34 Homemade Upholstery Cleaner Recipes

Keeping your furniture fresh and clean doesn't have to be complicated or expensive! You can whip up effective upholstery cleaners right at home using simple, natural ingredients.

These DIY solutions are not only budget-friendly but also a safer choice for your family and pets, avoiding harsh chemicals found in many store-bought products.

Get ready to refresh your sofas, chairs, and car interiors with these easy, must-try recipes!.

Table of Contents

1. Natural Upholstery Cleaner with Vinegar and Lemon

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This gentle, all-natural upholstery cleaner uses simple ingredients like vinegar and lemon essential oil to refresh and clean your fabrics.

It's a fantastic way to lift dirt and grime without leaving behind any harsh fumes.

You'll love how it leaves your furniture looking cleaner and smelling subtly fresh, all while being safe to use around kids and pets..

Key Ingredients:

  • Cold water
  • Vinegar
  • Sal Suds
  • Lemon essential oil

Benefits:

  • Natural cleaning
  • Safe for kids and pets
  • Fresh scent

Pro Tip: Always vacuum your upholstery thoroughly before cleaning to remove loose dirt and debris, ensuring you're not just rubbing it in.

Get the Recipe: Natural Upholstery Cleaner with Vinegar and Lemon

2. Baking Soda & Lavender Upholstery Freshener

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Give your sofas and mattresses a wonderful refresh with this simple baking soda and lavender oil blend.

It's perfect for absorbing odors and refreshing fabrics naturally.

Just sprinkle it on, let it work its magic for an hour, and then vacuum it away to reveal a cleaner, better-smelling upholstery..

Key Ingredients:

  • Baking soda
  • Lavender essential oil

Benefits:

  • Odor absorption
  • Natural freshening
  • Soothing scent

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your vacuum bag to release a lovely scent throughout your home each time you vacuum.

Get the Recipe: Baking Soda & Lavender Upholstery Freshener

3. Miracle Fabric Cleaner for Tough Stains

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This 'miracle' fabric cleaner is a powerful yet simple solution for tackling stubborn stains on upholstery.

Made with just a few common ingredients, it's incredibly effective on grease, grass, and even set-in stains.

It's a must-try for restoring your fabrics to look like new again with minimal effort..

Key Ingredients:

  • Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda

Benefits:

  • Tackles tough stains
  • Restores fabrics
  • Inexpensive to make

Pro Tip: For extra tough stains, sprinkle a little baking soda over the stain to make a paste, let it sit for about an hour, then proceed with the cleaner.

Get the Recipe: Miracle Fabric Cleaner for Tough Stains

4. Rubbing Alcohol & Vinegar Upholstery Spray

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This easy-to-make spray uses rubbing alcohol and vinegar to effectively clean and remove stains from various fabrics, including microfiber and car upholstery.

It dries quickly and leaves a pleasant scent thanks to essential oils.

It’s a wonderful, safe option for keeping your furniture looking its best..

Key Ingredients:

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • White vinegar
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Rosemary essential oil

Benefits:

  • Quick drying
  • Effective stain removal
  • Pleasant scent

Pro Tip: Always do a spot test in a hidden area before applying to a larger surface to ensure colorfastness.

Get the Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol & Vinegar Upholstery Spray

5. Dawn & Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner

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This powerful homemade cleaner combines the stain-fighting power of Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide to tackle even the trickiest upholstery stains.

It's surprisingly effective on grease, grass, and general grime, leaving your furniture looking clean and refreshed.

Remember to always test in an inconspicuous spot first!.

Key Ingredients:

  • Dish soap (Dawn recommended)
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Benefits:

  • Powerful stain removal
  • Works on tough grime
  • Safe for most fabrics

Pro Tip: When cleaning stains, rub upwards towards the ceiling rather than down into the fabric to avoid pushing the stain deeper.

Get the Recipe: Dawn & Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner

6. Simple Upholstery Spot Cleaner

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For quick spot cleaning on your upholstery, this simple DIY recipe is a lifesaver.

Using just Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, it’s designed to lift stains and dirt efficiently.

It’s a go-to solution for refreshing your furniture without a lot of fuss or complicated steps..

Key Ingredients:

  • Dawn dish soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Benefits:

  • Quick stain removal
  • Easy to make
  • Effective cleaning

Pro Tip: Allow the cleaner to sit on the upholstery for 2-3 minutes before gently scrubbing with a microfiber cloth for best results.

