Got a Stain on Your Couch?

Got a Stain on Your Couch?

It's gross, I know, but we all have accidents happen. I'd venture to say that most people don't mean to drop anything on their furniture that can stain it. However, from pets to kids, there is a lot of room for stains to pop up on your couch or recliner. Dealing with the stains can be an ordeal especially if they have sat for a while. When stains have set into any fabric, you might feel like throwing your hands up in the air and giving up. But wait, there could be some hope! 

My Experience with a Stain

A funny (or not so funny) story from my life involves my nephew dumping a bowl of spaghetti on the sofa. You may be asking how I managed to let something like that sit around until it was dry. Well, he decided that it would be better to just flip the cushion and not tell me than to face the possibility that I might be upset. This also happened in what I consider the second living room of my house and I usually don't go in there often unless I have my nephews over. Fast forward a couple weeks later when I am moving the couch and flipping the cushions to vacuum and I find the nasty surprise. By this point, it had not only stained but dried up into the fabric. I just decided to vacuum all the extra bit of noodles and dried tomato skins. I was amazed at how much lighter the stain was already just by taking out the debris. I would highly recommend vacuuming any set stain first. 

Of course, as with any kind of fabric cleaning, check the cleaning instructions on your couch before attempting anything else. If you can't find any instructions, then test out any cleaners in a spot that's inconspicuous.  

Operation Spaghetti Removal

I could use water to clean that fabric, so I used steam to help loosen up the stain. I used an iron since I didn't have an actual steam cleaner at my home. I just hit the steam button and started loosening the bad boy up. After I decided it was good to go, I put a little bit of dish soap in some water and used a sponge to dap and gently wipe the stain. I wasn't really worried about rubbing it too hard and making the stain set in seeing as, well, it was already set. I just didn't want to mat up the fabric by being too rough on it. I repeated this with just water to get the soap out and it had lightened up some. I ended up letting it dry and I still wasn't happy with what it looked like. 

Attempt two: I broke out the Resolve brand cleaner. I sprayed the cleaner on the couch and let it sit for a few moments. I dabbed it off and gently wiped just like with the dish soap mixture. When I was done with it and it dried, I was pretty much convinced that stain was there for good. Fast forward through one more attempt with the Resolve about two days later and it came out. If you are looking for the spot, you can see it, but only because you can tell the fabric is slightly pilled because of my efforts, not because there is a greasy orange-ish stain. 

Of course, this is my personal experience and it may not work for everyone. Some people have other methods they swear by and they may be better. But if you have been in the same situation, I feel your pain. 

Discount Furniture Store in Lubbock, TX

If you live in the Lubbock area of Texas, there is a great place to shop for new furniture items. House of Furniture has an above par selection of couches, beds, recliners, tables and more! From the friendly staff to the financing options, you will have one of the easiest times buying furniture. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get comfortable quality things for your home, just stop by and take a look at what they have to offer you!