How to Get Gravy Out of a Couch Fabric

Gravy ruins the appearance of a couch.

Although gravy complements meats and potatoes, it doesn’t belong on the fabric of a couch. Eating gravy-covered foods over a couch makes its fabric susceptible to gravy stains, which are typically brown- or cream-colored. Failure to promptly remove the gravy stain causes it to set into the couch fabric and become insoluble. Promptly get gravy stains out of the couch before they become crusty and stubborn.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Dull knife
• Baking soda
• Vacuum with attachment
• Dry-cleaning solvent
• 2 cloths

Instructions

1. Blot up any fresh gravy using paper towels. If the gravy has dried, scrape off the crusty gravy fragments using a dull knife. Scrape the couch fabric gently to avoid damage.

2. Coat any remaining gravy with baking soda. Leave the baking soda on the gravy stain for 15 minutes.

3. Vacuum the couch upholstery thoroughly using the vacuum attachment. Fully extract the gravy-soaked baking soda.

4. Pour a dab of dry-cleaning solvent onto a cloth. Apply the amount of solvent recommended on the label.

5. Blot the remaining gravy stain with the solvent until the gravy residue dissolves. Fold the cloth between blots, and add more solvent to the cloth as needed.

6. Tamp the couch fabric with a fresh, dry cloth to absorb the remaining solvent.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute cornstarch for baking soda.

• Sharp knives may fray or severely damage couch fabric. Proceed with caution.

• Spot-test the solvent on an unnoticeable area of the couch fabric to avoid color-related damages.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": Stain Buster -- Gravy
• University of Illinois Extension Stain Solutions: Gravy