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Upholstery Cleaning 101: The Non-Toxic Way

posted by Annie B. Bond Dec 24, 2000 9:04 am
Upholstery Cleaning 101: The Non-Toxic Way
27 comments

By Annie B. Bond

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.)

More on Non-Toxic Cleaning (158 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3247 articles available)

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27 comments add your comment
Maureen F.

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.
  • Dee M. says
  • Nov 13, 2009 12:23 PM

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

April G.

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 J. Murto

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

gerold fahrer

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

Thomas Barlish

ive been using gel shaving cream and water for stains. rub in, leave over night, wipe up with wet rag. works pretty good. but gonna try all these tips. thanks

Julie F.

Thanks for the hints, soda water and white vinegar also works well especially on carpet stains.

Val P.
  • Val P. says
  • Nov 12, 2009 4:08 PM

i have a great way of dealing with protecting my furniture over the years - i use slip covers - and for years there have been companies all over the internet that are making very nice ones that will satisfy your taste in decor from solid colors to prints. when they get dirty - in the wash they go!

Lilith Graves

Baking Soda and Water is another good natural cleaner. =)

JoAnna B.

Earth-friendly liquid detergent A must..Thanks for the info!

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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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