White (damp?) marks on 3 piece suite covers

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GillianF
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Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:06 pm
Location: Dordogne

White (damp?) marks on 3 piece suite covers

Post by GillianF »

I've just been to a house we look after which is closed for the Winter. The house hasn't been heated but the weather has not dropped below freezing so far this year.

I was in the house a few weeks ago and didn't notice any marks on the 3 piece suite covers but did see them today. The covers are dark blue and there are white stains on all the seats, back cushions and the arms of the chairs. These look like damp marks - the seating has got damp and cold?

I need to tell the owner about this and what can be done so, question is: Can I take the covers off and wash them myself (they are machine washable) or will the marks/stains require specialist cleaning?

The house has been rented for about ten years and is closed every Winter and there hasn't been a similar problem before now.
Hells Bells
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Post by Hells Bells »

Have they perhaps been washed and put back on before properly dry?
I would think though that the marks will come out with washing if they are machine washable. Is the furniture cold and damp underneath the covers? Maybe put in a dehumidifier. It has been very wet this winter.
GillianF
Posts: 826
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:06 pm
Location: Dordogne

Post by GillianF »

Interesting thought. The last guests were the guests from hell who left a trail of mess and destruction but I can't imagine they took the covers off, washed and ironed them. I did wonder if they had spilt something which has subsequently not quite dried but it wouldn't be on every cover, cushion etc.

I will have a go at washing the covers myself. They are similar to ones I have at home (Ikea Ektorp) and I know they wash and iron well it's just the time it takes and I'll have to wait for better weather when I can dry them outside on the line.

I'll have a feel and see if the actual furniture is cold and damp and we'll have to get the heating fired up to air the house.

Thanks for your thoughts.
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