How to clean upholstered furniture at home: methods, remedies

How to clean upholstered furniture at home is a relevant question for everyone, because during use, various stains often appear on armchairs and sofas, which cannot always be removed immediately. These may be traces from children's hands, food and other things. Of course, the presence of such stains gives any product a completely unflattering appearance.

So, in order to clean the surface from complex contaminants, you have to use the services of specialized companies. But in some cases, you can still try to cope with this problem at home. Today we will look at the most effective methods of dealing with stains on upholstery.

How to clean upholstered furniture at home

Pros and cons of cleaning upholstered furniture yourself

The upholstery of any upholstered furniture requires further care, and in particular cleaning from stains. It is only important to choose the safest and optimal method so as not to damage the product even more.

Basic rules for caring for upholstered furniture

It is worth highlighting the main advantages of carrying out the procedure for cleaning upholstered furniture at home:

some massive sofas, armchairs and other furniture are quite difficult to transport, which is why such products can only be cleaned in an apartment;
due to the absence of transportation, the possibility of damage to furniture is eliminated;
you yourself choose the most suitable means for yourself, taking into account that a child, a pet or an adult with allergies may live in the house;
if it is impossible to clean the surface of a large sofa in one day, then you can divide the work into several stages, because you can do such things slowly;
home cleaning allows you to save a lot of money, considering that calling a dry cleaner is not a cheap pleasure.

You will have to pay several thousand rubles for professional cleaning.

Of course, such manipulations also have some disadvantages:

if you select one or another product incorrectly, you can ruin the upholstery of the sofa, because aggressive alkali or bleaches are contraindicated for certain materials;
at home it is quite difficult to rinse the surface perfectly, as a result of which stains often remain on the sofa;
some traces of chemicals that pose a danger to humans and animals may remain on the surface;
Due to improper cleaning, the service life of the sofa is reduced.

Where to begin?

Usually neat people, when they see a stain on the upholstery, try to clean it using the first stain remover they come across. However, if you do this thoughtlessly, you can get rid of dirt and odor, while ruining the upholstery.

Assessing the type of stain

Dust, dirt from open windows, microthreads from clothes, traces of sweat and sebum accumulate on the surface of the sofa. Small children and pets pose a great “danger” to the cleanliness of upholstered furniture, because smears of paint, plasticine, prints from dirty paws and other traces of happy leisure time inevitably remain on the upholstery.

And for those who like to snack on the couch, the upholstery is often stained with food. Grease stains, traces of sauces, spilled coffee or wine - all this greatly spoils the appearance of the furniture.

On the kitchen sofa, in addition to all of the above, soot and grease from cooking settle, and the smells of fish, fried onions and other odors are introduced into the filling. Smoke from cigarettes is soot, soot and the nasty smell of stale tobacco.

Assessing the type of upholstery

Before cleaning the upholstery, you need to make sure that the chosen product will not harm it. Any stain remover needs to be tested in action:

Apply a small amount in an inconspicuous place (behind or under the sofa).
If after applying the product there are no traces left on the upholstery, then the product is safe.

Helpful Tips:

flock or velor coverings cannot be cleaned with hard brushes, and the use of alcohol-containing liquids is prohibited;
For microfiber upholstery, only dry cleaning is suitable; the surface of the sofa can be wetted only in the most extreme cases;
to clean light-colored upholstery, you should use only white rags, otherwise the dye from the rag will leave marks on the surface of the furniture, and even more likely, lint will get caught between the fibers and leave unsightly stains;
It is not recommended to clean leather furniture with organic solvents.

For any type of upholstery, the use of bleaches and concentrated acids is excluded.

Preparatory stage

To clean a sofa with your own hands, you need to prepare first:

if there are removable covers, they need to be removed and washed;
remove dust by cleaning the furniture with a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment for furniture;
It is not recommended to clean a velor sofa with a vacuum cleaner; in this case, the sofa is covered with a clean, slightly damp cloth and knocked out using a beater. If the furniture has not been cleaned for a long time, the fabric will need to be periodically removed and rinsed;
If there are traces of dirt, plasticine, wax, chewing gum on the upholstery, they must be removed mechanically using a plastic spatula. Wax and chewing gum must be pre-cooled by applying an ice pack to the area of contamination;
From upholstery made of fabric with a pile, dirt should be removed mechanically as carefully as possible so as not to damage the pile.

