Tips from PaPa Dave

Removing Stains From Your Furniture

We thought you'd appreciate this valuable information.  Of course, we're not worried about fish stains!


Your home furniture can be a big investment.  If you have ever wondered how to deal with spills and stains, here is a set of recommendations from Martha Stewart.  Think of them as first-aid for your home furnishings.


Wood

• Moisture “rings”:  Pour table salt on the white rings/haze and cover with a terry cloth. Apply hair dryer on low setting until rings are gone.
• Alcohol spills:  Blot spills immediately, do not rub. Apply small amounts of ammonia to damage.
• Wax spills:  Allow to cool and harden, then freeze the wax with an ice cube in a sandwich bag. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off wax.

Fabric

• Red wine stains:  Cover wine with table salt and let sit until salt has wicked up the wine.  Vacuum salt and repeat, as necessary.
• Blot remaining stains with damp cloth and dish soap.
• General spills:  Repeatedly blot with a damp white cloth. Use white cloths to prevent dye transfer.
• Oil spills:  Cover spill with baking soda and vacuum once absorbed. Blot remaining stains with rubbing alcohol

Leather

• General stains: Blot with all-purpose household cleaner.  To prevent fading in the upholstery, avoid products with bleach or bleach alternatives.
• Scratches:  Apply saddle soap to a damp cloth and rub the scratch to help it “blend in”.  It won’t go away.

Also, a tip on leather furniture:  forget touch-up kits or colored markers.  It’s nearly impossible to match leather colors and your repair work will likely make the problem more noticeable.