Cleaning train seats

[Trains66779]

Hi all, I have an extensive collection of train seats at present but never know how to clean the moquette properly,what sprays or substances are best for cleaning moquette please? What train seats do you own?

 

[L401CJF]

Not got any myself, but I know some TOCs use removable velcro fixed moquette covers and can be put on a gentle wash in the washing machine. Pretty sure Merseyrail (?) Did this at one time.

 

[John Webb]

May be worth your while speaking with a local museum or even the National Trust to find out how they clean chair seats. My only experience was with cleaning my late partner's collection of teddy bears before passing them on to a charity. This involved making a basin of soapy water, frothing it up and then rubbing the suds into the surface of the bears; leaving for a while and then removing suds and dirt with damp kitchen paper. This avoids saturating the toy with water.

But I have also seen references to TOCs 'deep-cleaning' seats in service with steam in some form, so maybe the seats are tougher!

 

[SargeNpton]

Is it worth writing to one of the ROSCOs, to ask them how they deal with it?

 

[Trains66779]

Not got any myself, but I know some TOCs use removable velcro fixed moquette covers and can be put on a gentle wash in the washing machine. Pretty sure Merseyrail (?) Did this at one time.

Thankyou very much,I think you're right. Mine appear to have velcro straps on them so will give this a try.

 

[Trains66779]

May be worth your while speaking with a local museum or even the National Trust to find out how they clean chair seats. My only experience was with cleaning my late partner's collection of teddy bears before passing them on to a charity. This involved making a basin of soapy water, frothing it up and then rubbing the suds into the surface of the bears; leaving for a while and then removing suds and dirt with damp kitchen paper. This avoids saturating the toy with water.

But I have also seen references to TOCs 'deep-cleaning' seats in service with steam in some form, so maybe the seats are tougher!

Thankyou very much and I'm sorry for your loss. That sounds like a good idea I may try cleaning with some soap,it should work well with stains I think.

 

[Trains66779]

Is it worth writing to one of the ROSCOs, to ask them how they deal with it?

That's a really good idea,I will contact a few,thankyou

 

[43096]

That's a really good idea,I will contact a few,thankyou

ROSCOs won't be dealing with regular cleaning of train seats - it's either a TOC responsibility or part of the heavy maintenance programme (in which case it will be contracted out).

The ROSCOs will likely just think it's another of the daft requests that they get.

 

[birchesgreen]

Try asking Soho Depot, they are very active on social media and often post about how they maintain their trains so they may be able to assist

https://twitter.com/SohoDepot

 

[Ashley Hill]

How about a carpet/upholstery washer. Here’s an example on Amazon.
Zennox Electric Carpet Rug Spot Cleaner & Stain Remover Handheld Car Upholstery Washer (Blue/Grey) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08L562WXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_A7B3FX6YA3TX9PAFHFAS

 

[t_star2001uk]

The Chiltern depot at Wembley uses a domestic washing machine with Aerial powder...

 

[birchesgreen]

Just spotted this, this is how the seat covers on a preserved VEP are cleaned

https://twitter.com/Gordon_3417/status/1496800145920434180?s=20&t=ctYBovlOkr7dDzKYJoGj4w

 

[WesternLancer]

Other place it maybe worth asking for advice could be your local bus company depot - see what they do to clean bus seats when they need a heavy clean.

Also maybe you can hire this sort of thing

Upholstery Steam Cleaners | Karcher Center Trafalgar

www.karcher-center-trafalgar.co.uk

Moquette is noted for being robust so it should be possible to subject it to decent cleaning without damage, but if the fabric is damaged (and sunlight light can cause damage/ frailty - often the reason curtains fall apart for example) heavy cleaning or hot water type treatments could cause fabric to tear / fall apart.

Occurs to me London Transport museum, might also be a place to ask.

also useful advice here I'd think

How to clean a sofa – expert cleaning tips to make your sofa look good as new

Whether it's fabric, leather or velvet, keep your sofa looking its best by getting the cleaning just right

www.idealhome.co.uk

 

[Trains66779]

Other place it maybe worth asking for advice could be your local bus company depot - see what they do to clean bus seats when they need a heavy clean.

Also maybe you can hire this sort of thing

Upholstery Steam Cleaners | Karcher Center Trafalgar

www.karcher-center-trafalgar.co.uk

Moquette is noted for being robust so it should be possible to subject it to decent cleaning without damage, but if the fabric is damaged (and sunlight light can cause damage/ frailty - often the reason curtains fall apart for example) heavy cleaning or hot water type treatments could cause fabric to tear / fall apart.

Occurs to me London Transport museum, might also be a place to ask.

also useful advice here I'd think

How to clean a sofa – expert cleaning tips to make your sofa look good as new

Whether it's fabric, leather or velvet, keep your sofa looking its best by getting the cleaning just right

www.idealhome.co.uk

Thank you very much,they're all very good ideas

 

[Trains66779]

Just spotted this, this is how the seat covers on a preserved VEP are cleaned

https://twitter.com/Gordon_3417/status/1496800145920434180?s=20&t=ctYBovlOkr7dDzKYJoGj4w

Thank you that's fantastic

 

[Trains66779]

Not got any myself, but I know some TOCs use removable velcro fixed moquette covers and can be put on a gentle wash in the washing machine. Pretty sure Merseyrail (?) Did this at one time.

That's fantastic I think mine are removable so I will give this a go

 

[Trains66779]

That's fantastic I think mine are removable so I will give this a go

Thank you

 

[Trains66779]

How about a carpet/upholstery washer. Here’s an example on Amazon.
Zennox Electric Carpet Rug Spot Cleaner & Stain Remover Handheld Car Upholstery Washer (Blue/Grey) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08L562WXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_A7B3FX6YA3TX9PAFHFAS

Thank you very much for your help