How to Get Rid of Detergent on Furniture

Use as little detergent as possible to clean upholstery.

Furniture cleaning is essential to keeping the furniture pristine and to prolong its life. One common problem when cleaning it, however, is when you apply too much detergent to the furniture. This can be tough to remove, and a detergent residue can make the furniture feel slimy and can actually attract more dirt and debris.

Things You'll Need

• Cloths
• White vinegar

Instructions

Hard-Surface Furniture

1. Soak a clean cloth in clear water.

2. Wring out the cloth so that it is damp but not dripping.

3. Rub the cloth over the wooden furniture until the detergent is gone. If there is a lot of detergent, rinse the cloth out with water and continue rubbing it over the wood. Repeat until all of the detergent is gone.

4. Add 1 tsp. white vinegar to 1 cup water if the residue is still there. Soak a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and rub it over the furniture until the residue is gone.

5. Dry the wooden furniture with a clean cloth.

Upholstered Furniture

1. Press a cloth into the upholstery to remove as much of the residue as possible. Push hard if possible.

2. Soak a clean cloth in hot water. Wring it out until the cloth is damp but not dripping.

3. Press the cloth into the upholstery until the detergent is gone.

4. Blot the upholstery dry with a clean cloth.

References

• Vinegar Tips: Cleaning With Vinegar
• Mrs. Clean: Removing Upholstery Stains