How to Get Rubber Cement Out of Upholstery

Eliminate accidental rubber cement stains from upholstered furniture with a solvent.

Rubber cement is a fast-drying adhesive used to permanently bond items, and can be difficult to remove if it accidentally lands on upholstered furniture. Although rubber cement is easily removable from hard surfaces, upholstered furniture cannot be exposed to water without damaging the fabric. Dry-cleaning solvent is a suitable alternative to water-based cleaning products and removes the rubber cement while keeping the upholstery intact.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning cloth
• Dry-cleaning solvent

Instructions

1. Scratch off as much of the dried rubber cement on the upholstered furniture as possible with your fingernail.

2. Pour four to five drops of dry-cleaning solvent into the cleaning cloth to saturate the cloth.

3. Blot the solvent-dampened cloth onto the rubber cement stain to dampen the fabric. Do not over-saturate the stain, as this can discolor the upholstery.

4. Dab the dampened spot with a new cleaning cloth to remove the solvent from the upholstered furniture.

5. Re-blot the stain with the dampened cloth and wipe up the spot with the dry cloth until the rubber cement is completely removed from the upholstery.

6. Air dry the cleaned area to eliminate the damp spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your upholstered furniture's cleaning tag to ensure it does not require professional cleaning.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster -- Rubber Cement
• Michigan State University Extension; Rubber Cement Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery; Anne Field; June 2003