How to Clean a Stain on a Fabric Sofa

Fabric sofas require regular maintenance to remove dirt and stains.

Fabric sofas often trap dirt, spills and debris in the fibers. If spills aren't cleaned up quickly, they can penetrate and stain the fabric. Most fabric sofa stains can be cleaned with a foaming upholstery cleaner since it won't soak the fabric with water and cause spotting. Vacuum your fabric sofa regularly, and spot-clean stains to minimize dirt buildup and to keep your fabric sofa looking its best.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with brush attachment
• Foaming upholstery cleaner
• Soft brush or sponge
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Vacuum the entire sofa thoroughly with a brush attachment. Remove the cushions if possible, and vacuum both sides.

2. Spray any stains with foaming upholstery cleaner. Allow it to sit for the amount of time specified on the package.

3. Scrub the stain with a soft brush, or dampen a sponge lightly with water and blot the stain.

4. Blot the cleaned area with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess foam or water. Allow the sofa to air-dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Blot any spills soon after they occur to prevent future stains.

• Some fabric sofa upholstery can be removed and washed in a washing machine. Check the care instructions on your furniture before washing.

• Check that your fabric sofa isn't dry clean-only before attempting to clean. Vacuum dry clean-only fabrics, but don't use water or upholstery cleaner.