Cleaning Upholstery

Cleaning spills on furniture cushions can seem tricky, but there are some basic tips to getting them clean that anyone can put to use quickly. One of the most important points is knowing what caused the stain, and what type of fabric the stain is on.

Cold water should be used on all types of stains other than enzyme based stains such as blood. Using hot water on other types of stains can actually cause more harm than good.

Quick Tips

Clean off the food or other debris from the affected area. If the mess is already dried you can vacuum the area to remove any excess food, etc.
Clean the area with either a commercial upholstery cleaner or natural cleaners.
Let the area dry.

Green Upholstery Cleaners

One of the best is white vinegar. Mixed with water, the vinegar not only picks up the stain, but also disinfects. It works great on wine stains.
Another effective cleaning agent is salt. Pour it over the stain and let dry. Scrape it off and wash with cold water. Finish by vacuuming and you should have a like-new cushion.

Cornstarch is another excellent way of removing oil and grease stains. Pour it over the affected area and let it dry. Vacuum it off and you should have a nice clean surface.

Add 1/4 c. laundry detergent or liquid dish detergent to 1 c. warm water. Blend with an electric mixer; whip the mixture until the suds look like whipped cream (it will be dry and form peaks). Take a damp cloth and rub the mixture into the stained area. Rinse out the cloth and gently wipe off the surface.

Source: www.wisegeek.com