After the preparatory work, you can begin general cleaning or local stain removal. If you just need to refresh the upholstery, just go through it with a washing vacuum cleaner.

Methods for cleaning upholstered furniture yourself

Dirt on the surface of a sofa or chair not only spoils its appearance, but is also an excellent breeding ground for various microorganisms. That is why you should carry out regular cleaning of products not only because of the desire to preserve the appearance of the structure, but for the sake of the health of your family.

Dirty upholstered furniture is the best environment for the growth of bacteria, which entails danger for adults and especially children.

Important point! Before using any cleaning method, apply the product to an inconspicuous area of the upholstery and then rinse. Only after complete drying can we conclude that the furniture will not be damaged.

Cleaning with vinegar, powder and soda: step-by-step instructions

This cleaning method is best suited for items with light-colored upholstery. After all, this product does not leave marks on the surface.

Step 1. Add 25 grams of washing powder and soda to the spray bottle.

Use regular baking soda

Step 2. Next, this mixture must be filled with vinegar (it is enough to take a third of the glass).

Only clear vinegar 7% will do.

Step 3. Pour boiling water into the resulting composition. The result should be 500 milliliters of product.

Use a funnel to avoid spilling boiling water past the bottle

Step 4. Next, you need to tightly close the sprayer with a lid and shake it to form foam.

Screw the sprayer on tightly to prevent product from spilling.

Step 5. The resulting mixture should be applied to the dirt.

You need to spray from a distance of 20-25 centimeters

Step 6. Next, use a dishwashing sponge to remove stains from upholstered furniture.

Don't use the rough side of the sponge

Many housewives note that this cleaning method is even suitable for updating overly greasy areas of upholstered furniture. In this case, just one procedure will not be enough, so the same steps should be repeated the next day.

Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning upholstered furniture: step-by-step instructions

This method, too, as in the previous case, will help cope with stains on light-colored upholstered furniture. In addition, the composition helps eliminate unpleasant, musty odors.

Step 1. Add hydrogen peroxide (3%) in the amount of 20 drops to a container with one liter of water.

Hydrogen peroxide

Step 2. In order for a thick foam to form, you need to add any liquid dishwashing detergent. It only takes a few drops.

Dishwashing liquid

Step 3. This mixture should be thoroughly foamed, and then poured into a spray bottle.

The mixture must be thoroughly foamed

Step 4. Spray the surface of the upholstered furniture generously with this composition, and then remove the dirt with a sponge or rag.

Carefully remove dirt using a rag or sponge

Using vinegar: step-by-step instructions

Vinegar has special oxidizing properties, which quickly removes any dirt and even grease from the surface. This product also eliminates pungent odors, including traces of animal activity.

Step 1. Add half a glass of vinegar to one liter of warm liquid.

Add vinegar

Step 2. Next, you need to add a few drops of liquid soap to the composition.

Liquid soap

Step 3. As in previous cases, the solution should be thoroughly mixed, poured into a spray bottle, and then sprayed on the furniture.

You can start cleaning the furniture

Lemon juice against stains

Lemon juice has the same properties as vinegar; it effectively fights even greasy stains. In addition, this is an absolutely safe product that also leaves a pleasant aroma on the surface.

Step-by-step instruction

Step 1. Add about 150 milliliters of lemon juice to half a liter of water.

Lemon juice

Step 2. Next, the mixture must be poured into a spray bottle and applied to the stains. Now you can clean the surface with a sponge.

Cleaning the surface with a sponge

Cleaning with salt and vinegar

This is a fairly popular method of cleaning any soft surfaces, which not only removes all kinds of dirt, but also helps restore the product to its original appearance - the surface becomes bright and fresh.

Step-by-step instruction

Step 1. Add about 30 grams of salt and a little vinegar to a liter of water.

Salt and vinegar

Step 2. Next, you need to take a large piece of cotton fabric (an old sheet will do) and soak it in this solution. After which it is necessary to cover the entire surface of the upholstered furniture with a cloth.

Soaking fabric in solution

Step 3. Then you need to take a special carpet flapper and beat the surface with it until all the dirt remains on the fabric.

