Cleaning a Scotchgarded sofa?
July 12, 2005 1:15 PM Subscribe
How can I clean my already-Scotchgarded sofa?
I got this sofa from CraigsList a few months ago, and the previous owner had just spent $150 cleaning/Scotchgarding the upholstery. It's gotten a little dingy, and I'd like to clean it but I haven't been able to find much via google other than professional cleaning services, which I'd rather avoid seeing as cash is a little tight. There aren't any stains on it- it's just a little greyer than it was when I first bought it.
I got this sofa from CraigsList a few months ago, and the previous owner had just spent $150 cleaning/Scotchgarding the upholstery. It's gotten a little dingy, and I'd like to clean it but I haven't been able to find much via google other than professional cleaning services, which I'd rather avoid seeing as cash is a little tight. There aren't any stains on it- it's just a little greyer than it was when I first bought it.
Two methods that I have successfully used:
1. You need white cotton rags, ammonia, a pail or bowl, and water.
Make a mild solution of ammonia and water (1/4 cup per gallon or so.) Wet a white cotton rag with the cleaning solution and wring out as much as you can. Fold the rag neatly. Lightly rub upholstery, maybe a 6x6 inch area. Change to a clean section of rag and move to the next 6x6" section of upholstery.
When the furniture dries in a few hours, the fabric might feel a little stiff, but it will go back to normal with use.
2. On preview, I see that LadyBonita has recommended my second method, which is just as good as my #1.
posted by wryly at 3:23 PM on July 12, 2005
1. You need white cotton rags, ammonia, a pail or bowl, and water.
Make a mild solution of ammonia and water (1/4 cup per gallon or so.) Wet a white cotton rag with the cleaning solution and wring out as much as you can. Fold the rag neatly. Lightly rub upholstery, maybe a 6x6 inch area. Change to a clean section of rag and move to the next 6x6" section of upholstery.
When the furniture dries in a few hours, the fabric might feel a little stiff, but it will go back to normal with use.
2. On preview, I see that LadyBonita has recommended my second method, which is just as good as my #1.
posted by wryly at 3:23 PM on July 12, 2005
if the covers are removable, you can just take them off and wash/dry clean them. depending on the material. check for a zip at the back of cushions. applying new scotchguard doesn't cost a lot, but can't be that great for the environment or your lungs.
posted by andrew cooke at 3:44 PM on July 12, 2005
posted by andrew cooke at 3:44 PM on July 12, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
We have our own carpet & upholstery steamer/cleaning machine now because it's such a pain to clean by hand, but if you are short on cash & want to mix your own cleaner:
Mix 1/4 cup liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent with 1 C water in a big container. User a mixer to get it foamy/sudsy. Apply the suds to your sofa and scrub with a soft brush. Wipe/lift off the dirty suds, then wipe with a clean wrung out damp rag.
Otherwise, vaccuum the sofa every month to keep the dust down.
posted by LadyBonita at 3:15 PM on July 12, 2005