Get the Recipe: Simple Upholstery Spot Cleaner

7. Dawn, Vinegar & Club Soda Upholstery Cleaner

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This simple three-ingredient cleaner is a powerhouse for tackling tough stains on car upholstery and other fabrics.

Combining Dawn dish soap, white vinegar, and club soda, it effectively lifts grease, juice, and even old mystery stains.

The solution works by loosening dirt, while the club soda helps lift it away, leaving your fabric looking fresh and clean..

Key Ingredients:

  • Club Soda
  • Blue Dawn Dish Soap
  • White Vinegar

Benefits:

  • Lifts tough stains
  • Neutralizes odors
  • Cost-effective

Pro Tip: Adjust the ratios of the ingredients based on the severity of the stain. For tougher messes, you might need a bit more Dawn.

Get the Recipe: Dawn, Vinegar & Club Soda Upholstery Cleaner

8. Detergent, Vinegar & Baking Soda Upholstery Cleaner

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For stubborn stains that just won't budge, this powerful trio of laundry detergent, white vinegar, and baking soda is your go-to.

It tackles dirt and grime effectively, leaving upholstery looking brighter and fresher.

The baking soda paste is particularly great for scrubbing away those tough marks, restoring your furniture to its former glory..

Key Ingredients:

  • Laundry Detergent
  • White Vinegar
  • Baking Soda

Benefits:

  • Removes stubborn stains
  • Brightens fabric
  • Natural ingredients

Pro Tip: Always test this cleaner on an inconspicuous area of your upholstery first to ensure colorfastness.

Get the Recipe: Detergent, Vinegar & Baking Soda Upholstery Cleaner

9. Simple DIY Fabric Couch Cleaner

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This gentle yet effective cleaner uses a simple mix of warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar to refresh your fabric couch.

It's perfect for lifting everyday stains and neutralizing those lingering odors, especially from pets.

Just blot the solution onto the stained area to lift grime without pushing it deeper into the fabric..

Key Ingredients:

  • Warm Water
  • Dish Soap
  • White Vinegar

Benefits:

  • Lifts stains
  • Deodorizes fabric
  • Gentle formula

Pro Tip: For persistent pet odors, a generous sprinkle of baking soda left overnight before vacuuming can work wonders.

Get the Recipe: Simple DIY Fabric Couch Cleaner

10. All-Purpose Cleaner for Upholstery & Carpets

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This versatile DIY cleaner, made with hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and Dawn dish soap, is a fantastic all-rounder.

It tackles a wide range of stains from wine to coffee and is especially effective on pet accidents, leaving your carpets and upholstery smelling fresh.

The bubbling action of the baking soda and vinegar mixture helps lift out the mess..

Key Ingredients:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Distilled White Vinegar
  • Dawn Dish Soap
  • Baking Soda

Benefits:

  • Multi-surface cleaning
  • Removes odors and stains
  • Non-toxic

Pro Tip: If you have dark-colored upholstery, test the hydrogen peroxide mixture in an inconspicuous spot first, as it can be a bleaching agent.

Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Cleaner for Upholstery & Carpets

11. Peroxide & Dish Soap Upholstery Stain Remover

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This potent cleaner, featuring peroxide and dish soap, is a dream for tackling tough stains like peanut butter grease on white sofas.

It's effective at releasing oils and gunk, leaving fabrics looking revitalized.

It works wonders as a spot treatment, making your furniture look as good as new..

Key Ingredients:

  • Peroxide
  • Dish Soap
  • Water

Benefits:

  • Tackles greasy stains
  • Restores white fabrics
  • Spot treatment powerhouse

Pro Tip: This cleaner is fantastic for spot treating rugs and even colored fabrics, but always test a small area first to be safe.

Get the Recipe: Peroxide & Dish Soap Upholstery Stain Remover

12. Rubbing Alcohol & Club Soda Car Cleaner

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This effective car upholstery cleaner uses rubbing alcohol and club soda to tackle a variety of stains.

It's great for cleaning cloth and even leather seats, leaving them refreshed.

Adding eucalyptus essential oil provides a pleasant scent and extra cleaning power, making your car interior feel revitalized..

Key Ingredients:

  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Club Soda
  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Benefits:

  • Effective on various stains
  • Safe for leather
  • Refreshing scent

Pro Tip: Always test this mixture on a small, hidden area of your car's upholstery first to ensure it doesn't affect the color.

