Badly stained cloth furniture

[angelwing]

Ok, the other thread on blinds got me thinking so here goes. We have a couch and love seat that need extreme cleaning (heavy smoking for about 8 years).

We tried the steam cleaner, no go, I had them tried professionally, no go, now I just want something that will clean the yellow/brown out of the material (we can't afford to redo them or buy new furniture). Tried a lot of things but if people throw their ideas maybe something coming thru will work (can't get those covers either I sleep on the couch, lol, and both of them you can flip the end part to recline so the covers won't work)

Any ideas would be appreciated!

[Lindaloo]

I used the orange 409. I let it soak for about an hour. Then I pressure washed it. The furniture has to sit out and air dry, so it is best to do this when it is warm outside.

My sister has a white couch and loveseat. It is white again by doing what I did above.

What most people do not understand (even professionals) is that deep down dirt will continue to lift out of the furniture even though it looks clean. About an hour after you clean it, it looks dirty again. You will have to repeat the steps until all the deep down dirt lifts out. Same goes for carpet and car carpet.

[angelwing]

Guess we'll try that one when we get a house Linda, that's a great idea! Guess I'm stuck till then, nowhere to pressure wash in an apt, we live on the second floor so we can't even put it out on our deck, the deck is too small. If we had a first floor apt I'd try it.

Thank you!!!

[CajunMama]

We use Bissell's Little Green Machine on our furniture. We have dogs, especially because the 18 year old, gets on the furniture. I use their formula and hot hot hot water. It is one of the best gadgets i've ever bought.

[JenBayles]

If you can't get 'em unstained, get a couple of nice-looking throws and sew them long-ends together. Throw over the furniture, and it looks practically new. We started doing this when the dogs took over the couch.

[Lindaloo]

We use Bissell's Little Green Machine on our furniture. We have dogs, especially because the 18 year old, gets on the furniture. I use their formula and hot hot hot water. It is one of the best gadgets i've ever bought.

I have one and I love it. I tried mine on my sisters' furniture and all it did was make the stain go wider (like a ring). Angels furniture needs a very deep cleaning, which means all the foam on the inside needs to be wet for all that to come to the surface.

Now angel, after you do all that you better get you one of those green machines to keep it from happening again.

That is a great idea Jen.

[angelwing]

I did use the green machine, I threw it out, it was a waste of money...maybe I'll try the borax/dawn bit and see what that does once we get some time to do it. I'll just sleep on the floor till the test section dries:)

[Lindaloo]

You do not want to use Dawn. It will foam up and you will never get it out. Been there, done that. The only way you are going to get that couch clean is to pressure wash it.

[JenBayles]

Linda - don't know why it took me so long to figure that one out with the throws. Heck of a lot cheaper than buying covers that never quite fit, too. We've been using those cheap Mexican blankets and have several different patterns to change out. The living room gets a mini-makeover every week when I wash them.

[alicia-w]

i think i'd go for a new couch. sounds like WAY too much trouble.

[Cookiely]

Anyone have any tips for getting out black ink marker out of a cloth sofa (white)?

[alicia-w]

if it's a permanent marker, forget it. it's not coming out....ever.

[Lindaloo]

But you can buy dye for it.