Morbern care

Morbern vinyl requires periodic cleaning to maintain its appearance and prevent the build-up of dirt and contaminants that may permanently stain and reduce the life of the vinyl if not removed. The frequency of cleaning depends upon the amount of use and environmental conditions to which the vinyl is subjected. Vinyl upholstery will absorb stains and dyes from fabrics that “crock” or bleed, for example blue denim or bright prints. A vinyl protective finish, sold in furniture or automotive stores, may help to protect the upholstery by resisting or retarding the absorption of these stains. Some household cleaners and solvents remove plasticizers from vinyl making it brittle and should not be used.

The procedures used for cleaning are dependent upon the end use circumstances.

For normal cleaning

• In general, most stains can be easily cleaned using warm, soapy water and clear water rinses.
• Moderate scrubbing with a medium bristle brush will help loosen soiling materials from the depressions of embossed surfaces.
• For more stubborn stains, use the following commercially available mild detergents in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions: Tex Aktiv and 303 Product Detailer. Note, detergents should never be used on a regular basis for normal cleaning.
• Morbern recommends repeated rinsing with clear water after any cleaning procedure.
• Full strength rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits may be tried cautiously as a last resort on very stubborn stains, if the above suggestions do not work. Indiscriminate use of any solvent, or solvent containing cleaner, can severely damage or discolour vinyls.

Bleach and Antiseptic Surface Treatment (for products specified as bleach cleanable)

• Bleach can be diluted up to a 9:1 ratio (10%). Liberally apply diluted disinfectant using a sponge. Rinse with cold water several times. Wipe dry. Repeat if necessary.

Please follow the guidelines on the bleach label for antiseptic or antimicrobial purposes.

Warning

Unspecified cleaners should not be used. Powdered abrasives, cleaners containing abrasives, steel wool, and industrial strength cleaners are not recommended for Morbern vinyl. Use of citrus-based cleaners is not recommended by Morbern. Any lacquer solvent will cause immediate irreparable damage to the vinyl.

Wax should never be used on any vinyl upholstery, as it will cause premature embrittlement and crocking. If flammable solvents such as alcohol, turpentine or mineral spirits are used for cleaning, then only small quantities should be employed in a well ventilated area.

Exercise proper care by advising personnel in the area and keep away from any ignition source. Always wear protective gloves.

Common Stains

 

Certain stains may become permanently set unless they are removed immediately. The procedure for the removal of the more severe staining agents are outlines below

• Ballpoint Pen, Permanent Marker Ink spots will stain vinyl permanently. Immediate wiping with rubbing alcohol in a well ventilated area will remove much of the stain.
• Oil Based Paint The use of turpentine in a well ventilated area will remove any fresh paint. Dried paint must be moistened carefully with a semi-solid gel-type stripper so that the softened paint can be gently scraped away. Rinse with soap and water.

Caution! Direct contact with paint strippers will remove the print pattern from vinyl. Paint strippers are flammable and toxic. Take care to avoid skin contact by wearing protection.

• Latex Paint Fresh paint can be wiped off with a damp cloth. Hot, soapy water will normally remove dried latex.
• Tar, Asphalt Remove immediately, as prolonged contact will result in permanent staining. Use a cloth lightly dampened with mineral spirits and rub the stain gently, working from the outer edge of the stain towards the center in order to prevent spreading. Rinse with soap and water.
• Crayon, Mustard, Ketchup Sponge with mild soap and water. For stubborn stains that may have set, use a cloth soaked in diluted mild detergent with gentle rubbing. Any remaining stain should be washed with diluted bleach. Rinse repeatedly with clear cold water.
• Blood, Leaf Residue Rub out any spots with a clean cloth soaked in cool water. If stubborn spots remain, use household ammonia or diluted bleach and rinse repeatedly with a clean, wet cloth. Do not use hot water or soapsuds, as this will set the stain.
• Lipstick, Grease, Oil, Eyeshadow, Shoe Polish Apply a small quantity of mineral spirits with a cloth and gentle rubbing. Take care not to spread the stain by extending it beyond the original boundary. Shoe polish should be removed immediately, so permanent staining does not occur. Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Chewing Gum Scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife. Rubbing with an ice cube will assist and make it easier to remove upon scraping. The remaining gum should then be removed in a well-ventilated area using a cloth saturated with mineral spirits. Use light rubbing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Candy, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea, Fruit Stains, Alcohol, Wine, Suntan Lotion, Soft Drinks Use clear, lukewarm water and a sponge repeatedly. Any loose material should be gently scraped with a dull knife. Any soiled area remaining after drying should be gently rubbed with a cloth spotted with a mild detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Bird Excreta, Nausea Stains Sponge the stained area with soapy water, containing a diluted bleach, until the stain is removed. Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Urine Stains Sponge with soapy water containing a small amount of household ammonia. Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
• Surface Mildew Wash with diluted bleach, use a soft brush for stubborn growth. Rinse repeatedly with clean water.