For our 3rd installment on sprucing up furniture, we will give some tips on spot cleaning cushions, vinyl stains, and scorch marks! If you missed our previous two installments you can read the first one clicking this link, and our second post by clicking this link.
Foaming away dirt
For spot cleaning dirty sofa cushion corners, upholstered chair arms, and the like, whip up some foam! First, make sure the fabric can be safely cleaned with water-based agents (check the cleaning instructions tag). If it can, vacuum the soiled fabric thoroughly to remove loose dirt. Mix 1 part mild laundry detergent with 4 parts diluted water in a bowl. We use distilled water because it doesn’t leave watermarks on fabric. Using a hand mixer, beat the solution until a good head of foam builds. Carefully apply foam to the upholstery, working in small sections and using a clean sponge or cloth. Let dry, then wipe it off with a cloth dampened with white vinegar diluted with distilled water – 1 part vinegar to 6 parts water.
Removing stains from vinyl furniture
To remove stubborn marks from vinyl furniture (and tablecloths), try rubbing the stain with a cloth dipped in milk. It doesn’t matter if the milk is 2%, 1% or whole milk – just don’t use chocolate milk!! Then wash with soapy water and dry.
Scorch mark on upholstery
Whether someone was smoking on the sly or accidentally dropped a match on your fancy chair is irrelevant: you’ve now got an expensive repair to deal with. Don’t despair! You may be able to blot out the char with paper towels. Wet a paper towel with distilled water and dab it on the mark (don’t rub). Now blot it with a dry paper towel. If that doesn’t work, put a drop of mild liquid laundry detergent on a wet paper towel and treat the spot. After a minute or two, blot up the detergent with a wet paper towel and then blot the area one last time with a dry one.
And that’s all for this week! We may have more tips coming in the next few weeks so stay tuned!