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Upholstery Cleanup Tip - with a pic
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jpstewart19
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:02 am    Post subject: Upholstery Cleanup Tip - with a pic Reply with quote

Just though I would share a quick tip that worked for me. I decided to replace my upholstery on the cheap and bought some original Westy upholstery, where there were some very heavily soiled spots. I was concerned to throw them in the wash but decided that dry cleaning just wasn't going to cut it. Nervously, I used:

Ingredients:
Oxy Clean Max Force Stain spray (sprayed on heavy soil areas)
Oxy Clean in Wash Load
Tide HD Cold Water

Machine Settings (Front Loader):
Delicate Cycle
Cold Tap Water
Heavy Soiled

Final Prep:
Hang Dry
Shaved fabric pills with a sweater shaver and also a disposable razor and lint roller

Here is a before/after pic of the results. Both are of the same cushion. No fabric breakdown, no shrinkage, all results were similar:


Before
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


After
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Did I mention how clean and fresh they smell Very Happy
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EZ Gruv
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

In other words, throw it in the washer like the rest of us do.
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jpstewart19
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Most of the posts I read here said not to put them in the wash, which had me concerned the fabric may break down. Thought a post might relax someone's fears about doing it.
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EZ Gruv
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Surprised you didn't see it in your search; a lot of us advocate throwing the stuff in the washer. It's much more resilient than people think.
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jpstewart19
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was really just so ecstatic at the difference. Oxy Clean is really amazing.
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cr@M
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 9:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think the difference is amazing. Very satisfying when something works out perfectly Smile
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borninabus
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 10:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

cr@M wrote:
Very satisfying when something works out perfectly Smile

can i have your life?
Laughing
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MalibuLX3
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 12:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks great. I'm planning to do this soon with my rear above the engine cushion.
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GLHTurbo
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PostPosted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 2:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i soaked mine in the tub overnight in woolite, then washed it with woolite on the gentle cycle..came out great
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AB westy nut
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

James, that fabric turned out nice! Glad it all worked out for you.
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HBwesty
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

All this makes me appreciate my ugly yellow mustard interior. Just spray and wipe.
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Mr.Mexi
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 12:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

well done mate - looks sooooo much better!
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chimneyfish
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 3:31 pm    Post subject: Re: Upholstery Cleanup Tip - with a pic Reply with quote

jpstewart19 wrote:
Did I mention how clean and fresh they smell Very Happy


I can smell them all the way over here in the UK, they smells sweet, and they now look kind to your skin as well. Thanks for sharing your recipe, I'v bookmarked this thread.
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jpstewart19
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 11:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for all the positive comments. The worst part of the job by far is the 4 billion staples in the arm rest and bed. Takes hours to remove. I briefly considered Velcro when reinstalling, but decided not to for this go around.
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Oil Phil-M
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 1:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just learned small grease stains, including cv joint tar, come out with carb cleaner. Spray the stain directly and dab with a clean cloth. Not quite the fresh spring-like smell you get from washing but for front seats it was like magic. Guy who told me said the stuff is/was the same as they use in the dry cleaning business.
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HBwesty
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smells like dangerous chemicals. Read the can, do not get on skin, do not inhale, do not get in eyes. The Mfg wont even tell you whats in it. MEK, Trichlore? All are bad to the brain. I wouldnt put that anywhere my ass sits.
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camit34
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice...Looks great!
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Mal evolent
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
All are bad to the brain. I wouldnt put that anywhere my ass sits.


you set yourself up for all manner of juvenile comebacks with that one
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HBwesty
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have Parkinsons Desease due to exposure to some of these chemicles including AO exposure in Vietnam where I sat on my ass while my brain was abused by toxic chemicles. None of it is funny to me.
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FlowerPowered
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 6:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks great, I was going to recover the bench, but I'm inspired to clean mine now.

HBwesty wrote:
I have Parkinsons Desease due to exposure to some of these chemicles including AO exposure in Vietnam where I sat on my ass while my brain was abused by toxic chemicles. None of it is funny to me.


By the way HBWesty, thank you for your service.
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