Removing dye stains from upholstery can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right techniques and products, you can get your upholstery looking like new again in no time. Follow these four simple steps to effectively remove dye stains from any type of upholstered furniture or fabric.
Step 1: Act Quickly
When dealing with dye stains, time is of the essence. The longer a dye stain sets on the upholstery, the harder it will be to remove. Ideally, you want to treat the stain immediately as soon as it happens before the dye has time to set into the fibers.
If the stain has already set in, don’t worry – you can still get it out as long as you use the right stain removal methods. But for the best results, address that wine spill or pizza sauce stain right away. Immediate action will make the stain much easier to tackle.
Step 2: Blot the Stain
After discovering a fresh dye stain on your upholstery, start by blotting up any excess liquid. Use a clean white cloth or paper towels to gently blot at the stain, pressing down to absorb as much of the dye as possible. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the stain, as this can further push the dye into the upholstery fibers.
Blotting lifts the stain material up and away from the upholstery rather than grinding it in deeper. Be sure to blot with a rotating motion, using clean areas of the cloth as needed. For larger stains, switch out cloths frequently to prevent spreading the stain.
Remove all excess liquid until no more dye transfers onto the cloth. This eliminates a major portion of the stain right off the bat, setting you up for success in the next steps.
Step 3: Find the Right Removal Solution
Water
For relatively fresh stains on sturdy upholstery fabrics like cotton or linen, start by flushing the stained area with cold water. Use a spray bottle to saturate the fabric, then blot again with clean cloths. On many stains, water alone does an excellent job of diluting and lifting the staining material.
Repeat the rinse and blot process until no more color transfers onto the cloth. Allow the upholstery to fully dry before assessing if the stain has been removed.
Water works well for stains that have not had time to fully set into the fibers. However, it may not have the power to tackle tougher, dried-in stains on delicate upholstery fabrics.
Dish Soap
For deeper, stubborn stains, try an all-purpose dishwashing liquid like Dawn or Palmolive. The surfactants in dish soap help break down grease and food residues in stains. Mix a few drops of dish soap per 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz on the stain, allow it to sit for a minute, then blot with a cloth. The dish soap solution helps lift dye away from the upholstery fibers.
Be careful not to oversaturate delicate upholstery with the solution. Test on an inconspicuous area first, as excess moisture could leave behind soap residue or discoloration.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach commonly used for whitening laundry and disinfecting surfaces. It can also work wonders on fresh dye stains. The bubbling action of peroxide helps release the dye, lifting it from the upholstery.
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Apply it directly to the stain, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot thoroughly with a cloth. Reapply if needed for tough stains.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide on upholstery containing acetates or triacetates, as it can dissolve those materials. Always spot test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area first.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning staple that shines on fresh upholstery stains. Its acetic acid cuts through dyes, loosening their grip on the fabric. Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the solution onto the stain and let it sit briefly before blotting.
For stubborn stains, apply undiluted white vinegar directly. Let it soak in for up to an hour before blotting away. The longer it sits, the better it works to dissolve that pesky dye.
Rubbing Alcohol
For oily stains like makeup or lipstick that contain heavy dye pigmentation, reach for some rubbing alcohol. The solvent properties of rubbing alcohol dissolve oil-based stains, allowing the dye to release. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol directly onto a clean white cloth. Use the damp cloth to gently blot at the stained upholstery. Do not rub, as this can further grind in pigment.
Check frequently to see if the dye has transferred onto the cloth. Re-dampen with alcohol and blot as needed to lift all traces of color. Avoid using too much alcohol, as oversaturating can damage upholstery.
Rubbing alcohol works on fresh or partially dried oily dye stains. For completely dried stains it is less effective.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach products like OxiClean are formulated to break down and lift stubborn household stains using the power of oxygen. Make a concentrated paste by mixing OxiClean powder with just enough warm water to form a thick paste. Using an old toothbrush, gently work the paste into the upholstery stain. Let it sit for up to 8 hours, then wipe away with a damp sponge.
