How to Remove Stains from Upholstered Furniture
Even if you’re careful, accidents happen. A spilled glass of wine here, a dropped glob of spaghetti sauce there—before you know it, your once-pristine furniture is stained and ruined. But take heart! There are ways to remove even the most stubborn stains from upholstered furniture and sofa cushions. Here are four tips to get your furniture looking like new again.
Tip #1: Don’t rub!
When a spill happens, the first instinct is to reach for a towel and start rubbing at the stain. But that’s actually the worst thing you can do. Rubbing will just spread the stain around and make it harder to remove later on. Instead, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Then, proceed to the next step.
Tip #2: Pretreat with vinegar or soap
Once you’ve blotted up the spill, it’s time to pretreat the stain. This will help break down the molecules in the stain so that it can be easily removed later. To pretreat, mix equal parts white vinegar and water (or dish soap and water) in a spray bottle and spritz generously over the stain. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot dry.
Tip #3: Scrub with a gentle cleanser
After you’ve pretreated the stain, it’s time for some elbow grease. Using a soft-bristled brush (a toothbrush works well), scrub the stain gently in a circular motion until it begins to fade. Be sure to use gentle pressure; you don’t want to damage the fabric of your furniture. When the stain has faded significantly, move on to the next step.
Tip #4: Rinse with cold water and repeat as necessary
Rinse the area with cold water (hot water can set stains) to remove any residual soap or cleanser. Blot dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then assess how much of the stain remains. If necessary, repeat steps 2-4 until the stain is completely gone. Once satisfied, allow the area to air dry completely before using furniture again.
None of this working? If the stain won’t go away or keeps coming back, its likely the spill reached all the way into the underlying cushion. In this case, the good news is The Foam Factory offers super-affordable replacement cushions that can be cut to spec.