Get the Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol & Club Soda Car Cleaner

13. Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner

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This powerful duo of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide is a game-changer for tackling tough upholstery stains.

It’s surprisingly effective at lifting everything from grass marks to everyday dirt, leaving your furniture looking revitalized.

It's a go-to for keeping light-colored fabrics looking their best..

Key Ingredients:

  • Dish Soap
  • Hydrogen Peroxide

Benefits:

  • Removes tough stains
  • Brightens fabric
  • Easy to make

Pro Tip: Always test this cleaner on a small, hidden area of your upholstery first to ensure it's safe for your fabric.

Get the Recipe: Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide Upholstery Cleaner

14. Baking Soda for Odor and Stain Removal

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Baking soda is a natural wonder when it comes to refreshing upholstery and tackling unpleasant odors.

Simply sprinkle it on, let it absorb smells, and then vacuum it away.

It can also help lift light stains, leaving your furniture smelling and looking much cleaner..

Key Ingredients:

  • Baking Soda
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Vacuum

Benefits:

  • Neutralizes odors
  • Absorbs moisture
  • Gentle cleaning

Pro Tip: For stronger odors, leave the baking soda on for an hour or even longer before vacuuming.

Get the Recipe: Baking Soda for Odor and Stain Removal

15. Liquid Soap, Vinegar, and Sparkling Water Stain Remover

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This bubbly concoction of liquid soap, vinegar, and sparkling water is a fantastic way to lift dirt and grease from textile upholstery.

It works into the fabric to loosen stains, and the fizzy water helps lift them away, leaving your furniture noticeably cleaner..

Key Ingredients:

  • Liquid Soap
  • Vinegar
  • Sparkling Water

Benefits:

  • Removes dirt and grease
  • Works on textile upholstery
  • Easy to make at home

Pro Tip: After applying the solution and letting it sit, use a brush gently to work the stain out.

Get the Recipe: Liquid Soap, Vinegar, and Sparkling Water Stain Remover

16. Peroxide and Blue Dawn for Stubborn Stains

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This simple yet effective DIY cleaner combines peroxide and Blue Dawn dish soap to tackle even the most stubborn upholstery stains.

It's incredibly budget-friendly and works wonders on accidental spills, leaving your furniture looking fresh and stain-free..

Key Ingredients:

  • Peroxide
  • Blue Dawn Dish Soap

Benefits:

  • Removes tough stains
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use

Pro Tip: Spray slightly beyond the stain to avoid leaving water marks when you clean.

Get the Recipe: Peroxide and Blue Dawn for Stubborn Stains

17. Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide for Mud Stains

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Muddy messes on your dining chairs? This DIY cleaner, using dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, is your answer! It’s a fantastic way to remove tough mud stains, restoring your upholstery to its former glory and making your furniture usable again..

Key Ingredients:

  • Dawn Dish Soap
  • Hydrogen Peroxide

Benefits:

  • Removes mud stains
  • Works on textile upholstery
  • Revitalizes furniture

Pro Tip: Work in small sections to ensure the cleaner is most effective on the stains.

Get the Recipe: Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide for Mud Stains

18. Liquid Dish Soap and Water for Blood Stains

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Don't let blood stains on your couch get you down! This simple mixture of liquid dish soap and cool water is surprisingly effective at lifting blood.

The key is to gently blot the stain, letting the suds work their magic without rubbing..

Key Ingredients:

  • Liquid Dish Soap
  • Cool Water

Benefits:

  • Effective for blood stains
  • Gentle on fabrics
  • Easy to prepare

Pro Tip: Use clean cloths to blot the stain, switching to a fresh one as it absorbs the color.

Get the Recipe: Liquid Dish Soap and Water for Blood Stains

19. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap for Wine Stains

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Red wine spills happen, but this DIY cleaner is a lifesaver for those tricky stains.

A blend of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap helps lift wine and tea stains from upholstery, restoring your furniture's appearance with minimal effort..

Key Ingredients:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Liquid Dish Soap

Benefits:

  • Removes wine and tea stains
  • Revitalizes upholstery
  • Simple ingredients

Pro Tip: For couches with an 'S' or 'WS' cleaning code, this water-based solution is a great option.

Get the Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap for Wine Stains

20. White Vinegar and Water for Oily Stains

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Oily stains on your microfiber couch? A simple mix of white vinegar and water can work wonders.

