Stains on the couch? 10 simple tips to remove them
“Oops, Daddy got chocolate on the couch!” sounds familiar to me. 😅 A couch (or sofa) sometimes unknowingly attracts all kinds of stains in the house: from wet dog noses to spilled coffee. Fortunately, most stains can be tackled well with a bit of creativity (and our home humor). Below I share 10 concrete tips to get your fabric or leather couch clean again – including favorite products like The Pink Stuff and Fabulosa. Brew a cup of tea, put on those gloves, and get started!
Tip 1: Gather your tools
Before diving into the clutter room, lay out a few things: baking soda, soft cloths or microfiber cloths (for example the Scrub Daddy microfiber cloths), a spray bottle with lukewarm water, and optionally a soft (not too hard) brush. If you have your favorite The Pink Stuff stain remover or Fabulosa all-purpose cleaner, have those ready too. Very handy!
Tip 2: Dry immediately with cloths
Just spilled coffee, cola, or mud on the couch? Reaction 1: immediately place a clean cloth or paper towel on the stain. Dab gently (don’t rub!), so as much moisture as possible is absorbed. That’s like lifesaving first aid for your fabric. A wet black drip point says: “Mom is ready!”
Tip 3: Make a mild cleaner yourself
For fabric couches, I like to make a natural 'milk-paste': a spoonful of baking soda mixed with a small splash of water. Apply this gently to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Baking soda absorbs dirt and odors. Then gently dab it off with a damp cloth (a drop of dish soap in water can help). Afterwards, use a clean, dry cloth to rinse everything out. Voilà, most typical spills disappear like snow in the sun!
Tip 4: Use The Pink Stuff for stubborn stains
If a stain is particularly stubborn (for example red wine or grease), The Pink Stuff scouring paste can be a solution. This mild but effective scrub I rarely use directly on fabric (beware of dyes!). Instead, I mix a little paste with water to make a paste, apply it very carefully to the stain with a toothbrush (or an Eraser Daddy sponge) and then wipe it off. Note: always test first on an inconspicuous spot! Often this miracle product works wonders, even on your favorite couch cover.
Tip 5: Scrub gently with the right sponge
Never use a scouring pad like steel wool, that will damage the fabric. But a softer sponge can help: the Scrub Daddy Eraser Daddy is the miracle product against stains. Moisten the sponge, optionally rub a tiny bit of dish soap on it, and gently dab the stain (make sure the sponge stays moist, not dripping wet!). Then dry with a clean cloth. It looks like laughing, but this is how you tackle drink and food stains without gum in your upholstery!
Tip 6: Special cleaner for the leather (learning) couch
Do you have a leather couch? Then different rules apply. You better not make leather too wet. In that case, use a cloth with some Fabulosa all-purpose cleaner spray (rub lightly, don’t soak). Then wipe dry well. For extra shine: occasionally treat the leather with leather oil (or a purchased leather cleaner). This keeps your couch supple and better resists stains. And by regularly oiling you prevent the leather from drying out – win-win!
Tip 7: Remove odors with baking soda
Has the couch gotten a musty hint (pets using it as a pillow)? Then sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire couch. Let it sit for at least an hour (or overnight) and then vacuum it up. Baking soda neutralizes odors and residues. You won’t read this in a textbook, but I once tried it after a peanut butter sickness incident: 100% success!
Tip 8: Don’t let anything soak in
Whether it’s coffee, saliva, or paint: the faster you act, the greater the chance you’ll get it out. See a stain? Set the clock to action: dab and clean immediately. An old saying: *“Lost stain never returns to your upholstery.”* 😉
Tip 9: Professional tip for very sensitive fabrics
Is it an expensive or antique fabric couch? Then you can also (very occasionally) use a steam cleaner with carpet cleaning solution, or send it for dry cleaning. But honestly, for many everyday items, oil-free dish soap, water, and these (even more fun) natural tricks suffice. If you have a couch with a washability certificate, use the manufacturer’s cleaning advice as your bible.
Tip 10: Enjoy your spotless couch!
Congratulations, you’ve cleaned everything yourself until it’s sparkling! 🎉 Put on your favorite song and sit comfortably on your dust-free throne. See, that built-in snack a few times dusted off is the real party? Don’t forget to occasionally wipe over the cushions with a dry cloth, so a thick layer of dust never settles. A clean, fresh couch is like a fresh start: with a cup of tea you can invite grandpa and grandma again without scratches or stains! Happy (sofa) cleaning! 🛋✨