Carpet flapper

Step 4. Next, all that remains is to send the dirty fabric to the wash or throw it away.

Washing fabric

After completing this procedure, the upholstered furniture should be rinsed several times with clean water and wiped with a sponge. If necessary, such actions can be repeated after some time.

Ammonia for cleaning upholstered furniture

Ammonia is often used to remove stubborn greasy marks from the surface.

Step-by-step instruction

Step 1. Pour 45 milliliters of ammonia into 1 liter of water at room temperature, and then 30 milliliters of vinegar.

All ingredients must be mixed

Step 2. This solution is applied to the surface of the sofa using a spray bottle and then thoroughly wiped with a sponge.

If a sprayer is not available, the solution can be applied using a rag or sponge.

Important point! It should be borne in mind that this is a potent composition, which, in addition to removing stains, has the property of lightening, so it is not suitable for all fabrics. Be prepared for stains to remain on the surface of dark furniture.

Ready-made chemicals

You can also clean the sofa with chemicals. While studying the sofa cleaning product, we familiarize ourselves with its description and rules of use. The description indicates what type of fabric it is intended for:

"Vanish " The line of this product includes shampoo, antibacterial agent and powder. For coatings that do not tolerate moisture, we use the latter (cleaning using the dry method);
"Marseille Soap" . Contains olive oil and baking soda. Used to clean small stains. Wet the soap, rub the stained area and after 20 minutes rinse with a damp cloth;
"Denkmit" - foam for cleaning carpet and sofa upholstery. We use it for velvet, tapestry and silk coverings;
"Sama " Effectively fights old stains, dirt and bacteria;
Bagi "Shtihonit" . We use it as a stain remover and as a complete cleaning agent;

Advice! Do not let the product dry, otherwise it will leave streaks that are difficult to wash off.

We also recommend that all housewives find out how to wash kitchen towels from old grease stains and odors.

"Pro Brite " An environmentally friendly product, suitable for people with allergies. It has a sprayer that is convenient for applying the product to local areas of the upholstery;
"Dufta" , "Simple Solution" , "Nature's Miracle" . These products effectively combat unpleasant odors and completely eliminate them.

Using household chemicals to clean upholstered furniture

On sale you can find a large number of different products that are suitable for removing marks from any soft surface. We will look at the most effective of them.

Table No. 1. The most effective means.

Remedy, illustration	Action
"Sun Klin"	This is a universal substance that allows you to best remove all kinds of dirt from sofas, carpets, and car seats. As many housewives note, the product quickly copes with even traces of children's creativity. Just spray it on the surface, then wait about 5-10 minutes and remove the stains with a brush.
"Grass Universal"	This is also a fairly well-known universal product that is used for cleaning soft surfaces. It copes with traces of fat and even unpleasant odors. The main advantage is the low price and the absence of the need to wash off the composition after use.
"Karcher"	This product is available in the form of tablets, which must be dissolved in a liquid at room temperature before use. The main advantage is that such a solution allows you to remove even old stains in a few seconds. It is recommended to wash it off with clean water.
"Vanish"	The product is available both in the form of a cleaning gel and powder. It not only allows you to cope with dirt, but also disinfects any surface in the best way.
Spray Denkmit	The product is sold in the form of a gel and spray and helps remove stains. It is used exclusively for dry cleaning of furniture.
Gel Sama	This is a gel that helps effectively remove even old, stubborn stains, against which other formulations are powerless.
Marseille soap	This is a substance for cleaning upholstered furniture, which contains only components of natural origin (olive oil and soda). The product is most suitable for cleaning delicate fabrics.
Gel Faberlic	Available in the form of a gel and a special pencil. It is necessary to apply this product for 15-20 minutes, and then remove any remaining dirt with a sponge.

It is important to remember that some products have a high alkali content in their composition. This means that you should definitely use protective rubber gloves for your hands while working.

Blot moisture and remove solid debris

If the stains are runny and fresh, remove them as soon as possible using paper towels. For already hardened substances, such as mayonnaise or cheese, use the edge of a blunt plastic ruler or other plastic product to remove as much of the solid as possible.

Never scrub the area because doing so will only push the stain particles deeper into the fibers of the fabric. For dry solids, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the dry matter.

