Removing stains is in itself a thorny everyday problem and it becomes even more so when we talk about marks on the mattress (pee, blood, perspiration, etc.) or even the carpet. In the same spirit, we do not always know how to clean and maintain a leather, fabric or velvet sofa and even less know how to remove it. And yet, we spend so much time there that this piece of furniture accumulates crumbs, dirt, dust and nasty stains. In this article, discover all our grandmother’s tips against stains on a sofa. With these few tips and advice, you will also avoid unattractive halos on upholstery fabric.
Some mistakes to avoid when removing stains
Above all, don’t rush headlong without asking about the specific washing instructions indicated on your product. If there is none, it will be necessary carry out a test on an inconspicuous corner so as to ensure that you do not damage it. To avoid damaging the material, you must be careful not to rub too hard. Rub gently to avoid replacing the stain with scratches. Finally, it is necessary avoid at all costs getting the armrest or cushions too wet to avoid unpleasant bad odors, mold and stains (not to mention that you won’t be able to sit on it for a while!)
Our tips for successfully removing stains from the sofa more effectively:
Before cleaning, remember to remove as much animal hair as possible with a dishwashing glove or pantyhose for example. Also remember to dust the sofa with a soft brush or a soft cloth such as a microfiber cloth for a leather sofa. You can also consider vacuuming it gently to remove dirt and dust. Indeed, once wet, these elements may complicate cleaning. Furthermore, if you notice any marks, treat the armrest or cushion entirely with the chosen cleaning product. This will avoid color lines! Finally, always check if your sofa has a removable cover. If so, consider dry the covers flat after washing in the washing machine to avoid creases.
How to remove stains from a non-removable fabric sofa
No need to invest in special upholstery shampoo bombs! You can remove stains very well with simple baking soda. It is enough to moisten the fabric then sprinkle it and leave it to act for two hours before vacuuming. This allows to do some dry cleaning. You can then rub the stain with household alcohol (or hydrogen peroxide on white) if the stain is still visible. It is also possible to clean the entire sofa by mixing 500 ml of white vinegar, 200 ml of lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Then when applying, apply this product with a sponge that you wring out well and focus on stubborn stains. Finally, rinse with a washcloth or damp cloth.
What about a difficult stain on fabric?
The shaving cream (and not the gel) can remove a red wine stain or stubborn stains. We start by absorbing as much as possible with a paper towel, then we apply the foam. Then, you can leave it to act for an hour before rubbing with a sponge. For marks caused by oil or sauce stains, use absorbent powders such as flour, talc or Terre de Sommières. Leave to absorb for an hour and vacuum. Then start again if necessary. It is also possible to place several sheets of absorbent paper on top and run a hot iron over them. This will eat up the fat!
How to remove marks from a leather sofa?
Very often, it is enough to polish the stains using a clay stone or Marseille soap (or failing that, black soap). Simply use a soft clean cloth, sponge or washcloth and spot clean using circular motions. The stained area will quickly be forgotten and you can use cleansing milk to restore shine to leather that is no longer as shiny as before.
Good to know: chamois is excellent for cleaning and preserving the grain of the leather.
Against stains on a velvet sofa
Sommières earth is the most effective solution for removing a stain from velvet. Simply massage this powder onto the fabric to soak it well on the stained area. Then, leave it to act overnight and vacuum it up the next day. If it is cotton velvet and not silk velvet, it is also possible to use a simple soapy water with vinegar. Cotton is in fact more resistant than silk and you can therefore scrub it without fear with this solution. Simply soak a cloth with this mixture, rub the stain, rinse with a clean, well-wrung cloth. Then wipe with a terry towel.
Good to know: Sprinkling baking soda on a velvet or fabric sofa (or even car seats) then vacuuming helps neutralize the bad smell. Using talc will perfume it along the way.
How to avoid stains on a sofa and keep it clean in the future?
Some tips keep your sofa clean and help extend its life while minimizing the risk of unwanted stains. It all starts when buying a new sofa. You can in fact opt for fabrics treated against stains or naturally resistantwhich will make cleaning easier and keeping the sofa looking new. Otherwise, adding special washable protection (cover or plaid type) will protect the original fabric and can be easily removed in the event of stains.
In addition, focus everything on preventionespecially if it is a fabric or suede sofa. First of all, avoid eating on the couch as much as possible. to reduce the risk of spilling food. Also use cups with lids for drinks, especially if you tend to use them as a side table (in which case, purchasing a sofa shelf can be useful). Also wash your hands before sitting on the sofa to limit dirt and greasy stains. Also keep pens, markers and other potentially staining objects away from the sofa, especially if you have children. And if you have pets, make sure they are clean if they come in from outside. Also think about brush them well to remove dead hair and residue. This will prevent their dirty hair or paws from staining the sofa.
Finally, perform regular maintenance by vacuuming the sofa and cleaning fresh stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from becoming permanent.