They are impossible to avoid and can be difficult to remove but one item can help
Sofa stains can be a real eyesore and can be tough to shift if they aren’t tackled with the right products. It’s near impossible to avoid the odd spillage or stain on your sofa, especially if you have children in your home.
While severe stains may have to be removed professionally, an expert has shared tips for banishing common stains, including ink, chocolate and red wine marks, at home for a fraction of the price.
Joana Sadovskaja, Sofa Expert at Lovesofas, said washing-up liquid, which can be bought for as little as £1, can be a life-saver when tackling tough marks on your couch.
Joana’s top tips for removing stains
Ink stains
Ink stains can be difficult to remove – especially permanent markers. These stains should be addressed immediately, as the longer you leave it, the harder it is to remove completely. Rubbing alcohol and white vinegar are great solutions for tackling ink stains.
Start by gently blotting the stain to remove as much ink as possible, then apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area using a fresh cloth or paper towel. Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water and apply to the stain using a clean cloth. These cleaning solutions should lift the stain, eliminating any traces of ink.
These solutions can be used on materials including cotton, linen, wool, polyester, chenille, nylon, and velvet. However, use them with caution and always check the sofa’s care tag. Avoid using them on leather, as the harsh chemicals can damage the sofa’s finish. Instead, use mild dish soap and warm water to remove ink stains from leather sofas.
Red wine stains
Red wine is an unfortunate stain, as the liquid’s rich pigment and tannins rapidly set into the fabric and can become permanent if left untreated. Tackle this stain using baking soda and white vinegar. Firstly, pour baking soda over the affected area, before applying vinegar. Leave the solutions to sit until a foam develops.
Rinse the area with a damp cloth, repeating the process until the stain is lifted. Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap with 2 cups of water, using a clean cloth to blot the stain. A white vinegar-based solution is safe to use sparingly on most materials, although, this should be avoided on leather, suede, or velvet sofas.
Coffee stains
There is a solution for removing coffee stains if you act fast. Address the stain immediately by blotting the affected area with a clean cloth or paper towel. This should remove the excess liquid before treating the stain.
Mix mild dish soap with water to create a cleaning solution and apply to the stain using a clean cloth. Blot the affected area and repeat the process until the coffee has transferred from the upholstery onto the cloth. Alternatively, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, using a clean cloth to dab the solution onto the stain. Dish soap and water effectively remove stains on most sofas, however, always check the care tag.
Chocolate stains
Chocolate is one of the most awkward stains due to its fast-spreading nature. If this occurs, address the mess immediately. Start by scraping as much of the chocolate as possible, using a spoon or butter knife.
Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of cold water. Dab the solution to the affected area with a clean cloth. Repeat the process until the stain is lifted, then use a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture. This method will work for most materials, however, avoid using too much water and always check the sofa’s care tag.
