Most of us are aware that spills and stains on upholstery should be cleaned immediately. But, it is equally important to know the right method to do the cleaning to make sure the stains are removed & are not visible as they would have been otherwise. While we can be very careful about the usage & maintenance of our upholstery but some accidents are unavoidable & not in our control. We need to be alert & use the right method to get rid of the stains.
Listed are different types of stains that need to be handled gently & right.
Alcoholic Beverages
After the moisture has been blotted up, dab at the stain with a clean cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol. Then blot repeatedly with liquid detergent mixed with cool water. Blot dry with a towel. Dab again with clear cool water and blot dry.
Blood
After the moisture has been blotted up, dab at the stain with a clean cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol. Then blot repeatedly with liquid detergent mixed with cool water. Blot dry with a towel. Dab again with clear cool water and blot dry.
Chewing Gum
Rub an ice cube over the gum to harden it, then scrape off the excess with a dull knife. To remove what’s left, use dry cleaning fluid.
Chocolate (and other soft candy)
This is a combination greasy/non-greasy stain. Scrape excess away, then go over the spot with cool water mixed with a liquid detergent. Blot thoroughly and then clean with dry cleaning fluid.
Coffee and Tea
Sponge with warm water. Apply warm glycerine. Leave for 30 minutes. Flush out with water and dry quickly.
Cosmetics
Sponge with warm water. Apply warm glycerine. Leave for 30 minutes. Flush out with water and dry quickly.
Fruit and fruit juices
After excess is blotted up or scraped away, blot the spot with cool water. If a stain remains, add liquid detergent and a drop of vinegar to the water. Dab the spot with this mixture and blot until there’s no trace of a stain. Then go over the area lightly with clear water to remove traces of vinegar.
Grease (including hair grease and oil)
Scrape away excess if necessary and then dab repeatedly at the stain with dry cleaning fluid. If any stain remains, go over the area with a lukewarm mixture of liquid detergent and water. Always make sure you use a clean portion so you don’t put the stain back in the fabric. Last, go over the area with a clean cloth moistened with cool clear water.
Ice Cream
Scrape away excess and apply cool water mixed with liquid detergent, blotting frequently with a dry cloth so as not to saturate the fabric. Let dry and then go over any remaining stain with dry cleaning fluid. Blot dry.
Ink
Moisten with warm glycerine. Leave for 10 minutes. Apply liquid detergent and brush lightly. Flush out with water and dry quickly.
Iodine
Rub with cut lemon before sponging with warm water. Apply a small quantity of detergent with a clean cloth. Blot stain and then remove soapy residue with a cloth wrung out in warm water and white vinegar solution (1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water).
Milk and Vomit
Blot or scrape away the excess, then take a clean soft cloth and blot. Apply clear cool water to the area, blotting frequently. Then blot with a detergent solution to which you’ve added a small amount of ammonia. Blot dry and wait a few minutes. Go over the area with dry cleaning fluid, and blot dry. Finally, blot the area lightly with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.
Soft Drinks, Sweets, and Syrups
Sponge with water, add warm glycerine and work into the stain. Flush out with water and dry.
Shoe Polish
Apply liquid paraffin to loosen the stain, then sponge with dry cleaning fluid.
Urine
It is especially important to treat this stain right away before the urine dries. Otherwise, the urine may react with the fabric dyes and cause permanent discolouration. First, dab at the stain with a solution of white vinegar and water and blot dry. Then apply a mixture of liquid detergent and cool water, blotting frequently and with a dry cloth to avoid saturating the fabric. Finally, dab the spot with clear cool water and blot thoroughly.
Water Spots
Blot thoroughly and then dampen the entire spot with clear white vinegar. Wait a few minutes. When the area is dry, moisten it again with clear water, blotting with a dry cloth after every application of the damp cloth. If the fabric has a pile, brush in the direction of the pile when it is dry.
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