Folex on alcantera?

Eldorado2k

Eldorado2k

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I'm wondering if any of you guys have ever used Folex to clean alcantera seat inserts like the kind that are found in 2006- Dodge Chargers.. I have a potential customer lined up with dirty alcantera seats and I'm thinking about using Folex to clean them. Thx in advance.
 
I can't guarantee the same results that I had but I did use Folex (gently) on my Ford 03 Cobra seats.
It got out all the dirt (very little in the first place) and they did end up looking just like the back seats that no one had ever sat on.

I used a "Little Green Clean Machine" and the Folex was diluted with 4X as much warm water as was on the bottle.
 
oldmodman said:
I can't guarantee the same results that I had but I did use Folex (gently) on my Ford 03 Cobra seats.
It got out all the dirt (very little in the first place) and they did end up looking just like the back seats that no one had ever sat on.

I used a "Little Green Clean Machine" and the Folex was diluted with 4X as much warm water as was on the bottle.
Click to expand...

How wet did the seats get? I have always been to afraid to try out on my seats.
 
Just test a hidden spot first to be sure, but Folex shouldn't affect Alcantara. Soaking just one spot will likely lead to a water ring; soaking the whole seat can lead to matted/pilled fibers.

Be gentle, don't over work the fibers, dry as fast as possible, fluff fibers with compressed air or a brush.

I have broken the soaking rules before but that has been on alcantara that was already left for dead so my efforts weren't risking much.

The leather masters nubuck cloths are actually very good at restoring the texture. I have also been known to use a disposable razor to remove any pilling.
 
Yea you guys are right about overwetting upholstery.. Last week I did a test between 2 products on my couch using my steamer with the triangle attachment/terry towel on it.. It soaked my couch so bad that it was still wet the following day when I got home from work. Never again will I use that method on upholstery. Grr.

I tried using APC and the steamer attachment without the towel had 100% better results and the couch was dry within minutes.
 
Would you be interested in some Leather Master's products? I just parked my mustang in my dads garage in Ga. and will only see it once a year. I have no used for all this stuff at this point.
Most are fairly full (about 75% of 33 oz bottles minus the foam cleaner/Vital which guessing is maybe half)
20151231_065316_zps5qbm7nlm.jpg

20151231_065327_zpskkmxlisr.jpg
 
BTW the Foam cleaner and Strong Cleaner are the same thing would just need to put the Strong Cleaner in a foaming bottle and viola you have a safe way to clean Alacantra and the Nubuck protectant to keep them stain resistance.
 
Just to pull back the curtain on this Mystery Fabric a bit...

"Alcantara is composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane,[5] giving increased durability and stain resistance. The appearance and tactile feel of the material is similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such."

On seats, there is no danger in using a product like Folex.

On areas like pillars, headliners, etc; additional caution should be used. If steaming, keep your distance, so the adhesive backing is not over heated.


I have not tried it, but based on the composition of Alcantara; a diluted solution of Microfiber Towel Detergent should work well.
 
AGOatemywallet said:
Just to pull back the curtain on this Mystery Fabric a bit...

"Alcantara is composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane,[5] giving increased durability and stain resistance. The appearance and tactile feel of the material is similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such."
Click to expand...
Pulling back the above curtain a little bit more:
Alcantara is to upholstery/fabric...as:
Xerox is to photo-copying/photo-copying machines.

AGOatemywallet said:
On seats, there is no danger in using a product like Folex.

On areas like pillars, headliners, etc; additional caution should be used. If steaming, keep your distance, so the adhesive backing is not over heated.


I have not tried it, but based on the composition of Alcantara; a diluted solution of Microfiber Towel Detergent should work well.
Click to expand...
I find these pronouncements to be quite troubling.



Bob
 
Last night I did a test spot on my living room couch, which is made of faux suede/alcantera, and it seemed to work fine. Looks good this morning.

