If your sofa is stained, you have several options for cleaning it, based on the type of fabric and stain. First, consult the washing instructions on the label to find out what kind of products you can use to clean the sofa without risking damaging it. Once you've got the information you need, you can proceed with a water-based cleaner, dry-cleaning solvent, or a product that doesn't require dilution, such as distilled white vinegar or vodka.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Find the Sofa Cleaning Code
Step 1. Look for the label on which the specific cleaning code to use for that type of liner is printed
Generally, the label is placed under one of the cushions or attached to the base of the sofa. You will find a section called "cleaning code" or "cleaning information" and, next to it, there will be a letter that tells you how to remove the stains without risking damaging that particular fabric. It is important to look for that code and follow the directions, otherwise you could damage the sofa cover permanently and void the warranty.
Step 2. If the identifying letter is "W", use techniques that involve using water
This code means that you can clean the sofa with water or with water-based solutions and a mild detergent. For example, you can use a mild dish soap dissolved in water, or you can try removing the stain with a steam mop.
- This code is the most common and is usually paired with sofas that are easier to clean.
- Solvents can damage fabrics classified with this code, so do not use them.
- The code "W" indicates that the sofa can also be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
Step 3. If the letter "X" is on the label, you will only need to clean the sofa with a vacuum cleaner
This code is associated with the most delicate fabrics of all and indicates that the sofa cannot be cleaned with either water or solvents. The only thing you can do without risking damaging it is to clean it with a vacuum cleaner. If that's not enough to remove the stain, you'll need to see a professional.
This code is quite rare, you may find it on the label of a sofa made of a rare or unusual material
Step 4. If there is an "S" on the label, try using techniques that involve using a solvent
This code means that it is not possible to clean the sofa with water or a cleaning solution because the water can stain that type of fabric. The only option is to use a solvent for dry cleaning fabrics. If the label specifies to use a particular solvent, strictly follow the directions. Alternatively, you can try using a multi-purpose solvent suitable for cleaning fabrics.
- Solvents for cleaning fabrics can be purchased online or in stores that sell products dedicated to home maintenance.
- Even on the sofas characterized by this code it is possible to use a vacuum cleaner.
Step 5. Use a combined approach if "WS" is on the label
In this case, you can use both techniques that involve the use of water, and solvents. It is usually best to try to remove the stain with a solvent and eventually move on to plan B. However, this is a rather rare cleaning code, so you can consider consulting a professional to be safe.
Step 6. Proceed with extreme caution if you cannot find any cleaning information
If there is no label or code, perhaps because it is a vintage sofa, any method can be risky. It is best to try to remove the stain first with water and a mild detergent, initially testing them on an area generally hidden from view to make sure the fabric does not stain or discolor.
Sofas that do not have a cleaning label and code can generally also be vacuumed. If it's a particularly delicate fabric, set the power to low
Method 2 of 4: Remove Stains with Water and Dishwashing Liquid from a Cotton, Linen or Polyester Sofa
Step 1. Vacuum the stained air to remove dirt particles that have not penetrated the fabric
You can use the handheld vacuum cleaner or the classic vacuum cleaner and mount a brush with soft bristles as an accessory. Vacuuming the stain before working on the stain to remove surface dirt is useful in all cases and can sometimes be used to mitigate stains.
It is difficult to assess the severity of a stain if you do not vacuum first, then first vacuum the dirt with the handheld vacuum cleaner or bin vacuum
Step 2. Make a cleaning solution with cold water and dish soap
Drop a few drops of mild-action dish soap into the bottom of a bowl or basin, then add the cold water. Stir the solution to dissolve the detergent well and create foam.
- If you prefer, you can also add a little vinegar to make the cleaning solution even more effective.
- Some industry professionals recommend using distilled water to clean sofa upholstery. The reason is that distilled water does not contain minerals, so there is no risk that traces of it will remain on the fabric once it is dry. If it's an expensive sofa or you just don't want to risk it ruining, it's best to follow this advice.