If the upholstery can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, mix one-quarter cup of liquid dish soap and one cup of warm water in a small bowl. Bring the resulting mixture to create foam.

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Dip the sponge into the foam and wipe the stain. Try to rub only with a clean area of the sponge as the stain will transfer.

Methods for mechanical cleaning of furniture

These are the simplest methods of combating various traces that will not require too much time.

Table No. 2. Mechanical cleaning of upholstered furniture: methods.

Way	Description
Vacuum cleaner	In this case, using a regular vacuum cleaner, you can remove superficial traces of dirt from the upholstery. This method is especially suitable for pet lovers, because their fur often remains on the sofa and armchairs. Once cleaning is complete, you can walk over the surface with a damp cloth.
Using a washing vacuum cleaner	Using such a device allows you to better remove even stubborn stains. In this case, cleaning should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the upholstery. This vacuum cleaner comes with a special brush that removes dirt. There is a rotating mechanism inside it, due to which the dirt quickly moves away from the surface. In this way you can cope with various bacteria.
Steam generator	Using a steam generator is the most modern and effective way to remove contaminants. Thanks to steam treatment, the surface of the furniture becomes perfectly clean and smooth, as if in its original form. This is the best method for eliminating pathogens and various parasites that can live in fleecy material. Using this cleaning method, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules: · use dry steam; · work at high temperatures; · control pressure. Upon completion of the cleaning procedure, you need to take a microfiber and walk over the entire surface of the furniture - due to the action of steam, the stains become soft and can be easily removed with a cloth.

Video - How to quickly clean a sofa upholstery

We use a vacuum cleaner

A simple and obvious way to get rid of dust is to use a vacuum cleaner. At the same time, pay attention to its power and the degree of filling of the dust collector. The worse the unit “pulls”, the more dust will remain in the sofa, since you can only remove the very surface layer. A modern high-power model will cope best with the task.

To remove dust, use a special nozzle designed for processing upholstered furniture. Pay special attention to the recess between the back and the seat of the folding sofa-book - it is cleaned using a narrow crevice nozzle or simply a pipe without a nozzle.

Decorative seams and places where buttons are installed are treated in the same way - dust and crumbs accumulate under them.

You can clean the sofa with either a regular or a washing vacuum cleaner. In the second case, the quality of cleaning is higher, but the furniture will require time to dry. Using a vacuum cleaner with a water filter, you can track how well the dust has been removed if you clean the furniture twice, replacing the water in the filter before the second treatment.

Types of stains and methods of combating

Over time, various stains begin to appear on any fabric. For some housewives, they may seem completely irreducible. At the same time, it is quite simple to cope with common contaminants using certain manipulations.

Table No. 3. Types of stains and cleaning methods.

View	Cleaning method
Fat	If there is a fresh greasy stain on upholstered furniture, it will need to be immediately sprinkled with starch. After a few minutes, you need to vacuum up the starch and then wipe the fabric with a damp cloth and detergent.
Sweets, tea	In this case, even a weak solution of vinegar with the addition of detergent will work perfectly.
Wine	Fresh wine stains can be easily removed from the surface with salt. Just sprinkle them and then vacuum them. For greater efficiency, the procedure can be repeated two or three times, after which it is recommended to wet clean the furniture.
Blood	Fresh marks are also quite easy to remove from upholstered furniture. In this case, the surface must be rinsed generously with ice water. If this does not help, then it is recommended to take several pieces of ice and move them across the surface until they completely melt.
Ink, cosmetics, nail coating	These are the most difficult stains to remove, which are almost impossible to deal with, but you can still try. In this case, in addition to detergent, you will have to use acetone or ethyl alcohol. To do this, first apply the composition to a small area of the fabric, and only then to the entire surface. This is done in order to eliminate the possibility of damage to the upholstery.
Urine	A trace of urine is an organic contamination. If it was installed quite recently, it is recommended to pre-treat it with a vinegar solution and then sprinkle it with soda. If the stain is old, then the best solution would be to use a manganese solution, but this method is only suitable for dark fabrics. Light upholstery can be cleaned with a solution of citric acid and a special shampoo.
Chewing gum	You can remove gum from the surface by pre-freezing. Therefore, you will need to apply an ice cube to the surface of the upholstery. When the gum hardens, it should be carefully removed from the surface using a knife. If a mark remains on the fabric, it can be easily removed with alcohol.
Wax	You should not try to wipe off newly dripped wax from the surface, otherwise you may permanently damage the upholstery. You need to wait until it hardens, after which it can be crumbled and scraped off with a knife. Place a napkin on the remaining stain and run a hot iron over it. Such manipulations will have to be repeated many times until the mark disappears.
Glue	You can remove stains from various types of durable glue with a special product called “anti-glue.”