Btw, due to my current budget I wasn't able to make wytstang an offer for his batch of leather products. So if anyone wants to make him a respectable offer, it's still there.👋🏼
 
Audios S6 said:
Just test a hidden spot first to be sure, but Folex shouldn't affect Alcantara. Soaking just one spot will likely lead to a water ring; soaking the whole seat can lead to matted/pilled fibers.

Be gentle, don't over work the fibers, dry as fast as possible, fluff fibers with compressed air or a brush.
Click to expand...

This is what I was going to recommend.

Just start off as light as you can on a test area. Give it light mist, work the area lightly, wipe if all off almost to completely dry (since you only misted the area), and inspect your work :xyxthumbs:
 
AGOatemywallet said:
Why so troubled robert?
Click to expand...


I think the concern is overwetting any fabric. Many of the microfiber detergents are pretty foamy and would need to be rinsed thoroughly, which means wetting the fabric a lot; alcantara doesn't like to be soaked.
 
Audios S6 said:
I think the concern is overwetting any fabric. Many of the microfiber detergents are pretty foamy and would need to be rinsed thoroughly, which means wetting the fabric a lot; alcantara doesn't like to be soaked.
Click to expand...
Thanks. :xyxthumbs:
Yes...and that includes getting it wet from
steaming: NEVER, EVER steam Alcantara!!

It also is troubling to me whenever someone
gives any advice that starts out by saying:
"I have not tried it, but..."


Bob
 
FUNX650 said:
Thanks. :xyxthumbs:

Yes...and that includes getting it wet from

steaming: NEVER, EVER steam Alcantara!!





Bob
Click to expand...


No problem sir. Anytime we are on the same page from a chemical or material standpoint, I feel pretty good about myself.

Is your concern with steam strictly moisture or the heat melting synthetic fibers as well?
 
AGOatemywallet said:
Just to pull back the curtain on this Mystery Fabric a bit...

"Alcantara is composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane,[5] giving increased durability and stain resistance. The appearance and tactile feel of the material is similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such."

On seats, there is no danger in using a product like Folex.

On areas like pillars, headliners, etc; additional caution should be used. If steaming, keep your distance, so the adhesive backing is not over heated.


I have not tried it, but based on the composition of Alcantara; a diluted solution of Microfiber Towel Detergent should work well.
Click to expand...



My suggestion was based on the composition of the fabric

I notice zero foaming with Wolfgang Microfiber Detergent

I have successfully steamed Alcantara, you just have to make sure you get it dry afterwards to avoid water rings....just like you should with any fabric Upholstry
 
FUNX650 said:
It also is troubling to me whenever someone
gives any advice that starts out by saying:
"I have not tried it, but..."


Bob
Click to expand...

What generally happens on detailing forums is that people make suggestions based on what they have read, not what they have done and never add the note of caution; which I did in my post.


Many of the contributors to the forums are only maintaining their own vehicle and can develop a narrow bandwidth of knowledge.
 
From the folks at:
ALCANTARA S.p.A./(Toray Industries, Inc.)

Alcantara Maintenance:

Ordinary maintenance

In order to preserve the beauty of Alcantara it is recommended that regular cleaning is carried out.

Don’t rub too vigorously,
and we don’t recommend using steam machines.

Maintenance instructions

•Daily cleaning
-It is sufficient to dust Alcantara using a soft brush, a dry cloth, or a vacuum cleaner.

•Weekly cleaning
-After having dusted Alcantara, run a slightly moistened white cotton cloth over it. Avoid the use of printed absorbent cloths/papers as they can release ink onto the material.

•Yearly cleaning
-If the upholstery is removable, it is recommended that you wash it in a washingmachine, following the instructions below (general washing instructions).
-If the upholstery is not removable it is possible to clean Alcantara, by using specific instructions listed in Washing instructions section. If such products are not available, please follow these instructions: dust the material with care; moisten a soft cloth or a sponge in clean water, wring it thoroughly and run it over the whole Alcantara material, making sure not to wet it excessively; rinse the cloth or sponge and repeat as necessary.
-Leave to dry (overnight). Once dried, in order to restore the material, brush it delicately with a soft bristle brush.
________________________________________________


Bob
 
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