What does "linting" refer to in upholstery cleaning?

Linting specifically refers to the shedding of short fibers from the fabric during cleaning processes. This phenomenon often occurs in upholstery when the fabric is agitated, either through vacuuming or the use of cleaning solutions and tools. Linting can be particularly noticeable with certain fabrics, such as those made from natural fibers or with a loose weave.

Understanding linting is crucial for upholstery cleaning technicians because it impacts the final appearance of the upholstery. If not managed correctly, linting can result in unsightly fuzz on the surface of the fabric, which may require additional cleaning or finishing steps to restore the upholstery’s original look.

The other options, while related to upholstery and fabric care, do not accurately define linting. For instance, bonding of fabric fibers pertains to how fibers are secured within a textile but does not involve shedding. The addition of lint filters to cleaning equipment relates to preventing lint from being released back into the environment rather than the fibers that come off during cleaning. Fabric fading describes a change in color due to exposure to light or chemicals, which is entirely different from the physical behavior of fibers being released from the fabric.