There are often times when we get surprised by a stain on the upholstery we have no clue as to the origin story. When dealing with stains, knowing what the stains consists of is half the battle. Upholstery can be a temperamental thing, and if a treatment is improperly conducted, you can ruin the color or worse; damage the upholstery itself.
 

How to Remove Unknown Stains from Upholstery

Where it can be a gamble to treat the unknown stains on your upholstery, there are a few safer methods you can try, but there are no guarantees when using a home remedy or upholstery cleaner, which is why it is extremely important you perform a patch test before application in an inconspicuous area.
1) Dry Cleaning Solvent: If you opt to use a commercially packaged dry cleaning solvent, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions printed on the label. Use blotting motions to remove stains, as scrubbing or rubbing out stains can actually push the stain deeper or wider. If the dry cleaning solvent was unsuccessful at pulling the stain, ensure the area is completely dry before attempting a different method.
2) Vinegar Solution: Combine 2 cups of cool water, 1 TBS dish washing liquid and 1 TBS vinegar in your choice of spray bottle or cleaning bucket and mix the ingredients well. Apply the mixture sparingly, but adequately. You do not want the area to be over saturated. Allow it to set. Treat a cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol and gently rub in circular patterns the blemished area. Use a clean cloth and cool water to carefully rinse solution away the solution. If stain persists and before trying any other methods, ensure the area is completely dry.
3) Ammonia Solution: Mix well in your choice of cleaning bucket or spray bottle: 2 cups of cool water, 1 TBS dish washing liquid and 1 TBS ammonia. Apply solution by sponging it on with a clean damp cloth. Work at the stain by blotting at the spot with moderate pressure. Occasionally use circular patterns in a gentle rubbing fashion if the stain is persistent and needs to be slightly agitated. Thoroughly rinse the area with cool water and clean cloth to remove any cleaning residues. Ensure thorough dryness, especially prior to trying a different method if the results were not satisfactory.
4) Hydrogen Peroxide: Fill an eye dropper with 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply a few drops of the peroxide to the area in question. Blot up the stain. If stain remains, thoroughly rinse and dry the area. If you use this method, please note that peroxide has a tendency to lighten colors and can lighten the coloring of your upholstery. Use only with caution and after a patch test.
 

Carpet Cleaning, Stain Removal in Tracy, Livermore, Sam Ramon, Dublin, Ripon, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California

As previously mentioned, removing unknown stains from the various fabrics in upholstery can be a challenge. To spare any negative results, consider a professional. Carpet Care 2000 experts are well trained and experienced in the field, and removing unknown stains successfully is not a problem with our expertise, premium quality products, and equipment. Contact us for all you floor and upholstered furniture cleaning needs.