Cleaning sofa stains can become a nightmare, especially if the wrong cleaning product is used, which can sometimes make the situation even worse.

Fortunately, there is an affordable solution hiding in plain sight in the kitchen that can tackle a variety of tough stains effectively, giving your upholstery a fresh lease on life.

Joana Sadovskaja, Sofa Expert at Lovesofas, shared her insights on how to deal with common stains that can be particularly tough to remove, using homemade concoctions that include white vinegar.

Ink stains

Ink stains can be particularly challenging to remove, especially those from permanent markers. It's crucial to act quickly, as the longer the ink sits, the harder it becomes to eliminate completely.

Rubbing alcohol and white vinegar are excellent options for tackling these stains.

Begin by gently blotting the stain to lift as much ink as possible, then apply rubbing alcohol to the area using a fresh cloth or paper towel. Alternatively, you can create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water, applying it with a clean cloth. These methods should help lift the stain, leaving your upholstery free of ink.

These solutions are suitable for materials such as cotton, linen, wool, polyester, chenille, nylon, and velvet. However, always exercise caution and check your sofa’s care label. Avoid using these on leather, as the chemicals may harm the finish; instead, use mild dish soap and warm water for ink stains on leather sofas.

Red wine stains

Red wine can create an unfortunate and persistent stain due to its deep pigment and tannins. To combat this, a combination of baking soda and white vinegar works wonders. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stained area, then pour vinegar over it. Let the mixture sit until a foam forms.

Afterward, use a damp cloth to rinse the area, repeating the process until the stain is gone. Another option is to mix half a teaspoon of dish soap with two cups of water, using a clean cloth to blot the stain. A vinegar-based solution can be used cautiously on most fabrics, but should be avoided on leather, suede, or velvet sofas.

Coffee stains

When it comes to coffee stains, quick action is key. Blot the affected area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the excess liquid before treating the stain. Create a cleaning solution by mixing mild dish soap with water and apply it to the stain with a clean cloth, blotting as you go until the coffee is absorbed.

Alternatively, you can mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dabbing the solution onto the stain with a fresh cloth. While dish soap and water are effective for most sofa materials, always check the care tag for specific cleaning recommendations.