Permanent Marker Rescue: Expert Upholstery Cleaning in Fadden ACT Saves Ashley’s Luxury Lounge
Ashley’s Stain Nightmare: How Exceed’s Upholstery Cleaning Worked Magic
See our AMAZING RESULTS below!

Meet Nicholas Martinuzzi, owner of Exceed Carpet Cleaning, a family-owned Fadden business that’s been “exceeding expectations” since 2016. When Ashley called about her toddler’s permanent marker masterpiece on an expensive lounge, Nicholas knew this wasn’t just another stain—it was a chance to prove why Exceed’s eco-friendly, advanced upholstery cleaning is Fadden ACT’s go-to solution for impossible messes. If you’re battling stubborn stains, let Ashley’s story show you why trusted local expertise matters.
Here’s Ashley’s Story
Ashley’s cream-colored lounge became an accidental art project one chaotic afternoon. “My toddler grabbed a permanent marker while I was on a work call,” she recalls. “By the time I noticed, it looked like a graffiti artist had attacked the cushions.” Panicked, she tried every DIY hack—vinegar, baking soda, even hairspray. But the stains only spread, turning faint lines into angry smudges. Her husband, a former carpet cleaner at a competitor (cough Stain Busters cough), delivered the final blow: “Permanent ink doesn’t come out. We’d tell customers to replace the fabric.”
But Ashley refused to surrender her prized lounge. “I spent nights Googling ‘emergency upholstery cleaning Fadden ACT’ while my toddler slept,” she admits. That’s when she found Exceed.
The Stain That Defied DIY (and Even Industry Pros)
When Nicholas arrived, the stakes were high. The ink had bonded deeply with the fabric fibers, and Ashley’s scrubbing had pushed it further into the weave. Her husband hovered nearby, arms crossed. “I’ve seen hundreds of stains,” he said. “This one’s a lost cause.”
But Exceed doesn’t rely on generic methods. As Fadden ACT’s #1 eco-friendly cleaning team, they use industrial-grade tools and certified IICRC techniques (the gold standard in cleaning). “Permanent ink clings like a bad relationship,” Nicholas explains. “Most cleaners attack it with harsh chemicals, but that risks damaging delicate fabrics. Our approach? Science over force.”
Exceed Carpet Cleaning’s Secret: Precision + Eco-Friendly Power
Step 1: The Colorfastness Test
Nicholas started by testing a hidden seam to ensure the solvent wouldn’t fade the fabric. “You’d be shocked how many cleaners skip this,” he says.
Step 2: Custom Solvent Blend
Using a plant-based solution developed for delicate upholstery, he gently broke down the ink’s chemical bonds. “Our solvents work at the molecular level—no scrubbing needed.”
Step 3: Low-Moisture Steam Extraction
A specialized tool lifted the dissolved ink without saturating the fabric. “Wet upholstery breeds mold,” Nicholas notes. “We keep it dry, safe, and kid-friendly.”
Two hours later, the lounge looked brand new—no ink, no residue, no soggy patches. Even Ashley’s husband stood speechless. “I’ve never seen a turnaround like this,” he admitted.
Can Permanent Markers Really Be Removed from Upholstery?
✅ Yes—if you act fast and use the right tools. Here’s why most DIY attempts backfire:
- Household Cleaners Spread Stains: Rubbing alcohol or bleach pushes ink deeper.
- Wrong pH Balance: Permanent ink requires alkaline solvents; vinegar (acidic) makes it worse.
- No Rinse Cycle: Leftover residue attracts dirt, making stains reappear.
“9/10 permanent marker stains we see are worsened by DIY efforts,” says Nicholas. “But with professional upholstery cleaning in Fadden ACT, 95% are fully reversible.”
The Stunning Results – A Complete Turnaround
By the time we were finished, Romeo’s carpet looked—and felt—like a completely different one. The color was brighter, the texture softer, and it smelled fresh and clean. You could tell it hadn’t looked like that in years. It was like giving the entire room a facelift without changing a single piece of furniture.
Romeo was speechless. You could see the relief and happiness in his face. And best of all? That plan to replace the carpet? Completely forgotten. He now had a carpet he could be proud of—and one that would last him for many more years.
From Disaster to “Better Than Before”
For Ashley, the results were emotional. “I thought we’d have to trash a $4,000 lounge over one toddler moment,” she says. “Exceed didn’t just clean it—they saved us thousands.” The lounge felt fresher, with no chemical smells—just the faint scent of eucalyptus from Exceed’s eco-friendly solvents.

And What Does Ashley Think?
“Exceed actually exceeded expectations,” Ashley laughs. “My husband—Mr. Stain Busters Expert—now tells everyone, ‘Call Exceed, not us!’ Every time I see my lounge, I’m reminded that true professionals make the impossible look easy.”
Ready to Save Your Furniture? Act FAST!
Don’t let stains bully you into replacing your favorite couch, rug, or chair. At Exceed Carpet Cleaning, we treat every challenge like it’s our own—because your home deserves the best.
Call us at +61 499 194 824 or Book Online Now: https://exceedcarpetcleaning.com.au/contact-us/ to erase stains FAST!
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