Monday, June 20, 2011

What's under your cushions?

A lot of time, effort and resources go into creating and purchasing an upholstered piece of furniture. Under all of my cushions I keep a small, white terry towel laid flat so that in the event of an accidental spill I can grab one quickly. Spills never occur when we expect or when we have something appropriate to wipe up a textile. I've seen stains on furniture that were not the result of the initial spill, but rather what was grabbed first and use to blot up the liquid.

I use these Ikea towels and at $.49 they are the perfect size (16" x 24") and the perfect price for "rags."
What simple tip do you have to share? 

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is such a great tip, especially for those with kids. Thanks for sharing. I can't stand when people have crooked pictures on the wall. I always put a piece of masking tap to the back of any wall art & voila... no shifting! xo

quintessence said...

Terrific. That truly never would have occurred to me. So clearly speed is a key ingredient to stain removal? Good to know!!

Natalie {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers} said...

Great tip! I hope you had a great time in Charleston! I tried to respond to your comment with restaurant suggestions but it didn't have an email address, then my in-laws came in town and I kept forgeting to go to your blog and write you! So my apologies, hopefully you had a great trip and ate some fabulous food. Would love to hear where you went! xoxo

Unknown said...

Now that is SO clever!

The enchanted home said...

Very smart! I like this idea and love practical and creative household tips like this one. Enjoy your day.

The Buzz Blog said...

Had never thought of doing that and will definitely invest in some of these now that I have a new couch and chair!
xxoo

Allie said...

What an excellent idea! Were you a Girl Scout, you know the famous phrase "always be prepared" and all that jazz? I will certainly take your advice on this great tip. Have a wonderful week.

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

Wow, I used to do this years ago and stopped because a toddler discovered my secret. Then I just forgot all about it. Its a great idea but now I have another toddler,hehehehe.

lisaroy said...

Simple but smart tip! I once witnessed a disaster when a blue/white striped tea towel was used to blot up a spill on a carpet and the whole area turned blue!

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Oh, this is sooooooo good!!!

Unknown said...

What a great idea daaahling!
*kisses* HH

Town and Country House said...

Oh, this is brilliant, and I definitely will be implementing this right away now that the little darlings are home for summer. My best tip at the moment is to put an old jelly roll pan under melons or other juicy fruit before you begin slicing; this keeps the juice contained and makes cleaning up much easier.

Unknown said...

What a great idea!

Unknown said...

What a great idea.
:-)
Here's a tip in return ... Gonzo is the most fantastic stain remover I have ever found.

Especially on red wine!

Marianne said...

Such a great idea! I may have to try it out.

Heather Hays said...

I only buy slipcovered furniture that can be washed in the washing machine and dried in the dryer! My family is just too messy - great tip!

Karen said...

Brilliant idea. Unrelated to decor, but I always keep extra bottles of wine and the makings for quick appetizers on hand in case of last minute guests.

Lili said...

wow - what a great idea!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

This was the perfect tidbit that proves blogging is stylish and applicable! Love it :) XO, Kelly

Karena said...

Lisa I love your idea!!

Some other really good tips here as well. As an artist I also keep baby wipes on hand for fast cleanup of spills or even paint on my hands.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

I have a New, very fashionable Giveaway on my site! Come and see!!

Bring Pretty Back said...

BRILLIANT! WHY didn't I think of this when my boys were small! It isn't really a big tip... but I love taking bounce dryer sheets and putting them behind the fan and turning it on high- makes the house smell so good!
Have a PRETTY day!
Kristin

Cheryl said...

Amodex http://www.amodexink.com/ is my newly discovered treasure for removing any stain, no matter how long it has been on a piece of clothing~ Amazing!!
Love your tip using the Ikea towels.
I just discovered your blog, and am loving what I am reading!!

Stevie said...

That's really good advice! I'd never have considered this. Do you recommend it to your clients?