getting sunscreen and cleaner stains out of upholstery

[jacobc]

I spilled some sunscreen (children's sunscreen, zinc oxide based) on a cushion on top of a shoe bench. I didn't deal with the stains immediately, so they set. In another brilliant decision, I tried to clean the stains by spraying the cushion with an all-purpose cleaner. This didn't get rid of the sunscreen stains (they got a little darker) but created another large, dark stain all around them. I've attached a photo.

So now I'm wondering: how do I get rid of the sunscreen stains and the huge stain left by the cleaner? Any help and advice would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[havasu]

I would use a Bissell Carpet cleaner with the upholstery attachment. I just paid $149 for mine, and plan on doing all the cars and throw rugs at the house. You can also rent them at Home Depot, but IMHO you need to spray a solution, then rinse it out with a vacuum.

 

[jacobc]

Thank you for the suggestion. Apologies for my ignorance, but what does the Bissell carpet cleaner do and how is it different from a regular vacuum? And what solution would you spray? Clearly the one I tried only made it worse. Thanks a lot again.

 

[havasu]

A Bissell looks like a vacuum, but you add hot water and their own cleaner into the first canister. It will spray the hot solution and at the same time, suck up the solution into a second canister.

 

[PJB12]

Anything you try might discolor or fade the fabric, so take my suggestions with consideration:

Dollar Stores sell something called "L.A.'s Totally Awesome". It works great on oily stains, but not so great on black automotive grease stains. I have often used it on sunscreen stains on shirts. (I'm a slob and get that stuff everywhere.) It's really good at getting shirt collar rings out, too.

Oxygen Bleach might help. It doesn't tend to discolor things. (Try to avoid the ones with fragrances. I had some and the fragrance was apparently oil based. It left a stain.) It won't remove the oil itself, but will do well on the remaining stain.

A hand held steamer might work. Steam the area and blot with paper towels. Even better is the brown kraft paper that mail order things come packed in.

After doing what TimGardner mentioned about the baking soda, if discoloration remains Hydrogen Peroxide should finish the job- but it very well could lighten the fabric. (Depends on what dye was used) I use it on my grey canvass work jackets and coats for oil. So far no lightening, but one never knows what dyes are on your bench.

Worst Case-
Automotive Brake Cleaner works miracles on greasy and oily stains. Spray and blot with paper. But, you will have to do this outdoors. The VOC content is very high with brake cleaners. I've not found it to "bleach" out dark fabrics.
MAF Sensor Cleaner also works well, but only on natural fabrics. It melts polyester.

Best Of Luck!
Paul