The Circus and I have trekked through some interesting places in our yard sale and estate sale adventures. There are times I pray she doesn’t blurt out something about how bad it stinks wherever we are or how dirty the place is. Oftentimes, I bathe her in Germ-X when we get back in the car. Sometimes I pray there isn’t a psychopath waiting for us at the end of a long hallway in a dark basement.
The latter scenario is how I came to find this little gem.
Unfortunately though, this little gem was quite rough to begin with. The whole thing had to get a new paint job and the upholstery….
Whoo lawd, the upholstery, it was bad. It was greasy and grimy and after I loaded that thing in my truck, I’m certain I used an entire thing of hand sanitizer on my hands. That being said though, I bought it from a sweet old lady who was moving and honestly, I just don’t think she was able to get up and down those stairs to clean it anymore, bless her heart.
My first thought was that I would have to replace the upholstery completely, but I really loved that cute yellow piping on the cushions. So, instead I decided to try cleaning it with a cleaner I had used on a Mid-Century Modern sofa and chairs that had been in similar condition when I purchased it.
And it worked.
Like a charm.
How to Clean Vinyl Upholstery
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
- Zep All Around Cleaner and Degreaser
- Scrub Brush
- Paper Towels
Side note: There might be other cleaners that work, but this was the best one I found after trying a few. This post is NOT sponsored by Zep in any way, I was just amazed at how well their product worked and wanted to share with you.
Step 1.
You want to work in small sections, so first spray a section of part of the piece you are working on. With these cushions, I started with the top, fully cleaned it, then moved to the sides, cleaning each side completely before moving to the next one.
Let the cleaner sit on the upholstery for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2.
Using your scrub brush, give the vinyl a good scrubbing. You should literally see the dirt, grease and grime start to lift away.
Step 3.
After you have scrubbed the section thoroughly, come back with a paper towel and wipe up all that gross junk.
With these cushions, it only took one round of cleaning per section. However, if your piece is really heavy with dirt and grime, it might take a couple of passes with the cleaner.
And because no cleaning post is good without a little side-by-side before and after action:
What’s even funnier is that I didn’t realize the vinyl was actually supposed to be white when I bought it, I knew it was dirty, but I just assumed it was more of a beige-y color with all the dirt.
I think the yellow piping is just too cute on these chairs. How could I not try to salvage those cushions?!
Any tricks you have for cleaning upholstery?
Want more shortcuts for cleaning? See these then…
How to Remove Rust and Polish Chrome – do not throw away rusty metal just yet! Try this first!
How to Clean Brass – who knew it was supposed to look like that?
Want to come back to this vinyl upholstery cleaning tip later? Just pin the image below!
Amy C says
LOVE the yellow!!!
Jenna says
Me too! It’s so fun and bright!
Shirley says
Who would have thought those cushions would have come up that clean? It’s such a cute set!
By the way I got rust off my coffee table legs using Bar Keepers Friend – as you recommended in a previous post . Great tip thanks Jenna!
Jenna says
I never thought they would get so clean either, Shirley!! I love Bar Keepers Friend for rust! I’m about to use it to attack the old porcelain tub at my grandparent’s house!
Patty says
Wow what a difference, I gotta get me some Zep.
That set is adorable and I love the yellow piping, you lucky shit, I have been looking for a metal set. I have a small set, but was wanting a bigger set, that set is the perfect size and style and color.
I will check out your sale this weekend.
Jenna says
I love that you called me a “lucky shit.” hahaha!! That’s one I don’t hear too often anymore!
Stephanie Sheridan says
To cute for words. Love how the grim was gone and never would tell it was so yucky. Good job.
Jenna says
Thanks, Stephanie! I think its adorable too!
Carol ("Mimi") says
I had never heard of this cleaner before. Pinning so I can find the information when I need it. Thanks!
Jenna says
You’re welcome, Carol!
Lorena says
Oh wow what a great find and I loved that you tried and succeeded to salvage the original vinyl cushion- I would have done the same.
Jenna says
Thanks, Lorena! They turned out pretty good!
Leanna says
Is this ever a gorgeous table set. What a spectacular find. It certainly was worth finding a way to clean it. Pinning and congrats.
Jenna says
Thanks, Leanna!
Emily @DomesticDeadline.com says
I would have snatched that set up too! Love it. Looks great all cleaned up. I’m wondering if that stuff would help me clean up the cushions on an outdoor set I snagged for a steal. Thanks for linking up to #HomeMattersParty
Jenna says
Love this set, Emily! It’s so cute! It might just clean up those cushions of yours!
Chrissy says
I just grabbed some Zep from Lowe’s to test it out but I got the wrong one ☹️ I got the zep all purpose but it doesn’t say oxy and it’s green ! Guess I’ll take it back and see if they carry the oxy brand !
Patricia Todd says
I have faux leather RV cushions. Bought the product you used and it simply did not work. They look no better than they did before I started! I wonder why? They are not even close to as bad as your cushions. Any ideas?
Jenna says
Hmmm. Did you let the product sit on the cushions for a bit to try and really lift up the dirt?
Cathy says
What to use on old moldy boat cushions. I tried bleach and it didn’t work
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