Upholstery experts are sharing practical tips for party hosts this holiday season on how to remove stains from sofas using simple, everyday household items.

With the rising cost of living, many people are choosing to celebrate Christmas and New Year's at home by hosting parties and small gatherings to save money.

However, this often leads to messy spills and stains on soft furnishings like sofas and carpets, which can be quite tricky to clean.

Brendan Tyrrell, an expert from Furniture World, shared his step-by-step advice for tackling these stains without resorting to costly cleaning services.

"Before trying any homemade stain removal solutions on a sofa, ensure to always complete a patch test on a small and discreet area, allowing it to dry in order to avoid any damage”, he advised.

Step 1: Remove dust and debris

Start by gently vacuuming the sofa to remove loose dust and dirt, using an upholstery attachment to protect the fabric from any damage.

Step 2: Spot treat stains

Brendan recommends using a mild solution for spot treating stains, as harsh chemicals can potentially harm the fabric.

Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water and test it on an inconspicuous part of the sofa for 10 minutes.

After the test patch dries, take a soft sponge and apply the soapy solution to the stained area, focusing on sticky spots.

After 10 minutes, wipe the area with a clean cloth and fresh water.

Step 3: Use baking soda for tougher stains

If stains remain, Brendan suggests turning to baking soda.

Create a paste by mixing equal parts water and baking soda, and perform a patch test on a small area of the sofa, allowing it to dry.

Apply the paste to the stained areas and leave it for about 10 minutes.

Then, use a damp cloth to remove the paste completely. Let the sofa dry thoroughly before using it again.