Spot Clean Stains: For stains, create a cleaning solution using mild dish soap and water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution, then gently blot the stain—avoid rubbing to prevent spreading.
Sponge the stained area with a dry-cleaning solvent; let it air-dry. Soak the stain in a solution of one cup of liquid laundry detergent and a few drops of ammonia (Caution: Never mix chlorine bleach and ammonia - the resulting fumes are hazardous) for at least 30 minutes. Launder using liquid laundry detergent.
Sofa Stain Reason # 1: Oils & Creams
The liquids and oils that make up these products can weaken the structure of fabrics and leathers which allows for moisture to seep into the fibers and become trapped. This will cause it to be more susceptible to stains that will become more prominent over time.
If the stains are old you can apply another cleaning method – prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon of vinegar and half a liter of water. Apply on the stain, wait for a couple of minutes and rinse it with clean cool water, then leave it to dry.
TOP TIP: Baking soda and white vinegar is an ace cleaning combination for any tough stain. This is because the baking soda reacts with the vinegar to create an acidic formula which gently cuts through grease and grime. TOP TIP: This method is also superb as a natural carpet cleaner.
Dab with Liquid Cleaner: Apply a grease-cutting dish soap, dry-cleaning solvent, a mix of water and ammonia (1:1), or a mixture of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean, white cloth. Blot the stain until it lifts. Repeat as Needed: If the stain remains, repeat the powder and cleaning steps until it's gone.
Fabric Damage
Overuse of bleach can potentially weaken the fabric fibers over time. While polypropylene is exceptionally durable, it's important to balance cleanliness and fabric integrity.
Use Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield on upholstery, throw pillows, table linens, fabric purses, clothing, canvas shoes, backpacks, luggage and other fabric items.
Stains are so much harder to get out when they've been exposed to dryer heat, which is much hotter than many people realize. Fortunately, for many clothing stains that have been through the dryer, when you presoak or pretreat with the right products before rewashing you can get these hard-to-remove stains out.
For fabric upholstery: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts.
Pretreating old and fresh stains can play a massive role in getting stains out of clothes. Laundry pretreatment helps remove stains in the wash the first time around. Using stain removers as pretreaters can also help you remove old set-in stains from clothes.
Key Takeaways. Some of the toughest food stains to remove include coffee, tea, gum, peanut butter, mustard, berry juice, tomato-based sauces, baby food, red wine, chocolate, cooking grease and butter.
Steam cleaning is a very effective way to clean your couch. When you steam clean your couch, you kill a majority of the bacteria and germs which are causing your couch to emit an unpleasant odor. Steam cleaning can also remove pet dander, dust, and allergens, thus making your home a healthier environment.
First things first, you need to neutralise the bleach as it could cause a hole in the fabric if left on it for too long: Rinse the area with cold water to remove any excess bleach. Create a thick paste by mixing together some baking soda and water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Plus, it's safe to use on most fabrics, so you can use it on your couch without worrying about damaging the material. Of course, it's always best to spot-test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your couch before using it on the entire stain.
This time, it's baking soda – and the process couldn't be simpler. Before you go to bed, just sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the sofa. Then, in the morning, once the powder has had time to work its magic, you simply vacuum up the residue.
Don't rub or scrub. This can damage the fibers. Moisten a fresh microfiber cloth with distilled water (no dishwashing liquid or vinegar this time), and blot the affected area to remove any remaining soap. With a dry microfiber cloth, blot the area one more time.
Working section by section, spray an area with rubbing alcohol and then scrub with a white or light-colored sponge (so no color transfers to the couch while you scrub). You'll see the stains lift off onto the sponge. The couch should dry quickly, as alcohol evaporates rapidly.
Darker shades like charcoal or patterned fabrics can hide stains and wear better over time. For a low-maintenance option, consider performance fabrics that resist spills and dirt. Opt for easy-to-clean materials like leather sofas or microfiber, which offer durability without sacrificing style.
For light discoloration, a solution of warm water and mild detergent can be used. For more stubborn yellowing or browning, a professional cleaning product may be needed. In some cases, cleaning may not be possible, and the discoloration may be permanent.