Your upholstery fabric is a major investment, however, even with the best care, stains can often happen. After all, you don’t want to miss the leisure of drinking red wine on your couch that may spill accidentally when your cat jumps into your lap to give you company.
Whether it’s a spill from a drink, a mark from a pet, or a food stain, old stains can be difficult to remove. Although the basic steps are the same: vacuuming, steaming, and applying the cleaning solution, many things may vary depending on the fabric type, stains’ age, and given instructions.
Therefore, to make things easier, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to remove old stains from upholstery fabric. I’ll also provide essential tips, tricks, and precautions to do everything right. Be with me on this interesting journey; you’re going to enjoy it.
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]To remove the old stains from upholstery fabric
- Vacuum the upholstery to remove loose particles and dust.
- Check the cleaning instructions or codes provided by the manufacturer to decide on a suitable cleaning procedure.
- Pre-treat the stain with steam to loosen it.
- Employ a suitable cleaning mixture, such as a blend of mild dish soap and cool water, and gently blot the stain.
- Don’t forget to rinse and press dry the cleaned area.[/su_note]
Tips, Tricks, & Precautions for Removing Old Stains
Before beginning the actual process of removing the old stains from the upholstery, I consider it my responsibility to teach you different tips, tricks, and precautions as the following.
- Always Act Quickly – Don’t let the stain sit and dry. The longer a stain remains, the more it can penetrate into the fabric fibers, making it more difficult to remove.
- Avoid Applying Products Directly – Never apply cleaning products to the upholstery stain. Many products contain bleach or strong chemicals that alter the color or permanently damage the fabric. Instead, use a thin cotton cloth for padding.
- Don’t Mix Products – I don’t recommend mixing different cleaning products to achieve better results, as it can have unpredictable reactions and may cause damage to the upholstery. Bind to one cleaning product or method at once.
- Use a Cotton Cloth for Wiping – After cleaning the stain, use a clean cotton cloth to wipe the area gently. Do not use a hair dryer or heat source to accelerate the drying procedure. Allow the upholstery to air dry naturally.
How to Remove Old Stains From Upholstery Fabric?
Even before writing, I had my fair share of experiences dealing with old stains on upholstery fabric when my dad bought their first couch. I was the one who used to throw coffee on the upholstery.
In the following guide, I’ll share my personally experienced tips and tricks for cleaning and removing stains from the upholstery fabric. Follow these steps to remove old stains.
Vacuum the Upholstery to Clean the Surface.
I always start removing old stains by vacuuming the upholstery. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly vacuum the fabric, as I do, to remove loose particles, dust, and crumbs from the surface.
Always Ensure to Check the Cleaning Instructions.
Check the upholstery’s cleaning instructions or codes provided by the manufacturer. These instructions guide you on the best cleaning methods and solutions suitable for the fabric.
The following is an overview of the cleaning instructions or codes.
- W – Indicates water-based cleansers and fabric steamers are safe for manmade fabrics like nylon, polyester, acetate, herculean, and olefin.
- S – It means the solvent-based cleaner is safe for linen, cotton, wool, rayon, denim, silk, damask, and velour.
- WASH – It means that the fabric is removable from the stained sofa or cushion, allowing you to safely wash it in a washing machine.
- S/W – Use water-based cleaner for water-based stains and solvent-based cleaner for oil-based stains.
- X – Only a vacuum cleaner should be used on the material. Avoid using any water-based or solvent-based cleansers, as they may damage the fabric.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: If the upholstery lacks a cleaning code, I always perform a spot test on a hidden upholstery area applying the cleaning solution to the stain. For your information, I do this to ensure that the cleaning solution doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage to the fabric.[/su_note]
Pre-Treat With Steam To Help Loosen the Stain.
If the upholstery can handle water, pre-treat the stain by using steam. I typically use an iron with a steam function or a handheld garment steamer, and you can also do the same.
I suggest you hold the steam source a few inches away from the stain and let the steam penetrate the fabric. Doing this will help loosen the stain and make it more responsive to cleaning.
Apply Cleaning Solution for Water-Safe Upholstery.
Once you have loosened up the stains using steam, it’s time to apply the appropriate cleaning solution to the surface. All you have to do is to follow these steps as I do if I need to remove the stains from upholsteries that can tackle water-based cleaning.
- Mix a reasonable amount of mild dish soap with cool water in a container or bowl.
- Submerge a sponge or clean cloth into the soap mixture, ensuring it is properly dampened but not soaking wet.
- Gently blot the stain on the upholstery using a damp cloth or sponge. Start from the stain’s outer edges and work toward the center.
- Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water to get rid of any soap residue.
- Use the rinsed cloth or a new clean cloth to blot the stained area again, this time with clean water, to remove any remaining soap residue from the fabric.
- After removing the soap residue, gently press dry the cleaned area using a cloth or paper towel. Apply light pressure to absorb excess moisture from the upholstery.
Suppose your furniture is not suitable for water-based cleaning. In such a case, you can take an alternative approach by using vinegar or vodka to tackle the stains.
- Select either vinegar or vodka as your cleaning agent. Both are effective in breaking down stains and odors.
- Get a clean cloth and dampen it with vodka or vinegar. Ensure the cloth is not soaked but adequately damp to treat the stains.
- Gently blot the stained areas using a damp cloth. Start from the stain’s outer edges and work toward the center. Continue blotting until you see the stain gradually lifting from the upholstery.
