Stains, when you hear this name, you get totally disappointed, and when it is upon your upholstery then you are totally out of your mind. You leave everything, run towards your upholstery, and try to remove it as soon as possible. Many types of upholstery stains are easily removable while for some you have to pay a lot. There are different types of stains that may stick to your upholstery blood stains, coffee stains, grease stains, marker stains, sauce stains, sweat stains, wine stains, crayon stains, juice and fruit stains, chocolate stains, etc. These are common types of stains that you have to deal with in your daily life. But you do not have to worry about it as there are many DIY and the best couch stain removal ideas are available.
Stain Removers For Upholstery Fabrics
Stain removal is the process of removing stains or marks or spots left on the surface of your upholstered fabric. Stain removers are generally chemical substances that react chemically with stains and remove them by forming a chemical reaction. Many types of stain removers are present in the market which removes your stains completely or there are many DIY techniques through which you can remove stains easily. Hence, it is upon you which one you choose and it depends upon the type of stain, that is simple or stubborn.
Stain Removal Directions
As you all know that various stain removers are there but there are some general rules which everyone must follow for the application of all types of stain removers whether it is DIY or official. These rules are given below:
- First of all, every upholstery has some written instructions on it. You should go through it as soon as you see the stains over it.
- If not given then treat or try to remove it with water or any type of solvent you have immediately. It is because the removal of stains will be more difficult as the spot remains longer.
- For guarding the fabric against colour transfer or colour change, pre-test it always in an out-of-the-way area.
- Always try to remove stains from the outer edge towards the centre to prevent rings.
- Do not overwet and never apply brush on it as it will cause damage to the fabric.
- After the removal of the stain, rinse it with clear water and dry it with the help of a white towel.
These are general rules which are very important and which you should try first for the removal of stains.
DIY Fabric Stain Removal Tips
There are certain DIY tips that you can use in your day-to-day life for the removal of different stains. These are given below:
- Blood stains: Sponge with cold water if stains are fresh. For dry stains, treat them with warm water.
- Chocolate stains: If the stain is washable then pretreat it with warm water containing enzymes. If the stain is non-washable then apply dilute vinegar to the stain.
- In the case of coffee and tea stains: Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, a liquid laundry detergent, or a paste of detergent and water.
- For grease stains: Use liquid dish soap with a clean cloth to the stain.
- Treatment of wine stains: Cover the stain with salt and pour boiling water over it. Apply diluted white vinegar if the stain remains and then flush it with cold water.
So, in general, whatever the type of stain on your upholstery, first of all, you have to react immediately and treat it with warm or cold water as per the nature of stains, if washable. Otherwise, treat it with diluted vinegar.
What Is The Best Stain Remover For Upholstery Fabrics?
Your upholstered furniture like your couches, dining room sets, armchairs, etc. is more vulnerable to stains, whether it is due to pet accidents, food, and drink spills, or due to any other mess. Hence, to get the correct solution for it, you can try some of the best stain removers for your stained upholstery which are given below:
- Chlorine bleach: It is the most effective stain remover but you have to check on the label of your upholstery before the use of bleach.
- Petroleum-based pretreatment solvent: These solvents are generally used but for especially, but they are used for grease stains. For the treatment of wax, ink, and other makeup stains, these pretreatment solvents have a surfactant base or detergent base and not a solvent base.
- Non-Sudsing household ammonia: It is generally used on wool and silk but if your upholstery has latex paint stains, then ammonia is used but with great care.
- Petroleum jelly: It is proven to be one of the best stain removers for water-based glues and also for lipstick stains. Rubbing the jelly on the fabric loosens its hold on the fabric.
- Rust removers: These are the best when you find rust stains on your upholstery fabric. Do not use it over white or colourfast fabrics.
- Mild dishwashing detergents: Dishwashing detergents are suitable for use over oil or grease stains and also on many types of food stains.
- White vinegar: It is the most common stain remover and is widely used if the stain is non-washable or stubborn. It is effective against the stains of cough syrups, urine stains, salt stains, etc.
A Brief Summary
There are many different types of stains that your upholstery may absorb, of which some are stubborn and very hard to remove. The removal of all these stains, different types of stain removers are also available. You can either make a DIY stain remover or prefer the removers available in the market based on your requirement. But it must be noted that read the instructions on the label of your upholstery before the application of any stain remover. Also, remove the stains as quickly as possible to prevent their absorption within the fibres of the fabric.
Read More:- How Upholstery Cleaning Helps?
