I am the new owner of a 2009 Nimbus that has a fabric couch. The couch is slightly soiled. What would be the proper way to clean it? :o
Don & Sue, what is the couch upholstery?
The upholstery is a woven fabric. I do not know what the material is. When I called the factory last week I talked to David and he told me that it has a flame retardant applied to it and he did not have and advice on cleaning.
Depending on what the soil is and whether it's surface or wicked-in, you might try rubbing gently with a dry microfiber cloth. We use that method on some dry-clean-only drapes at home to remove surface soil (the drapes are at the patio door, so lots of "activity" brushes by them).
It is going to need more than that. it appears to be more than just a surface soiling.
I would imagine but can not be certain that the material is somewhat durable and water resistant (as mine is) and is able to be cleaned with a steam type carpet cleaner. I have not used it on my FT couch but have on auto cloth seats and carpets (including the FT) without issue. They sell those type of cleaners at Wally world. I would probably recommend that you try it without cleaner (or soap). Try to use hot water that is immediately suctioned out of the fabric after it is sprayed on the fabric. I would go over it a couple of times with the spray water and then try to suck all of the water out with the carpet cleaner with the small attachment. The cost of the unit is less than 200. I have used mine on my carpet a couple of times. The reason I like only the hot water is that if you leave in the soap, it seems to attract more dirt. Sooo, if you have to use the cleaner to get it clean, I would recommend that you go over it at least a couple of times with the hot water only to attempt to rinse out all of the cleaner. If you are nearby, you can borrow mine.
I would test a small, inconspicuous area first - we had some experience with previous coach fabrics (specifically the Nysa taupey-beige used in 2003) where the flame retardant turned PINK when exposed to moisture.
The Zulu (animal-print ivory/charcoal stripe) used that year did not have the same issue (but the charcoal design wore out quite fast).
David at FOT did tell me that using any water would cause a stain. Any other ideas?
Find local carpet and upholstery cleaner that has good reviews on yelp or similar , they will come out and clean it well without damaging. Done things best left to pros
ChemDry Professional Strength Spot Remover, purchased only from a ChemDry local franchisee distributer. We buy several cans at a time and use it on all things fabric. About $10 spray can.