Monthly Update November 2022
06 Dec 2022
How To Clean Tough Furniture Products
30 Mar 2020 in Press release
Now more than ever, hygiene and cleaning is a priority for all, environments need to be spotless to help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
This has been highlighted by the Coronavirus pandemic and the protocols that are being followed to keep people safe.
This blog has been written to give you insight on best practises on how to clean Tough Furniture’s products, whether they are being used in an SEN School, mental health facility, or in your own home.
Cleaning Tough Furniture – Different Materials
A considerable amount of time and consideration has been taken in the design of the products to ensure that they are practical and easy to clean, whilst maintaining strength for the challenging environments they’re used in.
We are continually developing new designs to make our heavy-duty products as easy to clean as possible. To ensure your Tough Furniture products are cleaned correctly, follow the guidance below for each specific material.
Surfaces
This includes cabinets, doors, tabletops, desks and workstations. As they are melamine faced they only need wiping with a damp soft cloth and then a dry cloth to keep clean. Soap or detergent can be used for organic stains but avoid unnecessary wetting or the use of abrasive cloths and cleaners. Only use proprietary cleaners as directed when needed for stubborn stains.
Polycarbonate
Used on all TV cabinets, noticeboards and secure computer desks, polycarbonate is an extremely strong material (it’s the same material used to make police riot shields) and is coated to improve scratch-resistance.
The best way to clean polycarbonate screens is with a damp, not wet, soft cloth then wipe dry. Soap or detergent can be used but it is critical to avoid all abrasive cleaners and cloths. This also applies for the polycarbonate mirrors.
Fabric
The fabric upholstery found on sofas and armchairs, including Intervene High-Performance fabrics, should be routinely cleaned to retain their looks by vacuuming and wiping with a damp cloth. Make sure to remove any spillages promptly with an absorbent dry cloth, and use liquid soap with warm water for soiling.
Water-based proprietary cleaners can be used, and as long as you follow the instructions carefully you can also use safe solvents such as mineral spirit.
You can use bleach diluted 1:10 with water to disinfect, however, it’s important to remove all cleaning product residues as they can inhibit stain repellents.
Vinyl
Vinyl or ‘leather-look’ upholstery should be cleaned with a brush and tepid soapy water, and then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Never use polish, stain remover or solvent to clean vinyl chairs.
Polished Timber
Table bases, bed legs and headboards are all polished timber components. The best way to clean these is to wipe them over with a damp cloth and then a dry cloth. Soap and detergent cleaners can be used if necessary but be sure to avoid solvents, abrasives and cleaners containing silicon as they can degrade the lacquer over a period of time.
Mattresses
Mattresses may require regular cleaning due to accidents happening in the night. Make sure to clean them correctly depending on which type of mattress you have.
Fabric Mattresses (MS) should only be cleaned by being lightly brushed, with no use of liquids whatsoever.
Water-resistant Mattresses (WP) should be cleaned with soap and water, sponging for light soiling. For fresh stains use water-based household spray cleaners as directed. For stubborn stains, a safe solvent such as Isopropyl Alcohol, Mineral Spirit or 1:10 bleach solution can be used to disinfect.
Always use a ‘wipe and dry’ technique to clean, do not fully immerse your mattress in any liquids.
Secure Mattresses (SCM) and Soft Foam Mattresses (HM) should be cleaned by wiping and drying with soap or detergent. Avoid all abrasive cleaners and rinse off to remove any residue. 1:10 bleach solution can also be used to disinfect. For very stubborn stains ask for detailed advice before using solvents.
Bed Protection Trays
Manufactured from a very rugged plastic bed protection trays should not stain. They can be cleaned and scrubbed using soaps, detergents or proprietary cleaners as directed. They can also be disinfected with bleach diluted 1:10 with water. Please avoid getting the bed itself wet.
Anti-Microbial Dining Chairs
As well as regular cleaning, having an anti-microbial base can help reduce the spread of germs. Manufactured from one-piece injection moulded polymer, the anti-microbial chair is built for heavy daily usage.
It’s been designed to meet the highest requirements of infection control, the chair wipes clean and features rounded edges all over to eliminate dirt traps.
They can be cleaned with chlorine-based cleaners, without deteriorating the surface or material. They also feature a non-porous core for maximum resistance to infection.
Conclusion
The Coronavirus pandemic has made everyone conscious of spreading bacteria and viruses. Especially in settings that regularly have a lot of people, such as mental health facilities which can be attended by service users, staff, health and family visitors.
By following best practice on how to clean Tough Furniture’s products, you should help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses around the home, SEN schools and mental health facilities.
This should maintain or even improve attendance rates of both service users and staff, as well as keeping people safe, which is the main priority in any setting that takes responsibility for other people.