If you make an effort, you can cope with any pollution

What is required for cleaning

Deep cleaning your sofa will require a few basic steps. While you should vacuum your sofa weekly, general upholstery cleaning and stain removal should be done on an as-needed basis.

What materials will you need:

Vacuum cleaner.

Liquid soap for washing dishes.

Warm water.

Sponge or cloth.

Chemical solvents (if the stains are very persistent).

Baking soda.

Features of cleaning upholstery made of various materials

When choosing one or another method of cleaning upholstered furniture, it is necessary to take into account the structure of the material. If you ignore this point, you can only ruin the fabric.

Table No. 4. Materials and features of their cleaning.

Material	Cleaning feature
Genuine leather or leather substitute	This surface is the easiest to clean. It is enough to wipe it with a cloth soaked in soapy water or a damp cloth, after which the surface must be dried. If there is damage to the skin, use a special product called “liquid skin”. Stubborn stains can be easily removed with alcohol. The last step is to polish the surface.
Velor, flock, chenille	These are the most stain-resistant materials that have good moisture-repellent properties. They can be cleaned with any chemical or household products, the main thing is to take into account the color of the material. Even greasy marks can be removed with soapy water and a sponge.
Suede	This is also a stain-resistant material that can be quickly cleaned with any specialized chemical. When the surface dries, you should brush it to restore its original volume.
Silk	This is the most “capricious” material that is easily damaged by various chemicals. In addition, even when exposed to steam, it is easy to leave a stain on the surface. You can clean such a fabric with a sponge, which you will have to first wrap in a napkin and then moisten it in a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide.

If you follow these rules, you can easily clean any upholstery.

Video - Effective ways to clean upholstered furniture

Delicate upholstery

Some types of upholstery fabric (velvet, velor) do not tolerate cleaning methods with strong mechanical impact - vacuuming and beating. This is due to damage to the pile - after several cleaning cycles, the upholstery loses its outer luster, and over time, abrasions and bald spots form on it.

Such sofas are cleaned of dust manually, using gentle methods - using a soft brush, a damp cloth, which can be used to gently brush off the dust from the surface. But in order to destroy saprophytic mites and remove dirt without harming the lint, it is recommended to turn to the services of a dry cleaner that works at home.

Modern professional products for cleaning and treating upholstered furniture are hypoallergenic and do not have a strong odor.

Useful tips

Before you start cleaning upholstered furniture at home, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

Test the product. To test the fabric's reaction to a specific product, you must first apply a few drops to an inconspicuous part of the upholstery and wait 10 minutes. Only after it becomes clear that the substance has not affected the structure of the tissue can the process be continued.
Protect the surface from streaks. When cleaning a sofa, unsightly stripes (stains) often begin to appear on the surface; in order to prevent this process, it is recommended to first vacuum the surface.
You should not use several products at the same time. After all, it is impossible to predict what reaction they may have.
Clean furniture from stains in a timely manner. As you know, fresh dirt is much easier to remove with any chemical means, so cleaning must be done as early as possible.
Use bleaches with caution. Products containing this component are absolutely not suitable for any non-ferrous materials.
Dry upholstered furniture thoroughly. Upon completion of cleaning, it is recommended to immediately dry the surface with warm air. If this is not done, an unpleasant musty odor may appear. Especially when it comes to fabric surfaces.

All upholstered furniture should be cleaned periodically

Precautionary measures

First of all, you need to take care of yourself and your loved ones. The products used in dry cleaning have an alkaline or acidic structure. They do not harm the fabric, but can harm the skin or cause allergies. Therefore, working without rubber gloves is strictly prohibited.

Many detergents contain volatile substances that can cause burns to the mucous membranes. Therefore, it is better to use a mask, even if the room is well ventilated. This rule also applies to homemade solutions using alcohol and ammonia. Volatile compounds of these substances can pick up and transport harmful elements released during the cleaning process through the air.

