How to Get Crazy Aaron’s Putty Out of a Couch

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is made for stretching, squishing and creative play, but it is much less fun when it ends up pressed into the couch.

The good news is that you can often remove putty from upholstery without making the mark worse. The key is to avoid rubbing, heat and harsh chemicals, and to check your couch’s care instructions before using any cleaning method.

What you will need

• A blunt-edged spoon, butter knife or plastic card
• Ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag
• A clean white cloth
• Cool or lukewarm water
• A small amount of mild dishwashing liquid, only if the fabric is suitable for water-based cleaning

Step 1: Remove the excess putty

Gently lift away as much of the putty as possible using your fingers or a blunt-edged tool. Work from the outside of the mark towards the centre, and avoid scraping hard against the fabric.

Do not rub the putty into the upholstery. Rubbing can spread the mark and push it deeper into the fibres.

Step 2: Chill the remaining putty

Place ice cubes inside a sealed plastic bag and hold the bag over the remaining putty for several minutes. The aim is to firm up the putty so it is easier to lift.

Once it feels firmer, gently scrape or pick away the residue with a plastic card or blunt spoon. Repeat the chilling and lifting process rather than pulling aggressively.

Keep the ice in a sealed bag so water does not soak into the couch.

Step 3: Check the couch care label

Before using any liquid, check the couch manufacturer’s cleaning code or care instructions. If the fabric is marked as suitable for water-based cleaning, you can try the next step on a hidden area first.

For leather, velvet, delicate fabrics, upholstery marked as dry-clean-only or a couch with no clear care instructions, contact a professional upholstery cleaner instead. Different materials can react badly to water or household cleaners.

Step 4: Blot the remaining mark

For a water-safe fabric, mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid with lukewarm water. Dampen a clean white cloth, wring it out well and gently blot the mark.

Work from the outside towards the centre and use a fresh part of the cloth as needed. Do not soak the cushion or scrub the fabric.

Use a second cloth lightly dampened with clean water to blot away any soap residue, then allow the area to air-dry completely.

What not to use on Thinking Putty stains

• Do not use a hair dryer, iron or other heat source.
• Do not use acetone, nail-polish remover, bleach or strong solvents.
• Do not scrub aggressively or spread the putty across the fabric.
• Do not apply a cleaning product without testing it on a hidden area first.

If colour or an oily mark remains after the putty has been lifted, stop and ask a professional upholstery cleaner for advice. This is especially important for valuable, delicate or pale furniture.

How to prevent putty getting into the couch

Create a dedicated Thinking Putty spot at a table or on a washable tray. Keeping the putty away from upholstery, rugs and clothing makes cleanup much easier.

It can also help to store each pot with its lid securely closed and encourage children to wash and dry their hands before moving from putty play to the furniture.

Shop Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty at Bunyip Toys

Once the couch is sorted, choose a fun surface for the next putty session and explore a new theme.

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Honey Hive is a cheerful nature-inspired pick, while Trendsetters Amazing Axolotl is a fun choice for animal fans.

For colourful play, try Trendsetters Rainbow Reveal. If you enjoy surprise-themed products, Hide Inside! Sweet Surprise makes a playful addition to a Thinking Putty collection.

Always follow the product instructions and check the recommended age before use.