It has happens to everyone. Your favourite sofa or chair has a spill or unexplained stain. Upholstery is not always forgiving, and while your first instincts may be to reach for a sponge and scrub away, you need to consider a few things first. Some furniture products have specific cleaning requirements, so make sure you read the label before attempting to clean it yourself. For certain stains, a DIY method may cause more harm than good, and your best option for removing stains from upholstery may be a professional upholstery cleaning service.

Removing Stains from Your Sofa and Other Upholstery Items

Not all stains can be removed using the same technique. That is why it is important to know the type of stain you are dealing with before you attempt to remove it. Using the wrong stain removal technique can actually force the substance into the upholstery, making it more difficult and perhaps even impossible to remove.

Before cleaning, decode your furniture label. If the tag has a “W”, it means that you must clean with a water-based detergent. If there is an “S” present, it means a dry-cleaning solvent should be used. If “WS” is present, you can use either method. If the tag has an “X” it means that you should only trust a professional to clean the material.

Some common stain removal tactics that can be applied to fabrics and upholstery include:

• White Vinegar – This can be used to remove acidic stains, such as wine or mustard. Dab the vinegar onto the stain using a clean, neutral-coloured cloth. Remember to never rub a stain; this will only set it deeper into the fibres.
• Oil or Grease – Grease and oil on upholstery must first be scraped off using a plastic utensil. Then blot up any wet grease using a damp paper towel. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the stain and cover it completely. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, absorbing the grease. Then vacuum the surface clean.
• Sticky Substances – For sticky substances on upholstery, you will need something to help release the gumminess of the product, such as orange oil.

Contact a Professional for Upholstery Cleaning in Toronto

Removing stains from upholstery requires plenty of care. Using the wrong method or product could permanently ruin the integrity or even discolour your sofa. To take the guesswork out of cleaning your upholstery, contact Babayan’s. We offer professional upholstery cleaning and can even apply a fabric protector to prevent future spills, grease and stains from ruining your upholstery.