Just as our portfolio of bespoke materials varies, so do the cleaning, care, and maintenance needs for each substrate. If graphics are taken care of according to the instructions below, they should last a minimum of six months with some heavy-duty substrates lasting up to several years. If you have any graphic cleaning questions that are not answered by this blog, please reach out to your Infinity Images representative with the specific order number in question. Happy cleaning!

‍

CUT GRAPHIC FILM 

Cut graphic film should be cleaned with mild soapy water and a lint-free cloth. If certain areas are not adequately cleaned by soapy water, spot clean with isopropyl alcohol. Avoid unnecessary scrubbing – especially on the edges – as it may abrade the graphic. Do not apply any solvents on the wall/glass/etc. around the edge of graphics. Once cleaned, allow the graphic to dry naturally.

‍

LAMINATED GRAPHIC FILM

Laminated graphic film requires a bit more care and intention to clean. Use a wet and non-abrasive cleaner without strong solvents or alcohol that has a pH value between 3.0 - 11.0 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline). Cleaners used for high-quality painted surfaces will usually suffice. To apply the specialty cleaner, use a cloth, soft bristle brush or sponge, and wash thoroughly from the top down. Avoid unnecessary scrubbing as it may abrade the graphic. After applying the cleaning solution, position and keep a steady stream of water flowing down the graphic to wash away dirt particles. Rinse the entire graphic thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry naturally. Do NOT use a pressure washer as it may damage or abrade the material.

WALL COVERINGS

We recommend using a damp lint-free cloth to clean wall coverings. Avoid unnecessary scrubbing or using abrasive cleaners that may scratch and damage the finish. Do not spray chemicals or water directly onto the finished surface. After wiping the wall covering with the damp cloth, allow it to dry naturally.

FABRIC GRAPHICS

Depending on whether you’d like to clean the entire SEG or just a small portion, there are a few different ways to clean fabric graphics: spot cleaning, steam cleaning, and machine washing.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning should be used if you’d only like to clean a small spot on the graphic. It can be done without removing the graphic from the fixture, making it a relatively easy method of maintenance.

Use a common fabric spot cleaner with a non-abrasive cloth and start with performing a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the graphic (such as the edge of the SEG frame). Some cleaning products may have an adverse effect and make the spot more noticeable, so it’s best to test in a hidden part before attempting to clean the larger area. We also recommend that you attempt to clean the spot from the back side first, and only switch to the front side if necessary.

Steam Cleaning 

Steam cleaning can also be accomplished without removing the graphic from the fixture and is particularly effective at removing wrinkles. Use a high-quality steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment, making sure to use distilled water. Similarly to spot cleaning, start by performing a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the graphic (such as the edge of the SEG frame) to ensure the steam does not impact the graphic. Once you’ve completed the patch test, begin steam cleaning according to the appliance’s instructions. Avoid oversaturating the fabric. If you notice the fabric becoming wet, hold the appliance farther away so that you do not create steam spots.

Machine Washing

Machine washing, of course, requires that the graphic be removed from the fixture and cleaned with a washing machine. Use a mild detergent with cold water on the permanent press or delicate setting. Do NOT tumble dry. This can cause shrinking and fit issues when reinstalling. Hang to dry on a line or loosely in the frame until fully dry. Do not pack or store until fully dry so that mildew does not form on the graphic. Do NOT dry clean.

‍

FLOOR GRAPHICS

Floor graphics are relatively easy to maintain. We primarily recommend damp mopping, but any type of floor maintenance should not affect the graphic if care and attention are paid to its edges. Make sure to not subject the decal to heavy saturation with water or cleaning solutions. Automatic floors crubber cleaners can cause significant edge damage with rotating brushes. If you must use this cleaning method, please do so with care around the graphic to extend life and minimize edge tearing. Avoid pressure washing outdoor floor graphics as that will speed up the erosion process.