It is imperative to isolate children during dry cleaning.

Any product, whether made independently or purchased in a store, should first be tried on an inconspicuous part of the furniture. It is better to do this from the back of the sofa. After applying the solution, you should let it dry. If it does not damage the fabric or its coloring, you can safely use the product on the entire surface. There are fabrics for which there are restrictions on the use of certain chemicals:

Flock is afraid of alcohol.
Artificial suede and microfiber do not like water. Dry clean only.
When cleaning jacquard, the temperature of the washing solution should be no more than 40 degrees.
Plush and velvet can be damaged by aggressive detergents.
Velor does not tolerate abrasives well.
When cleaning scotch guard, do not use bleach.

The use of bleaches, acetones, and acids in their pure form is strictly prohibited. They can only be used in small concentrations. Very hot water can age the upholstery, colors will fade, and elasticity will disappear. Apply cleaning solutions only to a sponge or brush, and not to the sofa cover. Light-colored upholstery should only be cleaned with white cloths, otherwise it may become stained. A poorly washed fabric will be destroyed by residual detergents, so you should carefully remove all traces of cleaning.

After studying the simple instructions, everyone will become a specialist no worse than a professional from a cleaning company. If the owner himself takes care of his favorite furniture, he will do a much better job. The money you save can be spent on sweets and eaten with a cup of fragrant coffee, sitting comfortably on a clean, favorite sofa. But at the same time, we should not forget about caution so that we do not have to start dry cleaning at home again.

Let's sum it up

It is not necessary to spend extra money on dry cleaning upholstered furniture if such a procedure can be carried out at home using the above procedures. In order to make your task easier, it is recommended to put protective covers on sofas and armchairs, because it will be much easier to remove and wash such products in the washing machine.

In cases where it is impossible to get rid of stains, it becomes necessary to replace the sofa upholstery. You can read more about how to reupholster a sofa in our article.

Selection of detergents

A well-chosen product will help both clean upholstered furniture at home and make it look fresh. Any of these should first be tested in an inconspicuous area, such as under an armrest. The treated area is left for the time specified by the manufacturer (approximately 15–30 minutes), after which the result is assessed.

Few people know the best way to clean a sofa made from different types of fabrics at home. Experts recommend using the following methods:

Upholstery	Cleaning method
Tapestry	The upholstery is very capricious; dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner will help to clean it. Stains are removed with foam cleaner, but with a small amount of water.
Silk, velvet	Manufacturers have come up with powdered cleaners for such upholstery.
Velor, flock	A microfiber cloth soaked in a vinegar solution will help remove stains from a sofa made of these fabrics. Contamination is carefully wiped several times
Regular synthetic upholstery	The fabric is unpretentious, amenable to both folk methods and household chemicals
Leather	To get rid of dirt at home, a soap solution or a special cleaner is suitable. You can also treat stains locally with toothpaste or hairspray.

An important factor in choosing a detergent is the color of the sofa. Light-colored upholstery is more whimsical, and dirt is more visible on them. In this case, bleach should not be used.

Home methods

Time-tested means at hand allow you to safely clean your sofa from dirt at home. The procedure for removing stains from fabric and leather upholstery will vary. The first type is cleaned in the following ways:

Water and detergent. Household chemicals foam in water in a ratio of 1:9. Leave the liquid on the upholstery for 15–30 minutes.
Soda with salt. Mixing 2 ingredients allows you to both clean the sofa and neutralize foreign odors. You can sprinkle powder on the stains or lubricate the stains with gruel (add water to soda and salt). After 1–2 hours, remove the mixture from the upholstery.
Baking powder for the dough. A solution of 2 tablespoons of the substance, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 liter of water is left on the upholstery for up to 1 hour, which allows you to simultaneously refresh it.
Hydrogen peroxide. The substance is mixed with water at a ratio of 1:1. The solution should act on contaminated areas for 2 hours.
Brine. The crystals are soaked in water - the paste applied to the furniture will remove the stain in 2-3 hours.

For leather upholstery, diluted ammonia and soap solution are suitable. They moisten a rag and wipe away stains. After 5 minutes, wipe the furniture with a clean damp cloth.

