Furniture and Furnishings - Remove odors & re-stuff pillow backs

Hello

I have couch and a chair that have a few problems. They are covered in some kind of sueded fabric. They have absorbed dog odors to the point that I don't want to sit on them. What would be the best way to clean them without ripping all the stuffing out. Question Two: The pillow-like backs are attached to the couch/chair with zippers. (I don't know what possessed me to buy them) They are stuffed with the regular stuffing that can be purchased at any hobby or fabric store. I have removed some of the stuffing to try and repair the out of shape condition. (My dogs like to lay on the top of these) They just looked worse.

QUESTION: Would it be possible to use a type of sturdy foam wrapped with stuffing to reconfigure these backs?

Thank you.

Maureen

Couch odors:

You may be able to get away with using something along the lines of OUT! which is a stain remover, but since it contains ensymes (sp?) that break down thus removing the stain it also removes the odor. You may want to try an upholstery cleaner designed for pet odors as well. I haven't noticed if OUT is available in an upholstery cleaner, but it may very well be.

As far as the pillows go, you may be able to purchase chipped foam to replace the stuffing inside. The smaller the 'chip' then the easier it is to make it conform to a softer look. Regular batting has a tendency to compress, and the foam will have a longer life as far as returning to its natural shape.

Have you tried removing the stuffing from the pillows, pulling it apart (to uncompress it somewhat) and then restuffing the pillows? This may help until we can figure something else out.

Kay

Kay,

What a great idea. I will try the chipped foam. I really need something that can't be compressed by 30 to 80 pounds of dog. They have no manners. :p Yes, I actually tore the nasty cheap stuffing apart, yuck. It lasted almost one day. I'm surprised that this furniture was so poorly made. I paid enough. Do you think that larger chips of foam might hold up better? Would you recommend I overstuff the pillow backs?

Thanks for your expertise.

Maureen

I don't have an answer for that last question. Unfortunately the one person I know of that could answer it is out of town. She will be back around the 26th of this month.

I would just play around with how it fills it out, and then decide if you may need to line it with something to keep it a smooth look. If the fabric is heavy enough it may not be a problem. Seems the smaller chips of foam wouldn't be a problem, but then again, it may be.

Watch for more posts. Others may have tips, tricks or techniques that will help.

Kay

Foam is foam and the size of the chips probably does not make a difference in the compressive strength. Smaller chips, as kaybyrd, recommended may be easier to work with as they will be more likely to better fill the pillow and conform to the shape you desire.

Check to see if there is a care label. Upholstered pieces tend to have a label indicating the preferred cleaning method. "S" for solvent cleaning method, which will require a professional. "W" for a water-based cleaner. "W/S" for either method.

Dog odors are organic and do require an enzyme digester cleaner. kaybyrd frequently recommends Out from Walmart & Kmart. Other recommendations on the forums are Nature's Miracle & Odor Ban from Sam's Club. These cleaners are water-based and must be given time to digest the bacteria that causes the odors. Do not use on leather upholstery, which is organic. If in doubt, have the piece professionally cleaned. The couch can be covered with a blanket that can be removed and washed as needed. You can also quickly remove it when company comes.