Bodily fluids and excrement are some of the hardest stains to remove. And they definitely happen, especially in homes with pets and children. Vomit, stool, and drool. They all leave serious stains and you'll want to take care of them as quickly as possible.
Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain. Let the baking soda sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb that stain. Vacuum up the baking soda and repeat the process until the stain dissipates. If your couch allows water-based cleaners, take care of the rest of the stain with soap and water.
Synthetic fibers include olefin, acrylic, nylon, polyester and rayon, and are good choices when you need to protect against stains and cuts from your pets. Many synthetic fabrics also hold up well when exposed to sunlight and are easy to clean.
What kind of sofa does not stain? Sofas that are upholstered in synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, and rayon tend to be the most stain resistant. Synthetic fibers repel liquids, while natural fibers soak up spills quickly. Though not synthetic, wool is also great as a stain resistant material.
Use steam. Another great way to clean the couch cushions is by using steam. Steam cleaning is a highly effective way to wipe off all the dirt and stains from the couch cushions. While you do the steam cleaning, make sure to add soap or cleaning products to the steam cleaner to ensure deep cleaning.
Gently mist the couch with the vinegar-water solution. You should be about a foot away so you can gently spritz the couch without oversaturating. The white vinegar smell will be potent, but it will dissipate as the vinegar dries. In fact, it's the vinegar's drying process that actually lifts and removes odor particles.
Unfortunately for everyone, some stains are permanent. They simply become part of the fabric. Continued attempts to remove them will cause dye loss or fabric damage, known as chafing or fraying. Many stains are removed by the dry cleaning machine and require no additional effort from the cleaner.
Certain types of fibers, such as wool, cotton, silk, and some nylons are particularly susceptible to permanent staining from coffee, tea, wine, etc. Be aware of hot liquids, especially. Of course, bleach and household chemicals (see below) can cause permanent staining as well.
Heat can set stains permanently. Once you toss the item into the dryer, the stain is set for good.
Gray is a very elegant color that can be used in the bedroom and in the living room. Because it is a neutral color, gray bed sheets and couches work with almost all kinds of color combinations you may have in both the living room and bedroom. Dust particles blend very well with this color and so do stains.
Vacuum. Use the vacuum upholstery brush attachment to remove debris and dirt from the surface. Be sure to clean the corners and corners of sofa cushions where pet hair, food debris, and other dirt accumulations.
If stains and spills are frequent in your home, more moisture-resistant fabrics are best because it takes longer for stains to absorb deep into the fibers. That makes cleaning messes quickly a lot easier! Polyester, leather, nylon, and acrylic are a few fabrics that are both durable and easy to clean.
For fabric upholstery, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1/2 tablespoon of natural liquid soap and 3/4 cup warm water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and give it a good shake. Mist the stained area lightly and scrub it gently with a soft cloth.
If you prefer avoiding pilling altogether, go for all natural materials, such as pure wool, or textiles made from long fibers, such as silk or linen upholstery fabrics. Tightly woven microsuedes and denims rarely seem to pill.
Darker colors and fabrics with patterns are easiest to clean.
Cotton. Cotton is a plant-based cellulose type fibre used as clothing and furniture material. Cotton upholstery is resistant to wear, fading, and pilling. However, the material doesn't provide very good resistance to soil, wrinkling, or flames.
Stain-resistant microfiber upholstery fabric is a fantastic option for people who want to keep their furniture looking new and clean. However, it may not be the best solution if you have pets or children in your home.
Going synthetic is a great choice if you really need stain resistance! Polyester and other synthetics fabrics are essentially made up of small fibers of plastic.
A sturdy frame means a long-lasting sofa. Soft wood, such as pine, is low-cost, but it may warp or wobble after five years. Pricier hardwood (kiln-dried oak, ash, or beech, for example) is more durable. Avoid frames made of particleboard, plastic, or metal; they may warp and crack.