A lot of life happens on the family sofa, especially in a home with kids or pets! Drink spills, food stains and pet accidents are common occurrences in a family home. We’ve comprised a list of 3 DIY home-made cleaning solutions which you can try to apply to these common spots before it becomes a permanent stain on your furniture. Stains on upholstered furniture are easiest to remove when they are fresh. The longer they are left unattended, the more difficult they will be to remove.
Vinegar Solution
Use a white vinegar solution for removing both stains and odors from your upholstery. Mix a cup of white vinegar and a cup of cool water into a clean spray bottle. When handling fresh soiling, always remove any excess solid or fluid before spot removal by using a clean white cloth. Instead of wiping, blot the stain to prevent it from spreading.
Spray vinegar solution onto the stain. Do not over saturate the stain. Use another clean white cloth to start blotting the stain from the outer edge towards the center. Spray the stain again with the vinegar solution if stain is not fully removed and continue blotting using the clean cloth. Rinse the stain by blotting it with a clean damp cloth until the vinegar solution is removed.
Carbonated Water
Carbonated water is often used to remove stains on fabric since it is pH neutral and odorless. Carbonated water can be a more effective choice compared to water when used for tackling stubborn stains such as wine or blood. So, instead of using water to clean or rinse stains, pour a small amount of carbonated water onto the stain to blot. Remember to dry the damp spot thoroughly after spotting is completed to prevent water marks from forming.
Baking Soda Paste
Mix ¼ cup of baking soda and 1/8 cup of water together in a bowl and stir them together to form baking soda paste. Baking soda paste is an effective home-made stain solution for stubborn stains such as coffee and wine. After blotting the spillage using a clean damp cloth, apply the paste onto the spot by using a piece of clean cloth and leave it to sit for few hours to overnight to dry then vacuum it off.
We hope these home-made cleaning solutions will help to prolong the life of your upholstered furniture. Please note, it is always recommended to pretest the fabric before cleaning. Apply your solution to a spot that isn’t visible with the same material as the stain, to make sure it doesn’t change the color or cause other damage. Last tip but certainly not least, call in the professionals if you need any help!
