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Cleaning Upholstered Furniture

June 10, 2011

Upholstered arm chair.I had lots of little marks and stains on my soft furniture after my grandchildren stayed for 3 weeks. I was quite distressed, as I did not want to ruin the fabric during a cleaning bout. I came across an old electric toothbrush, and when I replaced the batteries, it worked great as a small stain remover when dipped into a stain removing liquid designed for clothes.

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I consider this little electric brush one of my most valuable tools now. I have arthritis and also weakened muscles. This is a miracle. Try it on clothes, shoes, actually anything including walls, even stovetops.

By joanfry from Europe

 
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11 Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

September 26, 2016

What is methyl chloroform and can it be used for spots and stains?


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Bronze Answer Medal for All Time! 220 Answers
September 26, 20160 found this helpful
Best Answer

I did a search for Trichloroethane or methyl chloroform. The most important information is that it is a nervous system depressant, among many other problems, and causes ozone depletion. Use as a solvent has been almost phased out all over the Earth. You can try further research and this very helpful site:

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en.wikipedia.org/.../1,1,1-Trichloroethane

 
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December 3, 2017

I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to remove a light water mark on one of my couches covered in good quality upholstery?
Thank you.


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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
December 3, 20170 found this helpful
Best Answer

Your best bet is to mix up a dye in the same color and dab it on with a Q tip

 

Silver Post Medal for All Time! 433 Posts
December 13, 20170 found this helpful
Best Answer

I would need to know what type of material.
If it's leather use permanent marker in same color.

 
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August 30, 2018

I bought an old brocade chair at a junk store. The upholstery is in good shape, no spots or stains, just generally dirty all over. What's the best way to clean it?


Thank you!

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
August 30, 20180 found this helpful

Unless you know the fabric is washable, just vacuum. There are companies that come to your home to clean non-washable upholstery.

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
August 30, 20180 found this helpful

If there is a care tag hidden under a cushion or stapled underneath the chair, it may give you cleaning instructions. If the cushion has a zipper it may be tucked inside. In the short term, a thorough vaccuming with a hand held machine like a shark or if your vacuum has an upholstery tool I would do a gentle all over clean! If you have a dry sunny day, letting it sit out in the sun forca few hours can freshen it up!

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If it has a smell, you may want to call one if the upholstery pros in to check it out!

Enjoy your find!

 

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
August 31, 20180 found this helpful

I believe you mean the upholstery is too dirty to just vacuum and use but you need to do more before you will allow it in your home? I have also found items that were in that condition but they were a bargain and I decided to take a chance on cleaning them well enough to use.

  • There are upholstery cleaners in the cleaning aisles of most large grocery stores as well as Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace or True Value Hardware so check out several and see which one looks like something you would like to try.
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  • Although, I have used cleaners like Spray N' Wash and they did a good job but you have to be careful if the fabric is delicate.
  • Decide on your cleaner; have everything you will need handy; lots of clean rags (I like white as you can see the dirt).
  • Turn your chair so you start with the very back panel on your chair - a place that cannot be seen from the front.
  • According to the type of cleaner you have chosen; spray or dab the cleaner on this panel and wait appropriate time before trying to remove. Do NOT soak the panel as you just want to clean the top layer, not the inside. You can always go back a second time if the first did not do a good enough job.
  • I usually have a damp cloth ready and dab wherever I have the cleaner - sometimes you can slightly rub (in the direction of the grain - never against the grain) but do not "rough" up the material. You should see a large amount of dirt on your cloth so just keep turning the cloth until you need a new clean cloth or you can stop and wait an hour or so for that to dry and see how it looks.
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  • Upholstery will usually look cleaner when dry than when wet. Inspect your work and see if it needs a second time.
  • If you are fairly gentle and do not rough up the material you may find this will work on the rest of your chair. Just be sure to do everything in stages; back, sides, front and then the seat (do the seat lightly all over and wait! - then do it lightly again until it looks like what you envisioned when you first saw it.
  • This is a slow process and better done outside but not in hot direct sunshine. You can always use Febreze if a slight cleaner odor lingers very long.
 

Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 1,246 Posts
August 31, 20180 found this helpful

I got a bottle of upholstery cleaner recently from the grocery store and it worked great. I think it was called Resolve?

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(Can't remember, I'm not there right this second.) Anyway, give it a shot! It wasn't costly.

 

Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 424 Answers
August 31, 20180 found this helpful

There are upholstery cleaners that I think might be of help to you. You can find them in most hardware stores, read the label carefully to find what best is for your kind of materiel.

 
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April 13, 2011

I have a thick wool type fabric couch that has been in storage for 10 years. Not only does it have a strong moldy musky smell, it is also covered in rodent urine and feces. What would be the best way to clean it using the strongest cleaner that will not bleach the beige background with multi pastel fibers?

By Evan from Tampa, FL

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April 14, 20110 found this helpful

If there are rodent stains on it, then chances are the rodents were in it, as well. I would consult a professional cleaner (asking them doesn't mean you need to use their services) if it is even possible to get the stains out, and clean it so that it is safe to use. Rodent droppings in quantity can carry some pretty scary diseases, including the hanta virus. Do some real investigating, not just asking for surface cleaning ideas on here, for your and your family's health's sake, please!

 

Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 169 Posts
April 14, 20110 found this helpful

I agree with Jilson. As I have had to learn over the years there comes a time when I have to throw my frugal old lady hat in the creek and get rid of something. I think for your safety's sake it's time to get rid of the couch.

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 846 Posts
April 17, 20110 found this helpful

I am with Jilson and MartyD and, frankly, I wouldn't even risk trying to have it cleaned on the inside even by a professional. You can contract diseases from the urine and feces by breathing it in and/or even touching it. When you dispose of the sofa please be kind and make it clear that the sofa is no longer safe for human use.

 
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October 31, 2007

I have two old upholstered swivel chairs from an aunt that has passed on. They need cleaning. Any ideas that won't wreck my budget. They are a rust brown.

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 168 Feedbacks
October 31, 20070 found this helpful

What type of upholstery is on the chairs?

If it's vinyl, you can use a good degreaser spray cleaner that lifts grime and grit with just a dampened cloth and spray.

If it's fabric, need to know the kind it is.

 
By Mom Raggs (Guest Post)
November 1, 20070 found this helpful

I use upholstery cleaner for cars. It does a great job on fabric recliners we have. AND it's easy to use. Try it!

Mom Raggs aka Joan in IL

 
July 14, 20080 found this helpful

Hand held steam cleaner is what I have used on a chair that I found. Remember though you have to blot the spot after you run the steamer over it.

 
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May 11, 2015

I have a white three seater sofa made out of cloth. Over time it has dust deposits and looks discoloured.

Should I call a drycleaner or clean at home? At home how can I clean? Your help is much appreciated.

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May 12, 20150 found this helpful

Here's a link for cleaning a sofa. It may help.
www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Sofa

 
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October 26, 2014

I have recently got a lot of PVA glue on my dark yellow chenille sofa and it has dried now. I need help fast!

By RJH

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May 22, 2014

My dog peed on a chair. We used Resolve to clean it with and it ended up smelling soured. Any sugestions on how to clean without calling in a professional?

By kj

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April 13, 2014

Someone put on a post about cleaning a recliner with Dryel Dry cleaner cloths. Where do you buy them? I've checked Walmart and Target with no success

By Marylin

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May 29, 2013

I need help. My husband and I bought a used double recliner couch and a queen size sleeper couch from a church, both for $60! But we need to clean them. I know you have to be sure to use the right techniques (the right cleaning chemicals and equipment) according to the type of material the couch is made of.


Now, I know to check the tag, but there is no tag, anywhere. I don't want to mess up the great deal we just got. How do I figure this out? And what is the best way to clean these puppies out?

By Stellar

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Home and Garden Cleaning FurnitureJuly 14, 2011
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