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.)
More from Annie B. Bond (3249 articles available)
Go to the Source
related stories
-
(13 comments)
-
annie
(3 comments)
-
(26 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
5 comments
add your comment »I bought a sofa set from a thrift store and want to clean it in an all natural non-toxic way. I would also like to clean my matress. what should i use for a deep cleaning on both? I want to be extra safe im pregnant and have an 8 month old at home. Please Help.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Is liquid detergent as effective as an upholstery shampoo?
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I think that is what he is referring to, dish detergent not laundry detergent.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
"Equal amounts of water and liquid detergent (note to never use laundry detergent)"
I also want to know what you consider liquid detergent to be! Murphy Soap?
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
"Equal amounts of water and liquid detergent (note to never use laundry detergent)"
What kind of liquid detergent are you talking about then? Dish?
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: