How to remove stains from your sofa depending on the material

The sofa is one of the most heavily used pieces of furniture in the living room. Apart from the intensive use it gets (and precisely because of this), it is exposed to numerous mishaps such as spilled liquids and food or marks left by pets. There are no foolproof tricks for removing stains from the sofa, but there are some practical solutions for getting the best results depending on the type of stain and the upholstery. 

How to remove stains from a fabric sofa 

If the upholstery is made of cotton, linen or canvas (resistant fabrics), you can use a mixture of ammonia diluted with water and a few drops of soap (dishwashing liquid, for example). Moisten the fabric and rub gently with a non-discolouring cloth, working from the inside to the outside of the stain, avoiding moisture build-up around the edges to prevent rings from forming. This works particularly well on oily stains and eliminates strong odours. 

How to remove stains from a leather sofa 

One of the most effective home remedies for cleaning ink stains from a leather sofa is a mixture of equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water. If the stain is greasy, apply a paste of baking soda and a little water, leaving it to work for a few minutes to absorb the dirt. And if it is a difficult stain on white leather upholstery, it is best to use a mixture of lemon juice and cream of tartar. 

How to remove stains from a faux leather sofa 

The classic recipe of white vinegar diluted with water works very well on faux leather sofas. It is a resistant material that responds well to slightly acidic mixtures that work best against stubborn stains such as tomato or oil stains. It also allows the use of ammonia or clay stones (without applying pressure). Less stubborn stains can be treated with toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. 

Other tips on how to remove stains from your sofa 

• Act quickly to prevent the stain from penetrating the fabric.
• Test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous area of the sofa in case the result is not as expected.
• Avoid rubbing insistently or using tools that are too rough (e.g. a very hard bristle brush).
• Dry the stained area (in the case of wet cleaning) to prevent a ring from forming.
• Allow the fabric to air out so that it regains its colour and texture naturally.