Best way to clean cloth upholstery

[ObviouslyNotAGolfer]

A couple pieces around here are looking pretty bad these days, and I don't want to bother to try to get them dry cleaned or steam cleaned. What is the best way to clean fabric surfaces (some items cotton) to remove stains and discoloration?

Sprays? Detergents?

What about protecting new pieces from stains? Does Scotchgard work? Something else?

Thanks!

[Dave1442397]

I've used one of these little steam cleaners to successfully clean a couch. I used an older version of the Bissell cleaner in this article - http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-portable-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaner/

I never used protective spray. We just didn't let our daughter have food on the couches when she was little :)

[former player]

Whatever you do, start by testing your method on an area of fabric that doesn't show and you don't care about.

I would start with using cold water, washing soda and a damp dishcloth.  Rinse the dishcloth in the water and wring it out before using.   Don't scrub, just wipe firmly, in the direction of the pile if the fabric has one.  Keep rinsing and wringing out the dishcloth.  That should get off a lot of surface grubbiness.

Where this hasn't worked you can escalate the amount and heat of the water and the amount of scrubbing until the point before harm is being done.

After that, try loose covers over the top.

In the long term, prevention is easiest - no food or grubby clothes in rooms that have upholstery.

[lexde]

I like Folex sprayed on and agitated. For cars carpet and couches


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[Cranky]

I usually start with soap and water and do some vigorous scrubbing.

if you've got a coach and the covers zip off, wash them on the gentle cycle and air dry them.

[Miss Piggy]

It sounds like you're not talking about car upholstery, but I'll share this anyway: A few years ago, I was driving a car with light tan fabric seats. I took it in for some service. They did a fine job on whatever that service was (I don't remember that little detail). I paid, received my key, and went to leave. I was very disappointed to see multiple grease stains on my previously pristine upholstery. I went back in and asked if they could clean those stains up. The guy followed me out to my car to take a look, and said "Hang on, I'll be right back."  While he was gone, I was thinking to myself "These stains are going to be permanent."

I'll be damned if whatever he sprayed on (and wiped off) those seats didn't immediately make those grease stains disappear forever. My seats were pristine again!

While I don't have any idea what he used, I bet if you called up an auto repair shop, they could recommend something that could get any stain out of any upholstery. That said, I'd echo the advice above to test a small area just in case.

[AnnaGrowsAMustache]

If it's only cotton and can be removed, like unzippable seat cushions, just chuck it in the washing machine. Otherwise you could hand clean with carpet cleaner or use one of those hire rug/upholstery cleaners you can rent from supermarkets. The scotchguard spray definitely works. I've used on specific areas, like the arms, that tend to get dirtier. It needs to be reapplied regularly, like yearly. Just sponging with soapy water will probably take care of most of the stains, but it does depend on the fabric.

[teddyjimbo]

50/50 solution of the following:

100 or 90 proof rubbing alcohol
Water

All in a spray bottle.  You will want to use damp cloth to rub while you are spraying with the solution.

Once dry you can use a soft brush to bring fluffiness out.

[TrMama]

Once or twice a year I rent a steam cleaner from Home Depot for $30/4 hours. That's enough time to clean all the carpets, my couch and the upholstery in my car. Everything looks, and smells, almost new when I'm done. You can get the carpet shampoo cheap from somewhere like Walmart.

If the seat covers come off, washing them on cold in the washing machine works great and is less work. DO NOT put them in the dryer. If they shrink your couch will never be the same.

[Irishtache]

My elderly aunt shat herself years ago and sat into my car afterwards, poor thing. I realised next morning what had happened so l found the nearest auto supplies shop and explained broadly what had occurred. They sold me a can which foamed and did a great job cleaning the seat. TL:DR or TMI auto supplies shop sell good stain removers!

[RelaxedGal]

l found the nearest auto supplies shop and explained broadly what had occurred. They sold me a can which foamed and did a great job cleaning the seat.

Yes!  I love Armor All Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner!  There are probably others, but this works very well for all the gunk built up on the (why the hell is it cloth?) arm rest in car doors.

As others said above, test in an inconspicuous spot first.

[Hotstreak]

Once or twice a year I rent a steam cleaner from Home Depot for $30/4 hours. That's enough time to clean all the carpets, my couch and the upholstery in my car. Everything looks, and smells, almost new when I'm done. You can get the carpet shampoo cheap from somewhere like Walmart.

If the seat covers come off, washing them on cold in the washing machine works great and is less work. DO NOT put them in the dryer. If they shrink your couch will never be the same.

I do the same, except Lowe's gives me that price for 24 hours (for a carpet shampooer, not a steamer).  Get the hand tools, go slow, and be sure to do one or two rinses when you're done using the shampoo.  For small spills or stains throughout the year, press with wet towel and use Spot Shot or some other stain fighter product.