Name: Sarah
Message: I have a question I was hoping you could help me with. I want to dye my couch...yes i know, everyone thinks I'm nuts but here the thing. My couch was given to me and I love it, I love the fabric and the pattern it has. The only problem is it's white. With a small child it doens't work well. I think it would also be much more decorative if it were navy blue. I bought dye from the grocery store, I believe it it called Rit and I did a small area to see how it would look. It's beautiful but I don't want the dye to come off onto anyone who sits on it or spills something. What do you suggest?

Do not use all-purpose dye to dye upholstered furniture! Without thorough rinsing (which is impractical on upholstered furniture), dye will rub off onto the clothing of the people who sit on it.

In the FAQ section of my web site, see "Can Furniture Be Dyed Successfully?". Also see Scarlet Zebra's detailed set of information on painting upholstered furniture.

The best solution would probably be to have washable slipcovers made for your couch.