When it comes to furniture, nothing can ruin a look faster than stains. Here are some tips to help you get rid of those bothersome spots:
1. Don’t Let the Stain Set In
The longer a stain sits on your furniture, the harder it will be to repair. So if you spill something on your sofa or bed, remove it as soon as possible with a clean cloth and water so that it doesn’t soak in too deep. You can also use a gentle soap or a detergent that’s safe for color-safe fabrics — like Woolite or baby shampoo — instead of harsher cleaners.
2. Handle Tough Spots Gently
Even if you clean up that coffee spill right away, there might still be traces of the stain left behind. If that’s the case, gently rub an ice cube over the spot to try and dissolve what’s left of the stain before applying a cleaning solution. Then, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to dry it out
3. For fresh red wine or juice stains, don’t let the stain dry out first, but blot as much as you can with a clean cloth or paper towels. Then mix a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water and apply it to the stain (this is not recommended for wool). Wait five minutes, then rinse out with cold water and blot dry.
4. For ink or marker stains on wood, use a soft cloth dipped in club soda to blot up as much of the stain as possible before you begin treatment. Mix 1/4 cup of ammonia and one cup of white vinegar in a bowl; soak a clean cloth in the mixture and apply to the stain. Let sit for 30 minutes or longer, then rinse with warm water and blot dry.
