How to clean stained dining room chairs?

[Sofashaw]

Hi all,

I hired a Britex Carpet cleaner to try and clean off my dining room chairs that have what looks like sweat marks/ finger marks from the acid on our hands and/or grease marks. They appear mainly around where we pull the chairs out with our hands and where the backs of our legs come into contact with the fabric. On some chairs it is where the whole body touches through clothes so it could also be just plain sweat. 

I used the Britex cleaner using the Britiex upholstery low foaming solution with no success. (Note I also did the back of my lounge using the same solution from where the dog scratches himself and that removed the grime).

Does anyone know what I can do to remove these marks? Should I use a stronger Britex cleaning product like the urine remover (which only comes in a spray, not in a concentrate?).

Please see pictures which may help!

The last picture is after cleaning whilst it is drying, the first 2 were before cleaning.

Before CleaningBefore CleaningAfter Cleaning whilst drying

Thanks!

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Sofashaw,

The difference you’re noticing is likely due to the type of stains you’re dealing with. The Britex cleaner is effective at removing soiled marks and general grime, but the marks on your chairs are probably from skin oils that have penetrated into the fabric fibres, making them more difficult to remove.

I wouldn’t expect the urine treatment to be effective, as it’s not designed for breaking down oil-based stains. You could try a different cleaner, such as Vanish Preen 600g Gold 3in1 Deep Cleaning Carpet Foam, to see if it helps lift the oil. Another option is to use water mixed with a small amount of dishwashing detergent, as dish soap is excellent at breaking down oils. Apply it with a soft cloth or sponge, gently work it into the fabric, and blot with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. It may take a couple of attempts, but this should help improve the appearance of the fabric. 

As well as the oil, this discolouration could be due to wear, where the constant contact has degraded the fibres. If this is the case, you might not be able to resolve the issue.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Sofashaw]

Hi,

I have tried all of the above with no joy. I'm still open to ideas? 

Thanks

Phil

[EricL]

Hello @Sofashaw 

I suspect that these are not stains but rather the fabric starting to wear away. Can you please tell us how old the chairs are. If you look at the edge of the fabric of the chair you can tell that the original cover was much more uniform in colour at one point. The sections where people often sat down on has started to fade away and become thinner. I'm not sure if using more chemical cleaners will improve the finish of the fabric. I propose thinking about having the chairs re-upholstered to give it a fresh new appearance.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Sofashaw]

Unfortunately they are less than 4 years old so it can't possibly be wear and tear. The fabric is made by a well known designer company called Kvadrat. I have emailed them to ask how to clean them. Thanks.

[EricL]

Hello @Sofashaw 

I believe this would be the best course of action. I'm sure the manufacturer will know what to use on those chairs in order to clean the upholstery.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the chairs clean and refreshed.

Eric

[Noyade]

Is that velcro?

Do the cushions come away from the wood?

[Sofashaw]

No, it's not velcro. I wish it was. Unfortunately they are bloody expensive designer chairs.

[Noyade]

That's a shame.

By all means - shoot the messenger - but rip the cushions off and just go with expensive designer 'wooden' chairs?

Sorry, but one of those photos above looks like serious body juices have met the fabric.

Best of luck to ya.

Cheers!