How to Make Your Own Upholstery Shampoo

Homemade cleaner can keep your couch looking good.

Cleaning your fabric couches, chairs and recliners doesn't require expensive products. You can make your own upholstery shampoo in two different ways with a few basic ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Household gloves
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tsp. borax
• Liquid detergent
• 4 cups warm water
• Bucket
• Spray bottle
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of household gloves. Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp. liquid detergent, 1 tsp. of borax and four cups of warm water in a bucket. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the mixture onto your upholstery. Work it into suds with a sponge. Wipe off the area with a slightly damp, clean cloth.

2. Mix 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent in 4 cups of warm water as an alternative cleaner. Squeeze a sponge in the mixture to make suds. Rub the suds onto the upholstery with the sponge, working gently and in one small area at a time. Wipe off the area with a clean, damp sponge. Rinse out the sponge so you get rid of all the suds without getting the fabric soaking wet. Continue in the same way, overlapping the areas, until the entire piece is cleaned.

3. Allow the upholstered furniture to dry completely before using it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you own or can rent or borrow a steam cleaner, you can steam clean your upholstery instead.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Upholstery Shampoos
• Ecology Center: Alternative Cleaning Recipes