Honestly, I never thought I would DIY cleaning my upholstery but here I am. I guess I figured it was too risky or I would screw it up or something. This blue velvet wingback chair inspired me to take the plunge and give it a try. This chair was my grandmother's and every time I look I at it I think of her. She had it even in her bedroom in her last apartment. I'm planning to use it our bedroom which already has a chair which I'll use in our basement eventually. Unfortunately it has been jammed in an awkward corner of our living room for about 3 months, so something had to change...quickly.
This wingback is really good quality (Henredon) but was definitely in need of a good cleaning, so I did some web research and found this. I found similar advice on other sites so I decided to give it a shot. At the very least, it would get the dust and light dirt out, right?
I started by making the soap foam using some Mrs. Meyers dish soap
To this!
I then grabbed some tools - spatula, old toothbrush, a white t-shirt rag, and old towel and went to work. I loaded the spatula with soap suds and then scrubbed with the toothbrush on the grimiest parts.
I did the chair in sections (about 8"x8") starting at the top and working down. The suds and toothbrush definitely lifted some grungy mystery stains. I then blotted up the residue with the old t-shirt slightly dampened. I ended up rinsing the t-shirt about halfway through because it was looking pretty gross itself - proof it was working I guess!
When the suds in the bowl started to look less fluffy and more watery, I simply popped them back in the mixer for another whirl. Worked like a charm.
Overall, I think it was worth the effort - it took about an hour to do the whole project including mixing the suds. I can definitely see an improvement although not perfect by any means.
A little hard to tell in this photo, but it's definitely enough to keep me from calling in a professional until I have other carpets and furniture that need extra TLC.
Here's the back which is upholstered in a different fabric which is really pretty actually. I think the colors will work well in our room.
Less than 2 weeks until my oldest goes to kindergarten. I'm getting teary already!!
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