A household upholstery cleaner is essential, whether it's old-fashioned velvet or the cheapest... - Mashable

The vinegar. sodium bicarbonate. Wash the dishes.

Spot. To play. No not like this.

Talk of how best to remove stains from furniture (without hiring equipment or paying a professional, of course) clearly depends on who you ask. But as much as TikTok cleans or your grandma swears by your home remedies, the most versatile hack for cleaning your own upholstery might end up being getting an actual upholstery cleaning machine.

An upholstery cleaner can be as simple as a vacuum cleaner.

Switching from a spray bottle to an actual upholstery cleaner shouldn't be much more than using a vacuum instead of a broom and dustpan. Constant spraying and drying is not only unnecessary work for you, but can also cause stains to become more noticeable than before.

Homemade cleaning concoctions can work wonders in emergency situations, but they're probably not the most practical for regular spot cleaning. The best ingredients and the right amount of effort to apply depend largely on the size, age, and type of stain, as well as the type of fabric. It often seems that what would have worked for someone on the internet makes the crime scene even worse, like drawing a ring of water along the edges of the buffer zone. Oh, and now your couch smells like dog pee and vinegar.

Commercial cleaning sprays have their own warning labels. Stronger chemicals can lift more brittle materials like suede or canvas too well, leaving discoloration or pilling to the point of no return. Many spray cleaners are sudsy and recommend letting the suds sit for a few minutes, which isn't the safest method for homes with pets or children anyway.

Hand cleaning rarely goes deep enough to affect ingrained stains. This coffee stain from two years ago is perfect as a permanent accent on your comfy couch, thanks for asking.

What is the best upholstery cleaner?

Home upholstery cleaners come in two forms: those that use suction and water, and those that use steam. Your biggest deciding factor will probably be the type of substance you are dealing with. Most upholstered furniture and rugs should come with a label or online manual with washing instructions, often stating if the material can get wet, if moisture needs water or some kind of detergent, or if it needs to be steamed.

Upholstery that is compatible with soapy water can also be damaged if it is completely soaked. A good wet upholstery cleaner should have adjustable moisture control that allows you to adjust the amount of water dispensed. These vacuum-like suction as they clean, both to catch solid debris from the spill and to help the puddle dry.

While ignoring the "hand wash only" or "dry clean only" instructions on clothes still doesn't have drastic consequences, furniture is a much bigger investment. Therefore, fabrics that don't want to get wet at all, such as suede or velvet, should be cleaned accordingly with high temperature and low humidity. Vaporizers still have a water reservoir, but they heat it past its boiling point and force it through the attachment as pressurized vapor. The steam can penetrate the fibers and not only loosen the stain but also kill allergens such as dust mites or odor-causing bacteria, a potential solution to those invisible stains that still stink.

Whether it's a West Elm showpiece, an antique velvet find, or the classic budget option in a gray college dorm, here are the best upholstery cleaners to keep your furniture clean:

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