, give the sofa another thorough vacuum. Focus on headrests and armrests, as they accumulate oils and dirt from hands and heads.
Step 3: Tackle Grease Stains Carefully
If you discover greasy patches, don’t panic! A special upholstery grease solvent can help. Apply it gently and blot the stain away. Be cautious, as solvents can be harsh. If you’re unsure, always consult a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
Step 4: Use Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaner
Apply a dry foam cleaner with a synthetic sponge. Follow the product instructions carefully. Avoid excessive water, as Dralon doesn’t respond well to moisture, particularly hot water.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once your sofa is dry, give it another gentle brush and vacuum. This will revive the fabric texture, making your sofa look fresh and well-maintained.
Pro Tip: If you see stubborn creases, gently brush the area with a damp cloth to lift them out.
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
