How To Remove Stains From A Sofa

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A sofa is the ultimate focal point of your living space, providing you with everyday comfort and functionality - but with everyday use comes everyday spills and stains. Without the upkeep of your sofa, it can create an unnecessary, worn and uninviting environment. 

Whether you have a leather, fabric or velvet sofa, knowing how to remove stains from a sofa quickly and efficiently can avoid any stains from protruding and will assist in maintaining your sofa’s appearance and longevity. 

To help you know how to clean sofa stains, we will discuss the easy DIY methods you can perform to tackle even the toughest stains, to keep your sofa looking fresh and inviting for many years to come. 

Identifying Your Sofa Type

Before diving straight into cleaning your sofa, it's important to know what type of sofa you have and to know the exact method you need to use, as different materials require different methods. 

• Fabric Sofas: Fabric sofas absorb liquids quickly, so quick action when stains occur is key.
   
• Leather Sofas: Leather is a durable material; however can be very sensitive to harsh chemicals. Using the wrong cleaner can therefore cause cracking or discolouration.
   
• Velvet Sofas: Velvet sofas are incredibly delicate and require specialised care to avoid any damage. 

By identifying your sofa type, you can ensure that you use the correct sofa stain remover to avoid any permanent damage. 

General Sofa Cleaning Tips

• Act Quickly: The sooner you act on your stains or spills, the sooner you will be able to easily remove them.
   
• Test Cleaners Before Use: Before applying any stain remover, test it on a small and inconspicuous area to ensure that it will act the way it is supposed to.
   
• Blot The Stain, Do Not Rub: Rubbing stains will enforce it to spread, damaging the fibres of your sofa. By blotting the stain instead, this will help to remove it efficiently.
   
• Use Soft Cleaning Tools: Avoid using abrasive brushes - instead, use microfibre clothes or sponges. 

How To Remove Specific Stains From Fabric Sofas: 

1. Food and Drink Stains:
    

• Make sure to blot the liquid immediately with a clean microfibre cloth. 
• Use a mix solution of mild dish soap and warm water to gently blot the stain, before rinsing with a clean cloth dipped in water to remove soap residue. For an intense clean, use our Fabric Care Kit to clean the designated area using the All Purpose Fabric Cleaner. 
• Let the area airdry, before using the Fabric Protector from your Care Kit to avoid further issues.
   

2. Grease or Oil Stains: 

• Our Care Kits include an easy solution to grease and oil stains, using the Grease & Oil Stain Remover. 
• Alternatively, using cornstarch or baking soda can absorb the oil. Leave the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes before hoovering it up.
   

3. Ink Stains:
    

• Dab the ink stain lightly using rubbing alcohol if accessible. If this is not accessible, using a mixture of hand-sanitser and dish-soap will work as an alternative.
   
• Blot the stain carefully to avoid spreading the ink further.
   
• Rinse the area with a damp cloth and allow to airdry. 

How To Remove Specific Stains From Leather Sofas: 

Leather Sofas require extra specific care, as harsh cleaning methods can damage the sofa further. 

1. Food and Drink Stains: 

• Wipe away any excess liquid immediately with a clean microfibre cloth.
   
• Similarly to our Fabric Sofa Cleaner, our Leather Sofa Cleaner is a quick and easy solution to easy cleaning, with both a soft, and strong cleaner for light or deeper stains. For an alternative solution, mix equal parts water and dish-soap and use a damp cloth to gently wipe the stain.
   
• Allow the stain to airdry, or use a soft towel. To finalise and protect from further damage, use the Leather Protection Cream from our care kit to maintain suppleness.
   

2. Ink Stains:
    

• Dab the ink stain lightly with rubbing alcohol, or the hand-sanitser/dish-soap solution on a cotton bud or pad.
   
• Clean the area afterwards with a damp cloth to condition the leather.
   

3. Water Stains:
    

• Use a slightly damp cloth to gently moisten the stained area.
   
• Allow the leather to airdry and condition afterwards to prevent stiffness. 

 

How To Remove Specific Stains From Velvet Sofas: 

1. Food and Drink Stains:
    

• Blot up any excess liquid with a clean cloth. For any dried stains, use a blunt knife to scrape away any additional solids.
   
• If you are using a cleaning solution, use the suds only, and gently blot at the stain, working from the outside in, to avoid spreading the stain.
   

2. Grease or Oil Stains:
    

• Similarly to our fabric sofa solution, use a Grease & Oil Stain Remover, or cornstarch/baking soda, letting the solution sit for 15-20 minutes before removing.
   

How Can I Prevent Future Sofa Stains? 

Preventing stains is an easy solution that will help you to avoid having to deal with stained sofas in the future. 

• Apply a Fabric Protector: Our Care Kits are supplied with protection creams which can help to repel liquids and stains.
   
• Clean Regularly: Hoover your sofa regularly to help remove any dust and crumbs.
   
• Use Sofa Covers: For intense solutions, use sofa covers as a way to easily wash and protect your fabric.
   
• Encourage Family Members: Try to encourage family members to eat and drink away from the sofa. 

Knowing how to remove stains from a sofa is essential for ensuring your sofa is fresh and comforting for many years to come. No matter the material, prompt action to stains using the correct cleaning products can make a significant difference, and can assist in preventing stains in the future. 

For further information, contact one of our specialists today who will be more than happy to help you find the best way to clean and protect your sofa.

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Posted by SEO Mabo
15th January 2026

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