A fresh stain on a sofa is much easier to remove than an old one. The main rule is to act right away and not to rub. We'll go over what to do about different stains, which products are safe for upholstery and when you can no longer do without professional cleaning.
Act right away
The sooner you deal with a stain, the better the chance of removing it completely. Fresh soiling hasn't yet soaked into the fabric fibers, so it can be gently lifted from the surface.
Blot the stain with a clean light-colored cloth or paper towel, from the edges to the center, so it doesn't spread. Never rub: rubbing drives dirt deeper into the fabric and damages the pile.
How to treat different stains
The approach depends on the type of soiling. Always test the product first on an inconspicuous part of the upholstery, on the underside or under a cushion.
- Water and drinks: blot dry, then go over it with a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild soap.
- Grease: sprinkle baking soda or starch on the stain, let it absorb the grease for 15–20 minutes and carefully collect it.
- Coffee and tea: blot, treat with a weak soapy solution and immediately dry with a cloth.
Be careful with the fabric: the less water and harsh chemicals, the better. Delicate upholstery (velour, flock, velvet) is easy to ruin with too much moisture.
What not to do
- Harsh chemicals: bleach, solvents and acids discolor and eat away the fabric.
- Lots of water: moisture soaks into the filling, leaves streaks, and mold and odor can develop inside.
- Hot water and blow-drying: high temperature sets protein and dye stains.
When you need professional cleaning
Home methods deal well with fresh stains, but they are almost powerless against old soiling and absorbed odor. If the stain is old, the upholstery has dulled or the sofa has started to smell, you need professional upholstery cleaning.
Machine extraction flushes dirt out of the depth of the filling and removes the odor rather than masking it. We will tell you the exact price for your sofa in a couple of minutes on WhatsApp.