Detergent

Soda and salt

Baking powder

Brine

Special household chemicals

Using special products, you can clean both light and dark sofas at home. Among the variety of household chemicals, the following compositions work most effectively:

"Vanish." The cleaner comes in the form of shampoo, powder, spray. The first is diluted with water at a ratio of 1:9, foamed, applied with a sponge or brush, left for 30–60 minutes, and dried the surface of the furniture with a vacuum cleaner. The powder is poured onto the stain, lightly rubbed in with a brush, and washed off after half an hour. The spray is sprayed onto the problem area, after 5 minutes it is wiped with a damp cloth.
Chrisal. The Belgian product allows you to effectively eliminate stains, repulsive odors, and dangerous microorganisms. Rub the stain with this substance, and after 20 minutes remove the remaining product with a damp cloth.
Allergy Free. The health-safe liquid cleaner will be especially appreciated by people suffering from asthma and allergies. The product foams well, penetrates deep into the dirt, eliminating it in 15 minutes.
Antipyatin soap. It will not spoil even silk and woolen fabrics. Soap does not cause allergies and removes many types of stains, even old ones. It is enough to lather a sponge with it and rub it over the stains several times; after 15–20 minutes, the stain should disappear.

Effective ways to remove the smell of cat urine from a sofa and armchairs

Dr. stain removers are most effective. Beckmann, Udalix Ultra. The products remove stains of any complexity. Contaminated areas are treated and washed with a clean cloth after 15 minutes.

"Vanish"

Chrisal

Antipyatin soap

Step-by-step instructions for changing the upholstery of a sofa at home

As already mentioned, this process is painstaking and requires care, so all tools must be purchased and prepared in advance.

To replace the furniture surface you will need:

A screwdriver and pliers, as well as some other tools that will come in handy when disassembling the sofa.
Flathead screwdriver for removing staples from old fabric.
Furniture stapler to secure new upholstery.
Scissors, chalk or soap, threads - all this will be useful when cutting out new upholstery.

To change the upholstery on your sofa, you need to follow these steps.

Disassemble the sofa

This is done in order to replace the material on each part separately for greater reliability. If the furniture has a complex structure, then you can mark each part or sketch out an assembly diagram so as not to confuse each element. All bolts and other small parts should be placed in a separate box so as not to be lost.

Dismantling the sofa

Remove old upholstery material

Usually the fabric is secured with staples, but small nails can also be found. Removal must be done extremely carefully, so that when completely removed, you get a sample for a new pattern. There is no need to forcefully remove the fabric without removing the fasteners. You must always remember that integrity is paramount.

Removing old upholstery material

Check all elements for suitability

It often happens that a person does not notice that any part of the sofa is damaged. Therefore, it is better to check everything at once and fix the breakdown than to later resort to repairing its individual elements. If all components are in order, then it is advisable to lubricate all mechanisms to prolong the usefulness of the furniture.

We check all elements for suitability

Prepare old material

To do this, you should spray it with water, and then smooth out all the folds and corners with an iron in order to measure the required dimensions on the new fabric as accurately as possible.

Preparing old materials

Make patterns

To do this, you need to spread the new material on a flat surface (for example, the floor) and fix it in one position using heavy objects placed on the edges. Next, you need to apply the old samples and trace them as evenly and accurately as possible on the new material with chalk or soap. All that remains is to cut the blanks along the marked lines and secure the edges on the sewing machine.

Making patterns for sofa upholstery

Install new material

There remains the last, but no less important and responsible part - reupholstering the new material on the furniture. It is best to do this with two people, so that one holds the material taut and the other secures it. In this case, you will need a furniture stapler to fix the fabric on the sofa.

Installing new material

When everything worked out, you need to put the sofa back together according to the diagram drawn in advance or from memory.

How to change the upholstery of a leather sofa?

As mentioned earlier, replacing leather covering is much more difficult than replacing classic fabric. Other tools and skills may be needed here, since it is quite difficult to reupholster furniture with leather. Therefore, an ordinary person simply cannot do it due to the lack of special skills. The help of a specialist will be the best option, since the craftsmen have the necessary skills, and it will be easier for them to cope with such a task if they have special tools. It may be necessary to move the sofa to a workshop where professionals will be more comfortable working.