Fixing a Stained White Dresser

Dear Home-Ec 101,
We have a lovely bedroom set of furniture from a big box baby store. In white. One sick child + one classic orange popsicle + one apparently cracked emesis basin + one day = one bright orange stain on the white dresser. I tried a diaper wipe thinking the mess was still wet. It wasn't. Then I hit it with one clorox wipe. Haha. HELP!!!

Signed,
Now I'm sick to my stomach

Heather says:

Lovely.

Before trying my suggestions below, call your furniture manufacturer's customer service line. They may have specific advice for the finish on your piece.

You're probably not going to like my response, but the acidic nature of your child's vomit has likely etched (chemically scratched) the surface of your furniture. Since the surface is already damaged, I'm going to suggest a method that I would NEVER recommend under other circumstances. You can try using either oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach (diluted) on the stained area. There's a very small chance that you may be able to lighten the stain enough that it's no longer as noticeable. Apply either with a rag dampened with the solution and allow it to rest on the stained area for a few moments.

If the stained area is large, refinishing that surface is probably your best bet. I recently attended an event with Angela Statzer where she shared tips for painting wood furniture that you may find helpful.

Best of luck and I hope the kiddo is feeling better.

Submit your questions to helpme@home-ec101.com.

 

 

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