If you are a homeowner like me and if you love your furniture as I do, you most likely try your best to keep your upholstery in good shape. However, stains are bound to happen, and that is okay! Let’s dive into how to remove stains from upholstery. Chairs, recliners, couches, and even ottomans are used if not every day, every other day. Because the upholstered items listed are used so often, stains and messes are inevitable. Take my advice and read the article below. Then, if an accident happens, you will have no problem staying cool, calm, and collected!
Tips on Removing Stains From Upholstery
To begin, it is important to know your furniture’s cleaning code. If you had asked me a few weeks ago what my furniture’s cleaning code was, I would have no idea. After doing my research, I am happy to share what the different codes are and what they mean. First, let’s touch on preventative upholstery care.
Prevention
When you are furniture shopping, check to see if the furniture you’re investing in come with a fabric protector. Oftentimes, upholstery is pre-treated with a fabric protector. Count me in! If your furniture was not pre-treated, just run to the store and apply a protector yourself. Keeping your furniture treated is the key to unlocking a long furniture life and an easy clean-up when messes do happen.
Cleaning Codes
Every code can most likely be found on the cushion tag! The code will either read W, S, S/W, or X. I know – it feels like we are back in algebra. Here is a closer look at what each code calls for.
The W code calls for water-based cleaner.
This code is typically for manmade fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and herculean. If you’re wanting to make a water-based cleanser yourself, I recommend a teaspoon of dish detergent mixed with one cup of warm water. Lightly dab the stain with the solution, and pat dry with a gentle rag.
Next, is the S code.
S means it is time to pull out the solvent-based upholstery cleaner. Confused? I was too, but it is actually quite simple! Solvent-based cleaners contain more chemicals than water-based cleaners. If you’re looking for a couch stain remover that is solvent-based, try Woolite or Scotchguard! To properly remove a stain from your beautiful “S” couch, blot the area with the cleaner you picked and then let the area dry completely. Next, brush or vacuum the spot gently to get back the soft texture that was there before. Good as new!
S/W Code – Put It All Together
You may have already guessed it, but the S/W code means you can use a water-based cleaner or a solvent-based cleaner. The cleaner you choose is based solely on the stain. A water-based stain means a water-based cleaner. Likewise, an oil-based means it is time to bring out the solvent-based cleaner! Besides grease, most liquid stains are going to be water-based.
X is the rarest code.
If your upholstered furniture is marked with the X code, do not panic! The X code just means your furniture may need professional attention to get cleaned. Only brushing or vacuuming should be done by yourself on furniture marked with X. Otherwise, leave it to the professionals.
Now you know the cleaning codes. Next, let’s discuss my favorite DIY couch cleaner for Upholstered Furniture.
DIY Couch Stain Remover
As mentioned before, it is important to know what kind of stain you’re trying to remove to decide the appropriate cleaner.
For a grease stain, try sprinkling with salt first. Let the salt sit for a while, and then lightly pat the stain with soap and water. This strategy and DIY couch cleaner work for oil stains as well!
Calling all the parents out there! If it is a crayon stain on your nice, new couch this couch stain remover is for you. Dab a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the stain and rinse with filtered water.
Bloodstains are no problem as well. Grab the hydrogen peroxide and blot the stain. Rinse with water, and voila!
After a long day, sometimes a glass of red wine is the only cure. Every once in a while, there may be a spill. To clean a red wine spill, try sprinkling salt over the stain. Grab the hydrogen peroxide once again and blot. Rinse with water and cheers! You’ve conquered another stain.
More Tips on How to Clean Upholstery
Try Baby Wipes
That’s right! Baby wipes do more than you thought. The wipes you use for babies actually clean leather, cotton, and polyester upholstery quite well. I keep a travel-pack handy at all times for the small, quick spills that tend to happen often! Baby wipes are also used for an emergency spill on rugs. Say goodbye to long-lasting coffee and milk spills! Say hello to baby wipes.
Vacuum! Vacuum! Vacuum!
Last, but certainly not least, is to vacuum. Keeping your upholstery clean and maintained means pulling out the vacuum every few weeks. Dirt, grime, and dust can damage your upholstery and wear away at the natural fibers. A stiff-bristle brush should do the trick!
To conclude, maintaining and cleaning upholstered furniture does not need to be complicated or a time-consuming chore. When messes happen, don’t fret! Just remember the codes and tips I’ve shared above. Remember, prevention is the first step. Next, pay attention to the different codes and the recommended cleaning solutions that come along with the codes. Try a DIY couch stain remover for the tough stains, and maintain your furniture with your trusty vacuum or stiff-bristle brush. Now that you know how to remove stains from upholstery, you can enjoy your glass of red wine, dinner party, or just playing with your kids that much more. Contact Clean Heart Maids for professional cleaning advice and services!