With the hectic pace of modern life, rugs and other upholstered furniture can really take a beating, especially with the daily onslaught of everyday mishaps from pets, kids, and wine spills. But the task of keeping your furniture and rugs looking like new is much easier than you think.
If you’re wondering how to get stains out of upholstery, the design pros at Fashion Furniture have rounded up the best tips for easy maintenance of all your upholstery, including sofas, rugs, home decor accents, and car seats:
Fabric upholstery
Whether it’s a sofa, ottoman, or accent pillow, the home decor experts at diynetwork.com recommend a homemade cleaning solution of 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 cup warm water, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Simply place the mixture in a spray bottle and mist any soiled areas. Let the cleaner soak into the fabric for several minutes and then scrub with a soft cloth until the stain is removed.
Leather upholstery
An easy to make homemade cleaner is a spray bottle containing 1/2 cup of olive oil and ½ cup of vinegar. Spray the couch with the solution and wipe down with a soft cloth, which will help buff the surface for a shiny luster.
Synthetic upholstery
For synthetic textiles, combine 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap into a spray bottle. Mist the affected areas and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts from the fabric.
Pro tip:
When deciding on home decor, look for rugs made up of individual squares, which are attached with adhesive and can be easily removed from the floor in small sections. This makes spot cleaning much easier than a traditional one-piece rug.
The stains and odor from cat urine can ruin your furniture, especially if you don’t treat the area right away. As Joan Clark from TipsBulletin.com points out,”… It is important to soak up the urine without driving the urine into the cushions or fill material below the fabric.” First, blot the area with paper towels or a soft cloth. Don’t rub the fabric because it will spread the stain further.
For an easy to make homemade upholstery cleaner for pet stains, mix together 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar. For even more odor removing action, add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. As you spot clean the affected area, dab at the stain with a small amount of the mixture.
Once the area is lightly dampened with the cleaner, remove the excess moisture with a dry cloth. Make sure not to soak the fabric, which will only push the urine deeper into the cushions. Repeat this process of dabbing and drying until the stain is removed.
The last step is to sprinkle baking soda on the stain, which will neutralize the acid in cat urine and deodorize the fabric. Dust the baking soda thoroughly into the fabric, allow it to dry, and then vacuum up the excess. Repeat these steps until the odor and stains are completely gone.
No one likes a dingy couch, so deep cleaning is a must after months of everyday use. Start by using a hand vacuum or the brush attachment on a regular vacuum to clean crumbs on the surface and between cushions. Don’t forget to vacuum the crevices where crumbs and pet hair gather.
Next, wipe down wood or metal areas, like the sofa feet, with warm water and dish soap. Before treating the fabric with stain remover, check the care tag for cleaning instructions. Tags often have codes like WS, S, X, or W. WS suggests using dry cleaning detergent or steam cleaning, S means dry cleaning detergent only, X advises vacuuming without water, and W means water is safe for cleaning.
Now, remove stains by using the right cleaner for your fabric. Always do a spot test first on an inconspicuous area, like the underside or hem. This ensures the cleaner won’t damage or stain the fabric.
After cleaning, blot excess water with a towel and let the couch air dry. To speed up drying, set up a fan pointing at the sofa.
To clean car upholstery, mix 1/2 cup club soda, 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons dish soap, and 3-4 drops of essential oils in a spray bottle. You’ll also need a shop vacuum or steam cleaner, a scrub brush, and a bottle of water. Spray the cleaner on stains and let it sit for 3-4 minutes. For stubborn stains, scrub in small circles until the dirt lifts. Then, spray with water and vacuum or steam clean the area. Allow it to dry thoroughly. This method works for fabric upholstery but should not be used on leather. For leather seats, mix 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup vinegar, spray it on, and wipe with a soft cloth in circular motions to buff and shine. These simple tips will help keep your upholstery looking clean.
Stay tuned for more expert tips from the Fashion Furniture blog, your source for the latest trends in interior design. For all your interior design needs, contact Fashion Furniture today!
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