I am trying to clean a "S" type sofa myself. It is a polyester fabric. Is there a solvent I can buy or make?

Question

I have looked on line alot for a water-free solvent to purchase and have had no luck. i would appreciate any help. Thanks

Answer 1

The material with which the couch is covered is unimportant in the cleaning process (unless of course it is leather or wool).  What is important, however, is if the couch is water-proof or not.  Consider this:  a non-water-based cleaning solution is probably going to do more damage to the fabric than ANY other type of cleaning, due to the caustic (basic) or acidic nature of most cleaners.  As you are probably unaware of, all shampoos for fabric or carpet ARE water-based, even though they may be a gel-like substance.  Alternative, water-free cleaners are harsh, such as an oxalic acid solution, hydrogen peroxide (color-safe bleach), or chlorine bleach.  These are the only other cleaners besides shampoos that can be used to safely clean textiles, though they pose a risk of permanently damaging the fabric.  My advice is to rent a steam cleaner, which won't run you very much money.  Yes, you will be using water to clean your couch - which is what you were, for some reason, trying to avoid in the first place - but it is, in essence, water vapor, and will do no damage to the material or filling of the couch.  I sincerely hope I have answered your question to your satisfaction, and helped steer you away from "alternative" cleansers.  

Best wishes,

Devon.