How To Take Modeling Clay Out Of Your Couch

Modeling clay compounds are widely used in art and craft projects. They’re made typically of ingredients such as flour, cornstarch, oil and water, and be coloured with food colourings. Wet modeling clays are comprised of clays and silica, whilst hardening clays contain calcium carbonate and other preservatives.
When accidentally spilt on your sofa modeling clays are either air dry or remain moist. Dried clay can be quite easily brushed off upholstery, but the moist variety can work its way into fabrics and need more intensive cleaning.
See how to take modeling clay out of your couch here…

Cleaning options

To remove plasticine from your sofa successfully you need to act quickly! Start by scraping any excess clay off the sofa with a plastic knife or the back of a spoon. Scrape from the outside edges inwards to prevent spreading the clay further.
Mix a solution of two teaspoons of washing up liquid with a pint of lukewarm water and stir to create a foam. Use a clean white cloth to blot the foam onto the clay stain and lightly scrub to dissolve the clay. When the stain has lifted use another clean cloth dipped in clean water to absorb any detergent residue. Finish by pressing a dry cloth onto the dampened area to absorb the remaining moisture and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can use a combination of white vinegar mixed with two cups of water to thoroughly blot the stain. Then use an absorbent cloth to completely dry the area. If traces of stain are left you can repeat the process using clear water, blotting to dry after each application. Remember that overwetting stains should be avoided as this can lead to future problems with mould, mildew and unpleasant smells.
You can also use the white vinegar mixed with three tablespoons of iodised salt. Put the solution into a bowl and dampen a clean cloth and place it over the clay stain. Leave until the fabric has absorbed the mixture and then gently blot with the weave before leaving the stain covered with the cloth for another 30 minutes. Thoroughly rinse with clear water to remove any excess salt solution.
Another effective method is to use micropore tape applied to the sticky area of the plasticine stain. Pulling the tape backwards should take the stain away adhered to the tape. You may need to do this several times before carefully sponging the area and blotting it dry.
A recommended upholstery cleaner can also be used. Check the instructions on the product label to make sure any safety precautions are followed. It’s also a good idea to carry out a patch test on a hidden area of your sofa to make sure the colour isn’t affected.
Bear in mind that if your sofa material isn’t washable you may need to remove the covers and take them to the dry cleaners, or better still opt for specialist upholstery cleaning as detailed below.

Stain removing takeaways

• – Cold water is often best for rinsing a stain to avoid it setting.
• – Patch test solutions on hidden sections to ensure they won’t damage the fabric.
• – Remember not to mix chemicals and rinse out one cleaning solution before trying another.
• – Read the care instructions on any over-the-counter products as fabrics may be too delicate to try this method.
• – Blot don’t rub as rubbing only causes stains to penetrate deeper into fibres.
• – A white cloth or towel makes stain transference easier to see. Washable fabrics are easier to treat than ones that need dry cleaning.

Need professional upholstery cleaning?

If you can’t get rid of the plasticine stain you simply need to get the experts to handle it for you! Stain removal is all part of the process and a thorough inspection of your sofa will be carried out to determine the most appropriate treatment for the fabric is chosen. The stain will then be pre-treated with the specially selected removal solution.
This will be followed by a thorough deep clean of your sofa with a powerful machine that breaks down the bonds between the stain and the upholstery fibres. The cleaning uses very little water so your sofa will dry quickly. Once your service is complete you’ll never know that the plasticine stain was ever there.