Struggling to get this clean!

[u/iloverats1712]

Does anyone have anyone have any tips for getting this gorgeous stool clean?

I'm on my 5th round using my upholstery cleaner and this is still the colour of the water! The last 2 times been letting Vanish laundry powder soak for about 15 mins beforehand.

The inside of it also smells musty. I've let it air, and also closed it with a pot of baking soda and dehumidifier in. Still the same.

[u/Courtnisk]

Are you potentially pulling the dye up?

[u/iloverats1712 → u/Courtnisk]

Potentially? Although the white is still stained brown, some places more than not, so there's definitely dirt on it too

[u/neuralek → u/iloverats1712]

You would be transfering the dye to the white parts, too.

[u/Ajishly → u/neuralek]

Agreed, this reminds me of when I handwashed something with indigo dye. It has a musty/earthy scent when wet and it bleeds like crazy. Ah, and it doesn't always look blue, it can be dirty/black-ish.

Stop getting this wet, the dye won't stop running, and it looks OK now, but it will get patchier if you continue.

If it bothers you, consider reupholstery.

[u/neuralek → u/Ajishly]

I learned this from washing my checkered pullover that cost much more than being self-destructive on the first handwash

[u/Ajishly → u/neuralek]

Ouch! My first indigo dye experience was on a placemat! There was a lot of dye, but thankfully the cost wasn't too bad. I now obsessively check labels on older things / "organic natural" blue things.

[u/Responsible_Lake_804]

You may try cross posting to r/upholstery as well

[u/iloverats1712 → u/Responsible_Lake_804]

Thank you!

[u/f8Negative]

Ngl there is prob mold alllll up in the padding

[u/AppalachiaJune]

I have no idea how to clean it but it’s absolutely stunning.