Cleaning upholstery can be difficult for homeowners, and DIY methods can sometimes make stains worse and damage your furniture. If you are having trouble removing a stubborn stain from your sofa, armchair, or loveseat, it may be best to seek the help of an experienced upholstery cleaning professional. They can renew the appearance of your furnishings and get rid of any unsightly stains. This is especially true when dealing with these four common, hard-to-remove stains.
Chocolate
As delicious as chocolate is, it can leave an unsightly stain on your upholstery. Whether it’s a chocolate bar melting in your pocket or a smear from a chocolatey dessert, chocolate stains can be stubborn and leave greasy marks. The key to removing chocolate stains is to act quickly. Start by gently scraping off any excess chocolate with a plastic spatula or the edge of a credit card, being careful not to spread the stain further. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing vigorously, as this can cause the stain to set in further. Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a clean cloth.
Blood
Blood stains can be particularly challenging to remove from upholstery due to their protein-based composition. If you or someone in your household has had a minor accident or a nosebleed on your upholstery, quick action is crucial. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much blood as possible. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain. Instead, use cold water to dilute the stain and continue blotting until no more blood comes off on the cloth. If the stain persists, you can try mixing a solution of cold water and mild detergent or enzyme-based cleaner and gently blot the stain. Rinse with cold water and blot dry. If the stain remains, call your local upholstery cleaner.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is another common culprit for upholstery stains, with its vibrant red color and acidic nature. If you’ve had a pasta or pizza mishap, you’ll want to act quickly to prevent the tomato sauce from setting in. Start by using a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain and remove as much sauce as possible. Be careful not to spread the stain further. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, or white vinegar and water, and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
Red Wine
Red wine spills can be disastrous on upholstery, especially light-colored fabrics. The deep red color and tannins in red wine can leave a stubborn stain that seems almost impossible to remove. The key to tackling red wine stains is to act quickly and avoid spreading the stain. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much wine as possible. Avoid rubbing or pressing too hard, as it can cause the stain to set in further. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, or white vinegar and water, and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
Avoid Further Damage By Calling Our Upholstery Cleaning Team
When a stain occurs on your upholstery, it can be tempting to try and remove it yourself by rubbing, scrubbing, or using a variety of cleaning products. However, this can often do more harm than good. Rubbing a stained area can actually push the pigment deeper into the fibers, making the stain more difficult to remove. Using the wrong product or method can also degrade the fabric and make the stain worse. Instead of trying to remove the stain yourself, it is best to leave it in the hands of our experts. We have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove stains from various types of fabrics.
Leave upholstery stains to the experts at Chem-Dry of Rochester & The Finger Lakes! Call (585) 458-5797 today to speak to a stain removal expert.
