How to Clean an Oil Stain Out of Upholstered Furniture
Exposure to oily foods, automobile fluids and lotions can cause your upholstered furniture to become stained. Oil stains appear as dark blotches; these are especially noticeable on light-colored upholstered furniture. The stains become more troublesome to clean the longer they dwell on the upholstery. Promptly remove oil stains while they are fresh to prevent them from possibly becoming permanent and marring the furniture. You can clean an oil stain out of upholstered furniture with basic supplies and techniques. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cornstarch
- Vacuum with upholstery brush attachment
- Clear liquid dish detergent
- 2 white cotton cloths
- Warm water
- White paper towels
Instructions
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1
Sprinkle cornstarch liberally over the oil until the stain is completely covered with cornstarch. Keep the cornstarch on the upholstery for 15 minutes to absorb any excess oil.
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2
Extract the oily cornstarch from the upholstery with an upholstery brush vacuum attachment.
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3
Apply 3 drops of clear liquid dish detergent to a white cotton cloth. Moisten the cloth with warm water to form suds.
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4
Blot the oil stain with the soapy cloth until the upholstery absorbs the detergent.
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5
Dampen a second white, cotton cloth with warm water and blot the upholstery fabric with the damp cloth to rinse out the detergent.
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6
Blot the upholstery with white paper towels until it is thoroughly dry.
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7
Inspect the upholstery for any remaining oil. Repeat the treatment process if the oil stain persists.
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Tips & Warnings
You can substitute dry-cleaning solvent for the liquid dish detergent. Apply the solvent according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Always use products recommended by the furniture manufacturer to prevent damaging or discoloring the upholstery.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
