Fabric or leather sofas and beds require regular cleaning to stay looking their best. Dirt, stains and other grime can accumulate over time without proper care, so using the correct cleaning supplies is key for getting rid of them before they cause any harm to your sofa or bed.
Baking Soda as a Safe Stain Remover
Upholstery sofas can benefit from baking soda as an affordable and effective option to commercial products for tough stains. Simply mix one cup of baking soda with some scented oil and shake it up to create a spray-on cleaner that masks odors. Apply it directly onto the sofa surface to get rid of spots, then let sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming.
Rubbing Alcohol as a Fast Fix
When a stain is particularly stubborn, you can try applying some rubbing alcohol. Be sure the solution is safe for your sofa and does not cause water spots or color loss; check the tag attached to your couch to see what its cleaning code is, then spot test with some rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area before using it to clean the entire couch.
Vinegar is a commonly used stain remover, often dilute with water to form a strong solution. You could also try mixing vinegar and dish soap together – this will cut through grease without harming fabric. Just be careful not to soak or rub too hard as this could spread the stain.
Making Your Own Stain Remover
With some common ingredients like vinegar or mild detergent, you can create your own stain-removing solution at home. Even better, mix up the solution yourself and store in an airtight bottle for later use.
Homemade solutions are ideal for small stains that are hard to lift with commercial solutions. Not only is this cheaper and kinder to the environment than buying a professional cleaning product, but it can also work better on dirtier surfaces.
Add Bleach to Your Cleaning Toolbox
Are your fabric sofas in need of an extra-powerful stain-removing ingredient? Try bleach! It’s the ideal addition to any cleaning arsenal and it can easily tackle even stubborn stains.
Blot a Liquid Spill With a Rag
If something spills on your sofa, the first step should be to blot it dry as soon as possible. Doing this allows the liquid to dry quickly and prevents it from seeping into the fibers, which could cause more serious issues in the future.
No matter the spill type, whether liquid or solid, the sooner you remove it from your environment, the faster it can be cleaned up. Avoid throwing anything that needs cleaning into the washer as this could result in staining or damage to furniture or carpeting.
Rinse the area with cool water to remove any remaining soap residue, then blot it dry using dry paper towels in order to lift any stains.
