Sofas get dirty quickly because they’re used a lot, and eating on them makes stains even more likely. Since the sofa is often the room’s focal point, keeping it clean matters. Here are five common stubborn stains and simple ways to remove them.
Coffee
Blot up as much liquid as you can with a dry cloth. Apply a small amount of liquid detergent to the stain and gently dab with a clean cloth—avoid rubbing, which can push the stain deeper. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove soap, then let it air dry.
Chocolate
Scrape off excess chocolate with a dull knife. Mix a few drops of liquid detergent into 1 cup of warm water and gently apply the solution with a clean cloth, blotting rather than rubbing to prevent the chocolate from sinking in. Finish by blotting with a cloth dipped in cold water and allow the sofa to dry.
Grease
Blot up as much grease as possible with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt over the area and lightly spray with cold water; the salt will help absorb the grease. Once the salt has done its work, vacuum it up. Apply a stain remover following the instructions on your sofa’s care tag and let the fabric dry completely before use.
Ink
Treat ink spills right away to prevent them from soaking in. Blot from the outside of the stain toward the center using a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol—this helps stop the ink from spreading. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so rinsing isn’t usually necessary.
Ketchup and tomato sauce
Remove any excess sauce with a dull knife. Mix one part cold water with half a part dishwashing liquid and blot the stain with the solution. Let the area dry before using the sofa again.
Always check and follow the care label on your sofa before trying any cleaning method. If you frequently deal with stains, consider using a removable sofa cover that can be washed in the machine for easier upkeep.