For faster results, mix 1 part OxiClean powder with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Apply the fizzing paste to the stain, allowing it to bubble for 2-3 minutes. Blot the loosened stain away with a cloth. The combined oxygenating and bleaching action can abolish even the toughest dried-in dye stains.
Be cautious using OxiClean or any oxygen bleach products on delicate upholstery, as the bleaching agents can potentially cause discoloration over time. Always spot test first.
Step 4: Rinse, Dry and Evaluate
After treating upholstery stains with any cleaning solution, it’s important to thoroughly rinse away all residue that could get left behind. Wipe the area with clean water on a fresh cloth, then blot with dry towels until no moisture remains on the fabric.
Allow the upholstery to completely air dry before making any judgements on the stain removal results. It often takes a full drying cycle to accurately gauge the effectiveness of your stain removal efforts.
If dye remnants still linger after proper drying, don’t lose hope. Simply repeat the cleaning process using the solution that worked best on your particular stain. Multiple treatments are sometimes necessary to fully extract heavy dye concentrations from upholstery fibers.
With some time and patience, even the most hopeless looking stains can be erased. Follow these fundamental steps and you can successfully banish dye stains from your upholstered surfaces for good. The key is always starting the cleaning process as soon as possible before permanent setting occurs.
Common Questions About Removing Dye Stains from Upholstery
How do I get hair dye out of upholstery?
Hair dye stains can be tricky, but oxygen bleach products often do the job when combined with warm water and a little elbow grease. Make a paste of OxiClean and water and gently scrub it into the stained area using a toothbrush. Let it sit for 6-8 hours, then rinse clean. Repeat as needed for tough stains.
What removes ink stains from couches?
Rubbing alcohol is highly effective at dissolving ink and lifting it from upholstery fibers. Pour a small amount onto a clean white cloth and gently blot the stain. Avoid excessive rubbing. Rinse with water and blot dry after treatment.
How do you get old dried in stains out of upholstery?
For tougher, dried-in dye stains, try making a concentrated hydrogen peroxide paste with OxiClean powder. Apply the fizzing paste and allow it to work on the stain for 2-3 minutes before blotting away. The combined oxygen bleach and peroxide formula lifts even hardened dye particles.
How do you get dye transfer out of upholstery?
Dye transfer, like from jeans or other fabrics, comes out best with a mix of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Make a solution of 2 parts hydrogen peroxide, 1 part dish soap and 1 part water. Lightly spritz it on the transferred dye, let sit 2-3 minutes, then blot clean.
Will vinegar remove hair dye from furniture?
Yes, white vinegar is highly useful for removing stray drips or spills of hair dye from upholstery and other surfaces. Undiluted vinegar directly applied to the stain, left to soak in for an hour, then blotted away does an excellent job of dissolving hair dye particles.
What removes nail polish from upholstery?
For fresh spills, blot nail polish immediately with a dry cloth. For dried polish, use an acetone-based remover on a cloth to gently dab at the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can grind the polish in further. Mineral spirits also work to dissolve dried nail polish from delicate upholstery.
How do you get Foundation out of upholstery?
Liquid makeup foundations contain oils and heavy dye pigments that can stain upholstery. Use rubbing alcohol applied with a cloth to blot fresh stains. For dried foundation, try working in some OxiClean paste and rinsing clean for the most thorough removal.
Conclusion
Removing dye stains doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. In just four simple steps – acting quickly, blotting, using the right removal solution, and rinsing/drying – you can erase spots and restore your upholstered items. Tailor your approach to the specifics of each stain for the best outcome. With the right techniques and cleaning agents, even the most impossible seeming stains can be vanquished from your beloved furniture and fabrics. Just remember to start the cleaning process ASAP while the stain is fresh. From there, let the cleaning power of water, detergents, solvents and oxygen go to work lifting dye away for good.