Cleaning upholstery and curtains

[ScouseIan]

I've just got 'van out of storage. Wish I'd kept the cushions at home over the winter. We've obviously spilt something on a cushion and missed it. Its now got a dodgy looking stain that I need to clean.

I don't know whether I can remove the covers and wash them in a machine or can only use the spray on/sponge off cleaners. And suggestions. I did try to remove a cushion but found it difficult to thread the elastic 'thingies' through the foam that pull sthe 'button' into the sponge (hope you know what I mean by that). So i abandoned that idea. Maybe I should have persevered. I think I need some sort of tool to assist with that. Maybe a piece of string and a drinking straw?

Also, can the curtains be removed and machine washed? There's no cleaning instructions on them.

Thanks

Ian

 

[Mel]

When OH stowed a bottle of blackcurrent squash in an upper locker before setting off and it upeneded and blackcurrent went all over the front lounge cushions (almost divorced over this), we hired one of those spray-out suck-up carpet and upholstery cleaners and bought the stain remover and shampoo that went with it. This did a good job without over wetting the upholstery. Wouldn't like to advise over the curtains as I guess the washability varies from van to van.. If it was me (and you need to make your own decision), I would wash by hand or on a short and gentle machine cycle in coldish water (30) and the drip dry to stop shrinking. I might try just one first as well!
mel

 

[erica11]

ihave washed in the machine the caravan custion covers not the bench ones that is. They came out ok, but to clean the seats I used 1001 in cool water and gently scrubbed them with a hard bristle brush. The curtains not done yet, but would wash in cool water with a gently soap powder and drip dry on the line. Again just try one of them , one that wont be to noticable if it did strink. Certainly not in a machine.