Helpful tips about furniture and design

Tips For Cleaning Upholstery Furniture

Here's what you can do to remove those tough stains from your upholstery:

The quicker you attack a stain the better. Try not to let a stain set or soak in--it's very difficult to remove a set stain.

Look for the furniture tag and see if the manufacturer has recommended specific cleaning methods.

If there are no recommendations or you can't find the tag, refer to the following mixtures to attack the stain.

NOTE: Before you try any of these stain-removing mixtures, always remember to test it in an out-of-the-way place on your fabric. Sprinkle a few drops and blot with a clean cloth. If your fabric bleeds or becomes discolored, have it professionally dry-cleaned. If not, go ahead and treat the stain.

To prevent future stains, apply a protectant (available from most furniture stores and home-improvement centers) to the fabric.

Alcoholic beverages:

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Blood:

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Candle wax, crayons:

You'll start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Chocolate, fruit juices, soft drinks:

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Coffee, Tea:

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Grease, oil, water, unknown stains:

Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Cosmetics, furniture polish, ink, shoe polish:

Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Ice cream, milk:

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.
Start with dry-cleaning fluid, available at grocery and hardware stores. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not use when smoking or near an open flame.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Wine:

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. mild colorless dish detergent.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 2/3 cup water with 1/3 cup white vinegar.
Test a piece of fabric. If the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times. If the stain still persists move on to the next step.
Mix 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp. ammonia. Wear protective rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Test a piece of fabric, if the fabric is not adversely affected, proceed.
Use a clean cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Start from the outside edges and work your way in. Avoid overwetting the area.
Blot the stain with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Let the fabric dry completely.
If stain remains, try applying the mixture a few more times.

Shampooing Upholstery

Vacuum furniture with brush attachment to remove surface dust and dirt.
Pretest a piece of fabric with the upholstery shampoo. If the fabric bleeds or runs, do not proceed with the shampoo.
Spray the shampoo, and use a clean cloth to rub it into the fabric. Use parallel strokes and be sure to cover all the fabric, not leaving any streaks between strokes.
Wipe away dirty suds with a clean, damp towel.
Let the fabric dry completely. Wipe vigorously with a clean towel or vacuum to restore the fabric nap.