Clare Upholstery & Restoration
Helpful hints

Covering the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula of South Australia


Motor trimming hints | Furniture hints | Canvas & hooding hints | Blinds & awnings hints


motor trimming

Motor trimming hints


If you're considering having your vehicle retrimmed and plan on dismantling the interior, then it's a good idea to photograph and number interior trim parts in progressive stages. The reason being it will cut down the cost to you when it comes to fitting the new trim. Remember that most vehicle restorations can take months -- or years -- to complete, and memory usually fails when it comes to reassembly.

Never throw away any trim parts, especially headliners! Replacement will involve considerable extra expense.



motor trimming

Cleaning motor trimming


When it comes time to clean your new trim it's wise to use proprietary brand cleaners recommended by the manufacturers.

General cleaning hints:


Do not use any solvent-based cleaners (eg: turps) on leather or vinyl; they can damage the surface finish. Definitely do not use any timber furniture oils or cleaners. Harsh abrasives such as Ajax powder should also be avoided.

The general rule is to clean leather and vinyl surfaces with a sponge moistened with warm soapy water, and dry off with a clean cloth. How often this is done depends on frequency of use: the rule of thumb is once a month for heavily used vehicles. Remember if soiling can't be removed by this method then use proprietary cleaners.

Cloth interiors should be vacuumed, then cleaned with proprietary cleaners.

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furniture

Furniture hints


If you are considering stripping furniture back to the frame, it's a good idea to have an upholsterer look at it beforehand, because the padding and springing may be reuseable.

For lounges and chairs with loose cushions, remember to rotate the cushions regularly to prolong their life. Arm covers and headrest covers are highly recommended! These can prolong the life of lounges and chairs.

Fabric protector:


Scotchguard is only a particular brand of fabric protector; there are others. When a fabric protector is applied, its purpose is to repel spills; and it also helps in the cleaning process for on-site cleaning. Fabric protector has to be reapplied regularly, depending on the furniture's frequency of use. For heavily used furniture, reapply every 6 to 12 months.

General cleaning hints:


Do not use any solvent-based cleaners (eg: turps) on leather or vinyl; they can damage the surface finish. Definitely do not use any timber furniture oils or cleaners. Harsh abrasives such as Ajax powder should also be avoided.

To clean leather and vinyl, use a sponge moistened with warm soapy water, and dry off with a clean cloth. To clean fabrics, vacuum them regularly and use proprietary cleaners. How often this is done depends on frequency of use: the rule of thumb is once a month for heavily used furniture. Remember if soiling can't be removed by these methods then consult a professional furniture cleaner.

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canvas & hooding

Canvas & hooding hints


Never pack away canvas products that are wet! If you're out camping and you do have to pack up a damp tent, remember to erect it again and allow it to dry thoroughly before storage. This advice also applies to roll-up blinds. Mould and mildew will grow on wet canvas and make it rot.

Faded canvas can be re-coloured and waterproofing compounds can also be applied.

General cleaning hints:


Waterproofed canvas should not be cleaned with detergents! This can remove the waterproofing and also discolour canvas. You should only wash down with clean cold water.

Clear PVC blinds should be cleaned with a weak dilution of detergent and a clean soft sponge or cheesecloth, and rinsed with cold water.

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blinds & awnings

Blinds & awnings hints


When measuring for exterior blinds and awnings, contact us for the correct method of measuring.

Never pack away canvas products that are wet! If your roll-up blinds are wet, allow them to dry thoroughly before rolling them up. Mould and mildew will grow on wet canvas and make it rot.

Waterproofed canvas should not be cleaned with detergents! This can remove the waterproofing and also discolour canvas. You should only wash down with clean cold water. Faded canvas can be re-coloured and waterproofing compounds can also be reapplied.

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