This natural solution is great for tackling food stains, leaving your upholstery looking clean and fresh without harsh chemicals..

Key Ingredients:

  • White Vinegar
  • Clean Water

Benefits:

  • Tackles oily stains
  • Great for microfiber
  • Natural deodorizer

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar and water mixture to help mask the vinegar scent.

Get the Recipe: White Vinegar and Water for Oily Stains

21. Vinegar and Dish Soap Upholstery Cleaner

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This simple DIY cleaner combines vinegar and dish soap for a powerful yet gentle way to lift stains and refresh your upholstery.

It's a fantastic option for tackling everyday messes and reviving the look of your furniture without harsh chemicals..

Key Ingredients:

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Water
  • Liquid dish soap

Benefits:

  • Effective stain removal
  • Gentle on fabrics
  • Deodorizes

Pro Tip: Always test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't affect the fabric color.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Dish Soap Upholstery Cleaner

22. Rubbing Alcohol for Microfiber Couch Refresh

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Revitalize your microfiber couch with this quick and easy method using rubbing alcohol.

It helps lift dirt and grime, and best of all, it evaporates quickly, preventing those dreaded water stains.

Your couch will look and feel so much cleaner!.

Key Ingredients:

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Water

Benefits:

  • Prevents water stains
  • Lifts dirt and grime
  • Quick drying

Pro Tip: After cleaning, use a dry scrub brush in a circular motion to restore the soft texture of your microfiber upholstery.

Get the Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol for Microfiber Couch Refresh

23. Clippers and Stain Remover for Fabric Fuzz

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Tackle those annoying fuzz balls on your fabric furniture with a simple grooming tool! Combine this with a gentle stain remover made from Dr.

Bronner's and peroxide for a surprisingly effective way to refresh your upholstery and lift minor stains..

Key Ingredients:

  • Clippers (for fuzz)
  • Dr. Bronner's
  • Peroxide

Benefits:

  • Removes fuzz and pilling
  • Lifts stains
  • Revitalizes fabric appearance

Pro Tip: Always use a white rag when cleaning to avoid transferring any color to your furniture.

Get the Recipe: Clippers and Stain Remover for Fabric Fuzz

24. Vinegar and Baking Soda Upholstery Freshener

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This natural combo of vinegar and baking soda is a must-try for a fresh-smelling couch! Sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors, then use a vinegar solution to clean and disinfect.

It leaves your furniture smelling wonderfully clean..

Key Ingredients:

  • White vinegar
  • Warm water
  • Baking soda

Benefits:

  • Neutralizes odors
  • Cleans and disinfects
  • Easy to make

Pro Tip: For extra fragrance, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar mixture.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Baking Soda Upholstery Freshener

25. Soap and Water for General Couch Cleaning

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For everyday grime and a good general clean, a simple solution of mild soap and warm water works wonders.

This gentle method is perfect for refreshing your couch and keeping it looking its best without damaging the fabric..

Key Ingredients:

  • Hot water
  • Dish soap

Benefits:

  • Removes everyday grime
  • Gentle cleaning
  • Sanitizes surfaces

Pro Tip: Always wring out your cloth well to avoid over-saturating the upholstery, which can lead to mildew.

Get the Recipe: Soap and Water for General Couch Cleaning

26. Isopropyl Alcohol for Microsuede Couch Revival

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Give your microsuede couch a new lease on life with this effective cleaning method using isopropyl alcohol.

It tackles tough stains and, when followed by brushing, leaves the fabric looking refreshed and polished..

Key Ingredients:

  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Scouring pad
  • Kitchen sponge
  • Scrub brush

Benefits:

  • Removes tough stains
  • Revives microsuede texture
  • Quick drying

Pro Tip: This method works best when you allow the couch to dry completely before brushing.

Get the Recipe: Isopropyl Alcohol for Microsuede Couch Revival

27. Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, and Dish Soap Cleaner

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For a robust homemade cleaner, this trio of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and dish soap tackles tough stains and refreshes furniture beautifully.

It's a powerful, all-natural solution for keeping your home sparkling clean..

Key Ingredients:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Peppermint essential oil

Benefits:

  • Powerful stain removal
  • Refreshes furniture
  • Natural ingredients

Pro Tip: Always shake the bottle frequently during application as the ingredients may separate.