Step 3. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution and gently start blotting the stain
Dip a washcloth in the soapy water and then wring it out to get rid of the excess liquid. Try to remove the stain by dabbing it gently. Continue tapping the fabric with the damp cloth to loosen and absorb the dirt until the stain disappears. Do not rub and do not apply too much pressure to not push the dirt even deeper.
It is important to avoid saturating the fabric, so wring the cloth well so that it is damp but not soggy
Step 4. Rinse the fabric with a clean cloth
Take another microfiber cloth, wet it with clean water and wring it out well. Set the soapy cloth aside and start dabbing the area where the stain was with the second cloth to remove the soap and any remaining grime.
- If you don't want to use another cloth, be sure to rinse the first one very well to get rid of any dirt and soap before using it to rinse the fabric.
- If at this point the stain has not yet completely disappeared, you can repeat the operations. Blot the stain first with soapy water and then with clean water until the sofa is perfectly clean again.
Step 5. Press a clean cloth or paper onto the fabric to dry it as much as possible
Pat the wet area with a cloth or paper towel to absorb excess water from the fabric. If you need to dry the sofa quickly, you can turn on a free standing fan and point it in that direction or turn on the ceiling fan.
Do not try to blow dry the sofa if it is made of a delicate fabric, as the heat could damage it. If you don't want to wait for it to dry naturally, use the blast of cold air
Step 6. Use a product formulated to remove stains from fabrics or carpets if there is not enough dish soap
The directions for use may vary depending on the product, but in most cases it is necessary to cover the stain with the foam cleaner and then leave it to act for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, you will need to gently blot the stain with a microfiber cloth and, finally, allow the fabric to dry in the fresh air. As a precaution, it is always best to test the product on a hidden area of the sofa to make sure the fabric does not get damaged.
Stain removers for fabrics and carpets can be found easily in supermarkets and home cleaning stores
Method 3 of 4: Remove Stains from a Leather, Suede or Microfiber Sofa
Step 1. Remove dirt from the surface of the sofa with a vacuum cleaner
Regardless of the cleaning code, you can vacuum the sofa without running the risk of ruining it. Vacuuming is always the first thing to do before working on stains. You can use the handheld vacuum cleaner or the canister vacuum and attach a soft-bristled brush as an accessory. Vacuum out any dirt particles so they don't get inside the fabric as you blot the stain. If you intervene immediately, a vacuum cleaner may be enough to make the sofa perfectly clean again.
- Remember that the sooner you work on the stain, the more likely you are to be able to remove it completely.
- Keep in mind that if the sofa cleaning code is represented by the letter "X", the vacuum cleaner is the only tool you can use to remove stains on your own.
Step 2. Gently blot the stain with vodka or vinegar if the cleanup code allows water to be used
If the sofa cleaning code is represented by the letter "S", then anything that is not a solvent could damage it irreparably. However, if the code indicates that water is allowed, you can try gently blotting the stain with a microfiber cloth soaked in vodka or distilled white vinegar. When the stain is gone, wait for the fabric to dry. Don't worry, the smell of vodka or vinegar will fade as the sofa dries.
- Generally this technique is suitable for sofas in microfiber, leather and suede.
- If the stain is still visible, you can try using water and dish soap to make it disappear completely.
Step 3. Use dish soap and warm water or leather soap to remove stains from a leather sofa
For most leather types, you can use the water and dish soap technique recommended for cleaning linen, cotton, or polyester sofas. If you are concerned that dish soap will damage the leather on the sofa, you can use a leather cleaner and follow the same technique.
