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Sittin’ Pretty

One of the many perks of my wacky job as a rep for an industrial uniform company is that I get to see into the back rooms of every type of business imaginable. (What, you didn’t know that’s what I do?) So imagine my surprise a few weeks back when I walked into the shop of a diesel mechanic and saw this little beauty. I know. Skin deep, right? You may remember that I (of course) liked it and asked him where he’d found it. He told me it came with the building, and asked me if I’d get it out of his sight. Sheesh.

I brought it home that afternoon for the wife’s approval, which was quickly granted. A few days ago, the petite blue seat had a date with destiny. And Purple Power.

Seriously, folks, this stuff is amazing. I mean, it says so right on the label: More POWER Less Money! And let’s be honest here, those are words that we strive to live by here around the YBH.

While we were eager to get started, it’s worth mentioning that a couple of precautions should be taken before you begin spraying purple mist all over your dirty belongings. Although Purple Power is certified biodegradable (which is great), it can also burn the hair right out of your nose. We made sure to don a pair of latex gloves and cracked a window before we went spray crazy. And it wasn’t long before things started looking like this:

A few mists of the good stuff and decades of diesel funk were literally running down the back of the chair. We were amazed with how little elbow grease this project actually took. One swipe with a wet towel and we were already halfway done. Jack was in the background playing supervisor as usual.

A handful of Q-Tips came in really handy for getting into those tight seams and bends where a towel alone couldn’t reach. Gross.

After about 15 minutes carefully wiping all the nasty bits, we gave the whole chair a quick wipe with a clean, wet towel to get rid of any residue. We also gave the legs one last swipe, then used another clean terry towel to shine them up with mineral oil.

Seriously, how nice are those legs? The entire chair is actually in great structural shape to boot. We’ll eventually need to clamp and glue one of the support rails, but that can wait until we’ve had a chance to enjoy it a bit in all it’s squeaky glory.

All said and done, this chair cost us exactly $0, since we already had the cleaning supplies around. Not a bad bonus for a long day at the office, eh? We’re temporarily using it as our office chair but have potential plans for involving it in our new living room layout, right along side that snazzy new coffee table we picked up.

So does anyone else out there have an awesome score to show off? We’re eager to see how your elbow grease and free (or cheapo) finds has paid off around your own home.


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  • Michael - Innkeeper1.24.11 - 7:10 AM

    seriously. that’s amazing.

    and that chair. beyond beautiful. thank goodness you cleaned that baby up and gave it a new life.

    and your header picture … it made my day. sweet kitty paws. they look so soft!ReplyCancel

  • Jane @ The Borrowed Abode1.24.11 - 8:30 AM

    And now I’m even more in love with your new chair! Nice find.ReplyCancel

  • katie1.24.11 - 8:49 AM

    wow, it looks brand new! i really like the color of the chair, what a great find!ReplyCancel

  • Katie1.24.11 - 9:28 AM

    I am seriously jealous of this find! It looks great now that it’s all cleaned up.ReplyCancel

  • RocketGirl1.24.11 - 10:13 AM

    Gorgeous! And thanks for the recommendation.ReplyCancel

  • Andrea B1.24.11 - 10:18 AM

    Oohhhhhhhh!!!!!

    That’s just awesome. Great job!ReplyCancel

  • jodi1.24.11 - 10:55 AM

    it looks fantastic!!ReplyCancel

  • Cait @ Hernando House1.24.11 - 10:55 AM

    Love it! That chair was way too cute to be sitting unloved in the back of a shop! So glad you rescued it! Also, as someone who frequently hangs out in automotive shops (long story) and lived with two mechanics, I understand the task of removing all that gunk.ReplyCancel

  • Sara @ House Bella1.24.11 - 12:39 PM

    Wow, this sits pretty high on the “amazing” scale. I love it! Ok, so all that gunk running down the chair is pretty gross, but the color is amazing, those legs are so fancy pants, and what a great find!ReplyCancel

  • kirsten nieman1.24.11 - 1:13 PM

    GORGEOUS! That color ceertainly pops!ReplyCancel

  • Your little chair is so cute! It cleaned up nicely. Can’t wait to see it in it’s new home.ReplyCancel

  • dion1.24.11 - 6:13 PM

    hi I’m a new reader and have been following your blog for a month. the chair you scored is way too cool!ReplyCancel

  • Hey, I have that chair’s cousin! Mine was $10 at an estate sale :).ReplyCancel

  • Daniel1.30.11 - 10:30 PM

    So this is the chair. looks good now that it’s nice and clean. =)ReplyCancel

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We’re Kim + Scott, Chicago based content creators behind the Home + Lifestyle brand Yellow Brick Home.

Join us as we renovate and nurture vintage homes across Chicago + SW Michigan!

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