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.
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
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What is methyl chloroform and can it be used for spots and stains?
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:
en.wikipedia.org/
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.
Your best bet is to mix up a dye in the same color and dab it on with a Q tip
I would need to know what type of material.
If it's leather use permanent marker in same color.
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?
Unless you know the fabric is washable, just vacuum. There are companies that come to your home to clean non-washable upholstery.
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!
If it has a smell, you may want to call one if the upholstery pros in to check it out!
Enjoy your find!
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.
I got a bottle of upholstery cleaner recently from the grocery store and it worked great. I think it was called Resolve?
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.Here's a link for cleaning a sofa. It may help.
www.wikihow.com/
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
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
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
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.
By Stellar