5 Homemade remedies to clean upholstery stains

Spills and stains on a piece of furniture may be unwelcome, but they're not always impossible to get rid of. Here are some popular and effective ways to get rid of common food and dirt stains.

• Blot with a solution of five millilitres (one teaspoon) liquid dish detergent in 250 millilitres (one cup) water.
• Blot clean with a well wrung-out sponge dipped in clear water.
• If the stain persists, dab on a second solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water.
• Rinse with a wrung-out sponge and let dry.

• Blot with a solution of five millilitres (one teaspoon) liquid dish detergent in 250 millilitres (one cup) water.
• Blot clean with a well wrung-out sponge dipped in clear water.
• If the stain persists, dab on a solution of 125 millilitres (a half cup) of water mixed with five millilitres (one teaspoon) of ammonia.
• Rinse with a well wrung-out sponge and let dry.

• Put an ice cube in a plastic sandwich bag and hold it against the wax or gum until it freezes hard.
• Scrape off as much as you can and dab any remaining stain with dry-cleaner fluid or acetone.

• Blot with a solution of five millilitres (one teaspoon) of dishwashing liquid in 250 millilitres (one cup) water.
• For stubborn stains, sponge with a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water.
• Rinse with a wrung-out sponge and let dry.

Rub with dry-cleaning fluid and blot with a clean, dry cloth.

These homemade remedies can clean up the most stubborn of stains and keep your upholstered furniture looking fresh and clean.