Alternatively, you can use a blend of olive oil (100ml) and white wine vinegar (50ml). Mix them in a spray bottle, spray the solution on the stain and wipe off the dirt with a clean cloth
Step 4. Use denatured alcohol (pink alcohol) to treat stubborn stains, such as ink marks
Dark stains, such as ink stains, do not respond well to soap and water or liquid detergents. Dip a cotton swab in denatured alcohol and tap it on the stain until it disappears. Grab a clean cotton swab when the one you're using gets dirty, dip it in the alcohol and resume tapping the stain.
- Dry the fabric with a cloth when you are able to remove the stain.
- Generally, this method can be used safely to clean microfiber, leather and suede upholstery.
- If you spilled the beer or coffee on the sofa, clean the stain with a solution made with a teaspoon of liquid detergent for clothes or dishes dissolved in very little hot water. Rub the solution into the stain and pat it gently with kitchen paper. If you want, you can pre-treat the stain by rubbing an ice cube over it.
Step 5. Absorb grease stains with baking soda
Using water or other liquids on the grease stains would risk spreading them. The right thing to do is cover the stain with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours. The baking soda will draw the fat out of the fabric. After giving it time to act, you can remove it with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.
Generally, this method can be used safely for cleaning leather, suede, microfiber upholstery and on fabrics that can be cleaned with water, such as linen and cotton
Step 6. Purchase a specific solvent if your sofa cleaning code is the letter "S"
Dry cleaning products use solvents to remove stains. Ask for advice in a specialized shop and follow the directions for use on the product as they can vary according to the type of solvent and brand. When the stain has come off, dry the fabric thoroughly using a fan or the cool air blow from your hair dryer.
- Do not wait for the fabric to dry on its own to avoid a halo forming around the treated area.
- These solvents are very powerful. Open the windows before using them and scrupulously respect both the instructions and the warnings for use on the label.
Step 7. Contact a professional if the stains do not come off
If you've tried everything, but some are still visible, your best bet is to seek professional help. If the cleaning code is represented by the letter "X", this is the only solution available to you as you cannot use any tools other than the vacuum cleaner. If the cleaning code is represented by the letter "S", but you are not comfortable using products that contain strong and dangerous solvents, ask a professional for help.
Method 4 of 4: Remove Stains with Steam (If the Cleaning Code Allows You to Use Water)
Step 1. Vacuum the stain
If possible, use a soft bristle brush as an accessory. Alternatively, you can use the mini vacuum cleaner. It is important to remove dust and dirt before steam cleaning the sofa to prevent it from getting inside the fabric. If you are lucky, the stains may lose intensity thanks to the vacuum cleaner.
Open the windows if you are working in a small room so as not to suffer from the heat and to make the fabric dry faster
Step 2. Pour the water into the steam cleaner tank and fit the correct accessory
How much water to add and where depends on the type of steam cleaner. After locating the tank, simply fill it with cold tap water. Accessories may also vary depending on the model, but it is generally best to use a fixed or rotating soft-bristled brush.
- Alternatively, you can use the accessory that mounts a microfiber cloth.
- If you want, you can add a shampoo for upholstery, carpets and rugs to the water, if the model of steam cleaner allows it. However, water is generally sufficient to remove most stains.
- You can buy a portable steam cleaner at an appliance store or rent a larger one from a specialty store.
Step 3. Turn on the steam cleaner and wipe it slowly over the stained area
If the stain is very large, work on small sections at a time to get the best possible result and do not always direct the jet of steam on the same point, but try to keep the appliance always slowly in motion
- The stain should begin to disappear after a few strokes.
- If you've added soap or shampoo to the water, you'll need to repeat the process with just water to rinse the fabric before letting it dry.
Step 4. Let the sofa dry completely before using it again
You can leave a window open to let it dry faster. You can also point a free standing fan at the sofa or turn on the ceiling fan. If necessary, you can also use the cold air jet of the hair dryer, but the ideal solution is to let it dry naturally in the air.
Advice
- Try to work on stains as quickly as possible to prevent them from setting on the fabric.
- You should always test any product on a hidden area of the sofa to make sure the fabric does not get damaged or discolored.
