Upholstery Cleaning 101: The Non-Toxic Way

When I bought a couch a few years ago, I refused the stain guard because I knew that the chemicals involved harmed the ozone layer of the earth, and if they did that, what would they do to me and my family?

But, of course, real life isn’t perfect, and our couches get very hard work as a first rate r&r destination for kids, dogs, and watching movies with snacks.

Here are the five techniques I use to keep my couch clean and even remove stains, in a safe, nontoxic way:

1. Whipped Detergent
I like the foamy aspect of this formula so much, it is always my first
choice. The whipped detergent disperses the cleaning agent around so
that no part of the upholstery gets it too thickly. I like to dip a
gentle brush into this formula, scrub the upholstery, and then rinse
using the brush.

Equal amounts of water and liquid detergent (note to never use laundry
detergent)

Mix with a hand mixer until frothy. Scoop the froth onto a sponge, brush, or rag, and scrub into the stains. Rinse.

2. Vacuum and Softly Brush Weekly
As much as I resist this step, it is important to vacuum the cushions
and backs every week. Use a soft brush to remove loose soil.

3. Water Cleaner

Use cool water for nongreasy soil. Note that heat sets most stains, but
that you need warm or hot water for greasy stains. Just use sparingly.

4. Shampoo Cleaner
Mix with water and agitate. Dab onto a sponge or brush, and use on greasy stains.

5. 3 Percent Hydrogen Peroxide

Dab on stain, don’t rinse. Repeat until stain is gone. (Spot test.)

Read more: Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning

By Annie B. Bond

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mike O.

2:12PM PDT on Jun 21, 2011

I am suprised you didn't mention Genesis 950 in this article. It is by far the BEST stain remover and cleaner I have ever used on carpet and furniture. I use it to clean up pet stains and it also removes the odor. In addition, I it has cleaned up A1 Steak Sauce Stains, Paint Stains, Nail Polish, Ink, Tomato Soup, Wine and Blood. It has no chemicals that damage carpet either, and it's non-toxic. Def. the best thing I have ever used and I recommend it to everyone who has ever had a stain to clean. I have also used to completely spot clean a microfiber couch. The slipcovers I actually took off and washed in COLD water in the machine with Genesis 950 and then AIR dried. Couch looked like new.

send a green star

2:11PM PDT on Jun 21, 2011

May C.

3:48AM PDT on Apr 26, 2011

Does anyone have any idea in cleaning microsuede furniture?

Kate J.

10:52PM PDT on Jul 27, 2010

Thanks Annie! I really like the suggestion about the hydrogen peroxide. That's always worked really well for me and I share the tips with all of my friends. When I'm in need of a professional, I talk to Hart's Carpet Cleaners - http://www.hartscarpetcleaning.com - they've been great!

4:22AM PDT on Jul 6, 2010

Thanks Annie!!

Maureen F.

6:37AM PST on Nov 14, 2009

Does anyone have a good solution to cat spray or pee on fabric furniture. Except for getting rids of the cat that is, not an option.
Urin off is very good but there is often an underlying smell, it is good for floors and walls.

Dee M.

12:23PM PST on Nov 13, 2009

By the way Go green AND STEAM, thats what i do .

April G.

10:46AM PST on Nov 13, 2009

Carol M.,
We use soapnuts for EVERYTHING, including in the Rug Doctors we rent when we steam clean our carpets and upholstery. I boil them down to make a concentrated solution for laundry, cleaning, handsoap, etc. We also add a few drops of lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. :)

Carol M.

9:12AM PST on Nov 13, 2009

OK - so what do do about cleaning the entire upholstered couch or chair? Steam cleaning perhaps?

gerold f.

11:28PM PST on Nov 12, 2009

The chimicalindustrie is in germany a hard lobbyist, ist a hard fight against it - but we do it!!!