Stain on sofa I'm really cross

[Lotsnlotsoflove]

I have recently (in the last 6 months) moved into a new house and renovated it. I've been really pleased with the design and finish and I really enjoy being in this space I have carefully curated. Being in a nice space is important to me and this is my home. Recently, my MiL has come to live with us due to some difficult circumstances, including the death of my FiL. In general, she is helpful and no problem to have around. Anyway, the crux of this post is that today she managed to get a huge ink stain on my beautiful velvet sofa and it is not removable or a fixable stain. I am really upset, it has ruined the item of furniture, and we cannot afford to replace it. MiL is in tears, and DH is cross with me, saying I just need to suck it up, as it was an accident. MiL is not in a position to replace it either. I have told him I am going to buy another sofa on my credit card, and we won't have a holiday next year. Now we aren't speaking. AIBU?

If you're that sensitive about sofas you need one that has removable washable covers.

Is it covered on your insurance, it was an accident, whereabouts is the stain, can it be covered up, post a pic, seems a bit dramatic to buy a new one and not speaking to each other,

I'd be very upset too. Is there any chance you can claim it on your contents insurance? Also professional cleaners may be able to help. We had a hideous oil baaed paint stain on our carpet and a professional carpet cleaner got it out. It might be worth asking.

It’s a shame, but it was accident and although I can understand you being upset about how it looks, no one is hurt and it does still function as a sofa. It’s spoilt but not ‘ruined’.

Is there no way of covering the stain with a throw or suchlike?

Home insurance will cover this.

Surely mil covers the cost of a new sofa? Who uses ink anywhere but a bloody table?

Other than crying, what has your MIL said? Is she apologetic, offered to get it professionally cleaned etc?

Have you looked for an upholstery expert who's likely to have experience in stain removal?

Until you replace the sofa can you put on a cover?

Jesus. accidents happen. Contents insurance?

If you’ve tried to clean it, a professional cleaner will probably not be able to get the stain out. We got ink on a carpet and I thought it was just dirt until I’d tried to clean it. Carpet cleaner said not a chance. Once I’ve saved up I’m changing the carpet. And DH will never put the printer on its side on the floor instead of covering it up and storing it flat ever again.

Contact the supplier and explain. There may be some option to recover the stained section.

Would it be cheaper to have the sofa recovered? Or is part of a pair/suite?

It was an accident. I would be so cross but there is literally nothing you can do but move on from this.

How did she do it??

Carelessness isn't an accident.. Would mil have risked her own sofa?

Don’t be silly and wasteful. You don’t need a new sofa. Just put a throw over it and move on.

Yes she offered to clean it. But it is not cleanable according to three upholstery cleaning services I’ve described the stain and sent images to.

Yabu to have velvet sofas

Firstly, sympathies.
secondly, its not a catastrophe

Beyond crying has she offered the cost of replacing the cover? If not, lets start there.

I'd contact the manufacturer get a quote for a replacement cushion and tell her how much it is.

Havent rtft but unless you've lived through it i dont think anyone should be giving out to you too much as its hard on everyone.
I have lived through a bereaved MIL... its very difficult because to quote my own dh "she always has the trump card... a dead husband" so her needs amd wants always come first...

Can't you replace just a piece of it or use a sofa cover?

Getting a sofa which has to become completely replaced at each stain sounds like a sure way to be upset.

Well if professional cleaners say they can't get the stain out, then i would be taking the cushion cover off, if it comes off and trying a soak in milk followed by a gentle wash. If it doesnt come off, try gently blotting it with a cloth thats got milk on it, followed by a warm rinse with clean water. Milk strange as it seems, is great for getting rid of biro and ink marks.
Youve got nothing to lose, if you,plan on replacing it anyway. If it doesnt work, cover it with a throw until you get a new one.

What a lot of drama over a sofa. If it really can't be cleaned, then just buy a throw.

In the bigger scheme of things, an ink stain on a sofa really isn't a big deal.

Where did you get the sofa from? If it's a cotton velvet you are screwed but if it's a polyester velvet it should be cleanable. (I'm in the upholstery trade)

YANBU. MIL needs to sort it as she was the one who did it, to be honest l wouldn't be giving it much headspace. Her crying isn't going to solve anything, apart from manipulating you and your husband. Which is her aim most likely.

She sounds like a child between the carelessness with a pen and the self pitying tears

Whats wrong with velvet sofas?

Have you tried to get it cleaned