Accidents happen, especially with furniture. Whether it's a glass of wine at a dinner party, ink from a spontaneous creative moment, or an unfortunate coffee spill during your morning routine, stains are a part of life. But here’s the good news: tackling stains doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.
In this guide, we’ll share tried-and-true techniques for removing common stains from your upholstered furniture without damaging the fabric. From quick clean-ups to specific stain solutions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
The Basics: Your Go-To Cleaning Materials
Before jumping into specific stains, it’s good to keep these essentials on hand for most cleaning jobs:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloths
Here’s a simple all-purpose method for most spills:
- Act quickly. Blot the spill immediately with a dry, clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Mix a cleaning solution. Combine one tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of warm water.
- Blot carefully. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution (don’t soak it), and blot the stain, starting from the edges and working inward.
- Dry the area. Use a clean, dry cloth to blot until the fabric is dry.
Pro Tip: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your furniture before using it on the stain to avoid potential damage.
Tackling Stubborn Stains
If the above method doesn’t fully remove a stain, don’t worry! Stubborn stains like grease, wine, or ink often need specific treatments.
For Grease and Oil
- Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch generously over the stain to absorb the grease.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Vacuum the area thoroughly.
- For extra cleaning power, use the dish soap solution described earlier to finish the job.
For Wine Stains
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove excess liquid.
- Mix a solution of three parts hydrogen peroxide and one part dish soap.
- Apply the mixture to the stain and gently blot.
- Rinse with water and blot dry.
For Ink Stains
- Dab rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball (avoid over-saturating).
- Gently dab the ink stain with the cotton ball, taking care not to spread the stain.
For Coffee and Tea
- Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of water.
- Blot the stain with the solution using a clean cloth.
Key Tips for Success
- Act quickly: The sooner you address a stain, the better your chances of removing it.
- Blot, don’t rub: Rubbing can spread the stain or push it deeper into the fabric.
- Test first: Always pre-test cleaning solutions on a hidden area of the furniture.
Stains may be inevitable, but with these techniques, they don’t have to be permanent. Armed with the right tools and methods, you can keep your upholstered furniture looking its best.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog for additional tips on furniture care, watch our video tutorials, or visit us in-store to chat with one of our home solutions specialists.