- Let the treated area dry naturally. As the vinegar or vodka evaporates, the smell associated with them will fade away.
Stains Persist? Opt for Stronger Cleaning (Only As a Last Resort)
Let me tell you my approach; if the stain persists even after applying the cleaning solution, I mostly move on to stronger cleaning solutions. Following the instructions, I always choose a cleaner suitable for my upholstery fabric.
My suggestion is to implement the cleaner to the stain and utilize a sponge or clean cloth to work it into the fabric. Blot gently and avoid excessive scrubbing. Rinse the cloth and use clean water to remove any residue. Press dry the area.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: Test the stain remover in an unnoticeable spot first. Apply a small amount of the remover to the unnoticeable area and let it sit for a few minutes. You can use the remover on the stain if the fabric doesn’t change color or texture. [/su_note]
Rinse and Repeat If the Stains Are Still Visible.
If the stain is still apparent, you should redo the cleaning process. Sometimes, persistent stains require multiple attempts to completely remove them. Be patient and thorough in your cleaning efforts, following the same steps as before.
Once You Have Cleaned, Allow for Proper Drying.
Suppose you have cleaned the upholstery. Next, allow the upholstery to air dry completely in such a case. Do not utilize heat sources such as hair dryers, as they may harm the fabric.
How to Remove Different Types of Stains?
You may not know, but removing old stains varies depending on the specific stain type. The following are the various kinds of stains and suggested methods to remove them.
Grease stains
Sprinkle the stain with baking soda and allow it to be there for 20-30 minutes. Then, vacuum up the baking soda and blot the stain with a damp cloth.
Ink stains
Put a reasonable quantity of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and blot the stain. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can broaden it.
Blood stains
Blend 1 tablespoon of dish soap along with 2 cups of cold water. Put the mixture on the stain and blot with a tidy cloth. Bathe the spot with clean water and let it dry.
Red wine stains
Use a clean cloth to blot and absorb as much of the wine stain as you can. Next, prepare a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of cold water.
Apply the vinegar mixture to the stain and gently blot it using a clean cloth. Then, rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining residue. Allow the upholstery to air dry completely.
Jam or marmalade
Create a mixture of soap and vinegar. Employ it to the affected spot, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then wash the upholstery with a cloth soaked in warm water. In the end, let the furniture air dry thoroughly.
Tea/Cocoa
Prepare a solution using water, vinegar, and washing-up liquid. Employ the mixture to the stain and allow it to dry. You will notice that the stain completely disappears, leaving no trace behind.
Chocolate Stains
Create a solution by mixing soap and warm water. Start by rinsing the stained area with the solution, ensuring it is properly soaked. After rinsing, allow the stain to air dry naturally.
How to Clean Different Types of Upholsteries?
I may haven’t told you earlier in this guide, but different types of upholsteries require specific cleaning methods. To better grab the idea, the following are the different types of upholsteries along with the cleaning procedures.
“W” Couch
I always recommend preparing a homemade cleaning solution by combining a teaspoon of dish detergent with one cup of warm water. Dab the cleaning solution onto stains on the “W” furniture, taking care not to oversaturate or over-scrub.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Use a damp rag to blot the area with water, then blot dry to remove any residue.[/su_note]
“S” Couch
For your information, “S” furniture requires solvent-based dry cleaning solutions that contain ingredients like pine oil, d-limonene, and glycol ethers. I always spot clean soiled areas by blotting them with a white cloth moistened with the solvent-based solution.
If you’re following my tips and have blotted the area, allow the upholstery to dry, and then brush or vacuum it to restore the original texture. For large areas or if unsure, hiring a professional cleaner is advisable.
“S/W” Couch
Let me tell you, couches made with a combination of natural and man-made fibers often have the “S/W” label. Therefore, use water to clean water-based stains and a solvent-based solution for oil-based stains like fry grease or skin oils.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Follow the respective cleaning methods mentioned above for each type of stain.[/su_note]
All Couches
Suppose there is no tag on the couch. In such a case, I always test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area before proceeding with extensive cleaning since there are a variety of upholstery materials.
Therefore, always check each couch surface for compatibility with the cleaning solution to avoid any damage or discoloration.
FAQs
How to Get Gum Out of Upholstery Fabric?
To get the gum out of upholstery fabric
- Place a package of ice on the gum stain to harden it.
- Utilize a blunt item like a spoon or dull knife to carefully sweep off the hardened gum from the upholstery.
- Dampen a neat cloth with a small amount of methyl alcohol.
- Gently dab the cloth onto the area where the gum was, removing any leftover residue.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: Be cautious not to rub aggressively to avoid broadening the stain or harming the fabric.[/su_note]
How to Clean Upholstery With a Steam Cleaner?
To effectively clean upholstery with a steam cleaner
- Select a steam cleaner designed for upholstery or fabric cleaning, avoiding large carpet steam cleaners.
- Add water to the steam cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid overfilling and use cleaning solutions sparingly.
- Choose the attachment suitable for the upholstery surface and cleaning requirements.
- Spray steam on the cushions and quickly move the attachment to remove excess water and dirt. Clean one cushion at a time, ensuring proper drying.
- Work systematically across the upholstery, cleaning small sections at a time to prevent water from setting in.
- Let the upholstery dry completely. Use methods like opening windows, fans, or a blow dryer on low heat to facilitate drying.
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