http://www.care2.com/greenliving/nontoxic-upholstery-cleaning.html
Upholstery Cleaning 101: The Non-Toxic Way
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.)
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27 comments
add your comment »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.
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By the way Go green AND STEAM, thats what i do .
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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. :)
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OK - so what do do about cleaning the entire upholstered couch or chair? Steam cleaning perhaps?
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The chimicalindustrie is in germany a hard lobbyist, ist a hard fight against it - but we do it!!!
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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
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Thanks for the hints, soda water and white vinegar also works well especially on carpet stains.
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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!
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Baking Soda and Water is another good natural cleaner. =)
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Earth-friendly liquid detergent A must..Thanks for the info!
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