For fabric upholstery: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts.
Combine 1/2 teaspoon dish detergent, 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab the mixture on the stain. Blot again with a clean cloth and wash as usual.
OxiClean has the best overall value for its ability to tackle tough, set-in stains on clothes and throughout other household areas. We think it's the best laundry stain cleaner on the market and can replace several products in the laundry room. OxiClean is also easy to use in most cases.
Mix 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and about 1 cup of water. Make sure to give it a good shake before applying it to your upholstery. If you're dealing with tough stains, you can add a little less water to your mixture.
Baking soda is a fantastic cleaning treatment when you're learning how to clean a smelly couch. It removes and prevents odors as well as removes most stains. Use dry baking soda by sprinkling it all over your couch to absorb odors or sprinkle it on a stain to help loosen it.
Cleaning couches and upholstery with vinegar
But if you're looking for a quick refresh, vinegar can tackle that mild, stale sofa smell. As always, check the label on your couch first – some upholstery is not compatible with water-based cleaning solutions (steer clear if the label has a S or X on it).
A popular homemade stain remover recipe is to mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle to tackle hard to remove pet stains.
Chlorine Bleach and Color-Safe Bleach
Diluted household bleach is one of the most effective stain removers for clothes and linens.
If you're dealing with water rings or food stains on your wood, you can use a little olive oil and vinegar (mixed equally) to remove those stains without stripping your actual wood stain. Just rub the solution in the direction of the wood grain, let it sit, and then wipe it away with a damp towel.
Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched. (The same goes for wood furniture.) Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations or pick a cleaner that's made specifically for hardwood flooring.
A mixture of dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide is an effective homemade laundry stain remover. The dishwashing liquid contains ingredients to tackle greasy stains and the hydrogen peroxide helps remove discoloration.
Combine Vinegar and Olive Oil for a DIY Wood-Stain Remover
Wipe in the direction of the wood grain until the stain is gone. The vinegar will help remove the stain while the olive oil acts as a furniture polish. Finish by wiping with a clean, dry cloth.
The best overall stain remover for most fabrics and stains is a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water. Keep a spray bottle of this mixture on hand for quick treatment of most household stains.
Talc, Cornstarch, or Chalk
Talcum powder, baby powder, kitchen cornstarch, or plain white chalk are wonderful natural treatments for helping to absorb oily stains. If you catch the oil or grease drip on fabric promptly, they can even remove it.
Vinegar and olive oil – combine equal parts and mix them. Use a clean towel and rub the mixture on the stain. You want to rub in the direction of the wood grain. Toothpaste – cover the water stain with toothpaste and rub over the stain until it's gone.
In most cases, vinegar won't damage softer fabrics, but you might want to test it in a hidden area of your couch before saturating.
Although mixing vinegar and baking soda is not considered dangerous, you should still avoid mixing these in a container. Vinegar is acidic and basic soda is basic, so the by-products are sodium acetate, carbon dioxide, and water that are not toxic.
Simply sprinkle baking soda onto a wet stain, leave it overnight and you'll be surprised by the results. Not only will the stain likely be gone, but so too will any related odors – no need for an additional paste. As long as you cover the entire area of the stain with baking soda, it should do the trick!
Sprinkle the entire couch with baking soda, and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. (You can leave it there for up to an hour.) Using a brush attachment, vacuum the couch to remove the baking soda. Next, make this simple cleaner to tackle any remaining stains.