How to remove stains from a sofa

Sofa stain removal is not a universal science and you’ll need to use different methods depending on two factors. First, the material of the sofa, as this will determine how you approach the stain treatment, whether it’s made from fabric – removable or upholstered –, velvet, suede or leather. The type of stain needs to be considered as well since beverage spills, food stains, ink and crayon marks or pet stains all require different cleaning methods.
Follow along to find out how to remove stains from your specific sofa.

Do you know the best way to clean a fabric sofa?

The good news is that if your sofa is made out of fabric, you’ll be able to remove fabric stains with Vanish Gold Oxi Action Carpet & Upholstery Spot On Spray.. To remove stains from the sofa fabric or simply to freshen up a fabric sofa, identify first if the fabric cover is removable or if the upholstery is attached to the fabric.
- If the sofa fabric cover is removable, the first step is to unfasten it to avoid staining the cushioning underneath. You’ll want to pre-treat the stain, apply a small amount of Vanish powder (mixed with water to make a paste). Leave to work for a maximum of 5 minutes on coloured garments with Vanish Oxi Action Multi Power powder and 10 minutes for whites with Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White Multi Power powder. For tough stains, soak your garment using one scoop of powder and 4L of water. After leaving it on for the required time, wash the cover in the washing machine, making sure to respect the temperature and wash cycle as advised on the care label.
- If your sofa is upholstered, you’ll want to use the Vanish Gold Oxi Action Carpet & Upholstery Spot On Spray. Spot treat the stain, leave it on for a few minutes and wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth.

Follow the steps below to maintain and clean your leather sofa to let it age beautifully and gain a patina that’ll give it character.

• The best way to clean a leather sofa is to start by removing dust with a vacuum cleaner, making sure you reach inside the folds.
• Then, reach for a dry microfiber cloth and wipe down the entirety of the sofa.
• Apply a dedicated leather cleaner to the sofa, following the packaging instructions carefully.
• Pat the leather with a clean, dry cloth.
• For more long-term maintenance, use a leather conditioner once or twice a year to keep it supple!

A velvet sofa is similar to a fabric one, albeit slightly more high maintenance#. You’ll want to clean your velvet sofa and do regular maintenance to keep it looking – and feeling – pristine.

• If the stain is still wet, use paper towels to absorb as much moisture as possible.
• If the stain has solidified in the velvet fibres, use a butter knife to remove as much material as possible.
• Apply a dedicated velvet cleaner to the sofa, following the packaging instructions carefully.
• Make sure to vacuum your velvet sofa weekly and use a dry brush to keep the velvet looking brand-new.

Suede sofas can bring a warm, luxurious vibe to your lounge. However, keep in mind that cleaning a suede sofa can prove quite difficult.

• Start by using a damp cloth to wipe down your suede sofa. To avoid making stains, make sure the fabric isn't too wet.
• On wet stains, start by blotting with paper towels to get rid of any moisture. Use a suede-friendly stain remover as a spot treatment, which you’ll remove with a damp washcloth. Dry with a hair dryer to avoid water stains. Always do a test patch on an invisible area first.
• On other stains such as ink and crayon, a rubber eraser can work wonders.

Keep in mind that we probably spend a great deal of time on our sofas: from relaxing after a day at the office to spending time with kids to socialising with friends over a glass of wine. Here are our best cleaning sofa tips – don’t forget that regular maintenance is just as important as emergency stain removal!

• Make sure to vacuum and wipe down your sofa with a microfiber towel at least weekly to avoid dust buildup and dust mixing with any wet stains that might occur. Don’t forget to reach behind and under the sofa.
• Find the care label for your sofa for cleaning instructions. It’s better to know in advance than in an emergency situation.
• W means you can clean the fabric or cover with water.
• S is for solvent-based cleaners. Do not use water to clean.
• WS means both water and solvent-based cleaners on this material can work.
• X is to warn you not to use water or solvent-based cleaners. Only vacuum this sofa.

Remember that our guidelines are general and your manufacturer might have specific instructions that should be followed when maintaining and removing stains from your sofa.