MOHAIR... Special Fabrics Need Special Care Mohair is the fiber of the Angora Mohair Velvets are Common the surface, it makes sense that goat. The major sources of mohair Velvets have always been very the effect is expected to be more are the United States, Turkey and popular interior fabrics and mohair durable on thermoplastic fibers South Africa. With a total herd of is one of the most popular fibers such as nylon, polyester and olefin. over a million Angora goats, Texas for high-end velvets. The fiber gives Mohair is a natural fiber and is produces 90% of U.S. mohair. a smooth, firm hand and a very not thermoplastic. Any embossed luxurious appearance. Mohair is a very strong fiber and designs or surface effects on mohair has good affinity to dyes, producing Pile fabrics such as mohair velvets fabrics will tend to be diminished by colors that are clear and vibrant. require special care, especially when daily wear and especially by cleaning The microscopic scales covering there are embossed designs involved. processes. With this in mind, pre- the outside of the mohair fiber are testing before any type of cleaning is much smaller than those found Embossed Velvets extremely important. on wool. Because of this, mohair A fiber that melts when exposed to As a general rule, embossed fabrics fabrics do not exhibit felting. Mohair heat is said to be “thermoplastic.” made of cotton, rayon, linen, silk, is known for its resiliency and luster. Since the process of embossing wool or mohair (as well as blends It is often blended with other fibers fabric typically uses both heat and of these fibers) should never be for selected uses. pressure to create a design on cleaned with water or water-based detergents. The finish could easily be lost in the process. Only limited dry- cleaning techniques should be used.

Pile Distortion May Be a Problem A major problem related to the velvet construction is crushing. This type of pile distortion is commonly observed where back cushions meet seat cushions, leaving an “impression” on the seat cushion. These marks can usually be removed with light steaming and brushing.

Angora Goats

Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 1 COPYRIGHT 2016 Professional Cleaning Designer's Corner Mohair fabrics often carry an “S” Have you visited us online? Our code for cleaning purposes. This website is another great source of means that the fabric is colorfast to information on the fabrics and fibers dry-cleaning solvents. As we have you see every day in the markets discussed previously, dry-cleaning is and showrooms. Once you have a vastly inferior method of upholstery registered, you’ll have access to cleaning and is suitable only for an extensive library of information fabrics that are very lightly soiled. that will help you broaden your understanding of textiles and make Mohair velvets are also susceptible With proper testing, the majority the selection process much simpler. to pile distortion. Fuzzing of the of mohair fabrics are found to be nap can occur when the fabric is cleanable by wet (water-based) Visit us online today at rubbed or abraded, especially during methods. The primary exception www.FiberSeal.com to find the local spot removal. The fuzzed, distorted would be embossed mohair velvets. Service Center nearest you. Also, nap can create a very unsightly Again, these fabrics can lose their there are dozens of articles written appearance that is difficult to correct. embossed designs if wet-cleaned. on everything from Bamboo Fabrics Client Care to Flame Retardants. Drop by and The Aftercare Pros! see all of the FiberFacts and Textile Vacuuming is important on all For field testing of fabrics or Tip publications in Designer’s Corner. upholstery fabrics, but especially additional information to help you so on mohair velvets. The relatively make good choices, call your local loosely constructed pile of these Fiber-Seal office. Not only do we fabrics allows dirt and soils to settle study fabrics, but we also see them You can also connect with us on into the air spaces between the yarns. installed in homes and offices and our social media networks! know how they stand up to everyday Lightly brushing the nap with a velvet use and care. While no fabric brush will remove soils missed by protection or aftercare program can the vacuum. Caution must be used— remedy an inappropriate selection, avoid excessive force when using introducing your client to Fiber-Seal either a brush or a vacuum. at the time the fabrics are chosen Spills are another problem entirely. will allow them to enjoy their new Blotting liquid spills may cause fabrics with confidence. It will also nap distortion, especially if too ease YOUR mind, knowing that Fiber- much pressure is used. Blotting of Seal will be there—and we care! spills should be done carefully and without rubbing. Need Help With Fabric Cleaning Or Fabric Protection? Your local Fiber-Seal Service Center is ready to help and just a few clicks away... find out which one is closest to you by visiting www.FiberSeal.com/Locations.

Or, you can always give us a call at 214.333.9400 or email us at [email protected].

Superior Service, Smart Solutions PAGE 2 COPYRIGHT 2016