Remove Stains From Various Material

Leather
GENERAL INFO

1. Leather breathes, so wipe it often to stop dust particles from penetrating its pores.
2. Use a leather conditioner (available at DIY and most furniture stores) to protect and keep the material supple. Pay special attention to arm rests and head rests.

SPOT CLEAN

• Discoloured Patches Wear and tear can cause parts of your leather set to become lighter or darker. Spray on a "leather" spray in a similar colour.
• Small Oil Stains Using fingertips, rub cornstarch lightly into the stain until you feel heat from the friction - the heat "break up" the oil. Vacuum or brush powder mixture off. Larger stains require professional treatment.
• Ink Stain Spray spot with either a non-oily hair spray or Armour All, a popular car product. Wipe with soft cloth.
• Candle Wax Place grease paper over the spot and press with a warm (not hot) iron. Continue until all the wax is absorbed. Tip: Try it out on an inconspicuous spot first.

Wood

GENERAL INFO

1. Remove surface dirt with a damp flannel dust cloth.
2. Polish regularly using a wood polisher like Lemon Pledge. Or make your own: one teaspoon light olive oil to half cup white vinegar. Shake well before applying.
3. Want more shine? Gloss with vinegar before polishing.

SPOT CLEAN

• Water Rings Apply an oil-based wood polish with a soft cloth before buffing. Or, apply mayonnaise liberally on the stain. Wipe off the next day. For stubborn marks, apply a thick paste of cooking oil and salt. Leave on for 15 minutes before wiping. Gloss over with wood polish.
• Polish Build-up To get rid of build-up, mix half cup vinegar and half cup water. Give the furniture a once-over, using a dust cloth moistened with the solution. Wipe dry.
• Scratches Look into your kid's crayon box for a colour that's closest to your furniture. Melt down a small amount and work it into the scratch until concealed.

Fabric

GENERAL INFO

1. Remove loose cushions and vacuum sides, arms and under the seat where crumbs and dust love to settle.
2. Give fabric a light wash with your own cleansing agent: Blend a quarter cup laundry detergent with one cup water till suds resemble whipped cream. Do a spot test first. Using a clean cloth, rub the whipped suds gently onto a section of a sofa. Blot with a damp cloth and let dry.

SPOT CLEAN

• Liquid Stains Mix one teaspoon mild detergent with one cup warm water; rub gently onto spot, blotting with clean cloth to dry. Never rub the stain as this can damage the fibre.
• Red Wine Blot the fresh stain immediately with kitchen towels and sponge (don't rub) with warm water to dilute. Blot again and add talcum powder to the stain, letting it stand for two to three minutes. Brush off powder and repeat sponging and blotting till stain fades as much as possible.
• Stubborn Stains Blot with a solution of half cup white vinegar and half cup warm water. Dry with a clean cloth and brush lightly when fully dry to restore texture. Wipe up spills fast to prevent it soaking into the fabric.

tips!

1. Keep fabric, leather and wood furniture away from direct sunlight and heat.
2. Vacuum upholstered furniture weekly using a crevice tool extension to prevent abrasion.
3. Dust all leather and wood furniture weekly with a soft, dry cloth.
4. Move cushions and pillows around weekly to redistribute wear and tear.
5. Have fabric and leather furniture professionally cleaned from time to time.
6. Do not leave newspapers or other printed materials lying on upholstery.
7. Take special care with drinks, food, cigarettes, candles, etc, around your sofa.
8. Make sure plants, sharp objects, chemicals (like nail varnish) and wet surfaces do not come into contact with your sofa.
9. Keep a clean cloth and kitchen towels handy for fast blotting of spills.
10. Prevent pets and children from climbing and bouncing on the sofa.

Extracted from Simply Her / April 2005