What should be the first step before performing any upholstery cleaning?

Before performing any upholstery cleaning, it is essential to test a small, inconspicuous area for colorfastness. This step is crucial because it allows the technician to determine whether the fabric will respond well to the cleaning solution without causing any unwanted discoloration or damage. Different fabrics and dyes can react unpredictably to cleaning agents, so a test patch helps ensure that the method chosen will safely cleanse the upholstery while preserving its appearance.

Once colorfastness is confirmed, the technician can proceed with confidence, knowing that the cleaning process will not harm the fabric. This precaution is particularly important in upholstery cleaning, where the variety of materials can range from delicate silks to robust synthetics, each requiring careful handling and specific cleaning methods.