Get the Recipe: Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, and Dish Soap Cleaner

28. Rubbing Alcohol for Microfiber Couch Cleaning

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Keep your microfiber couch looking its best with this simple rubbing alcohol method.

It's an effective way to lift dirt and avoid water stains, leaving your furniture feeling soft and looking clean with minimal effort..

Key Ingredients:

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean white rag

Benefits:

  • No water stains
  • Effective on dirt
  • Quick to use

Pro Tip: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from drying out during the cleaning process.

Get the Recipe: Rubbing Alcohol for Microfiber Couch Cleaning

29. OxiClean and Water Upholstery Cleaner for Deep Stains

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This method tackles stubborn stains on microfiber furniture using OxiClean and a stiff brush.

It's a powerful way to lift deep-set grime and refresh your couch arms, leaving them looking much cleaner.

The key is combining the OxiClean spray with vigorous scrubbing and then using a vacuum to remove excess moisture..

Key Ingredients:

  • OxiClean
  • Water
  • Stiff Bristle Brush

Benefits:

  • Removes deep stains
  • Freshens microfiber
  • Revitalizes couch arms

Pro Tip: Always test the OxiClean solution on an inconspicuous area of your upholstery first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.

Get the Recipe: OxiClean and Water Upholstery Cleaner for Deep Stains

30. Vinegar and Dish Soap Upholstery Spray

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This simple DIY spray uses a mix of vinegar, water, and a touch of dish soap to effectively clean fabric upholstery.

It's great for deodorizing and tackling general grime, leaving your sofa feeling fresh and looking cleaner.

Just spray, gently scrub, and let it air dry..

Key Ingredients:

  • White Vinegar
  • Water
  • Liquid Dish Soap or Castile Soap

Benefits:

  • Deodorizes fabric
  • Cleans general grime
  • Fresh-smelling sofa

Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, you can create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrub and wipe away.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Dish Soap Upholstery Spray

31. Baking Soda and Vinegar for Odor Control

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This method uses baking soda and a vinegar solution to refresh your upholstery and neutralize lingering odors.

It’s a fantastic way to combat smells without harsh chemicals.

Sprinkle baking soda, let it work its magic, then vacuum it up to leave your furniture smelling wonderfully clean..

Key Ingredients:

  • Baking Soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Water

Benefits:

  • Neutralizes odors
  • Absorbs moisture
  • Leaves furniture smelling fresh

Pro Tip: For an extra scent boost, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar and water mixture.

Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Vinegar for Odor Control

32. Vinegar and Water for a Gentle Upholstery Refresh

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This simple DIY recipe uses a mixture of vinegar and water to gently clean and refresh upholstery.

It’s a mild yet effective way to tackle light grime and keep your furniture looking its best.

Just a light spray and a wipe down can make a big difference..

Key Ingredients:

  • White Vinegar
  • Water
  • Essential Oil (optional)

Benefits:

  • Gentle cleaning
  • Odor neutralization
  • Refreshing scent

Pro Tip: Always test your cleaning solution in a hidden spot on the upholstery first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.

Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Water for a Gentle Upholstery Refresh

33. Dish Soap and Water for Common Upholstery Stains

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For upholstery tagged 'W' or 'S/W', a gentle solution of dish soap and cool water is perfect for tackling common food and mud stains.

It's a mild approach that effectively lifts grime without being too harsh, leaving your fabric clean and refreshed..

Key Ingredients:

  • Clear Dish Soap
  • Cool Water
  • Microfiber Cloth

Benefits:

  • Gentle stain removal
  • Effective on food and mud
  • Suitable for water-friendly fabrics

Pro Tip: Blot the stain with a dry towel after applying the solution, rather than rubbing, to avoid spreading it.

Get the Recipe: Dish Soap and Water for Common Upholstery Stains

34. Natural Upholstery Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda

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This guide offers a comprehensive look at natural upholstery cleaning, highlighting the power of vinegar for odor neutralization and stain-fighting, and baking soda for absorbing odors and loosening dirt.

These eco-friendly solutions are safe for most fabrics and leave your furniture looking and smelling great..

Key Ingredients:

  • White Distilled Vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • Lemon Juice (optional)

Benefits:

  • Tackles tough stains and smells
  • Eco-friendly and safe
  • Revitalizes furniture

Pro Tip: Always perform a patch test in a hidden area before applying any cleaning solution to your upholstery.

Get the Recipe: Natural Upholstery Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda

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