If you have they are really welcome with a clean and fresh style furniture. But with upholstery cleaning, the people rely on commercial cleaners with industrial agents that aren’t friendly to the environment — and can even be dangerous to your health. So, what’s the solution? Homemade upholstery cleaners! Here, we will discuss some of the best homemade upholstery cleaners, their advantages, simple recipes, and tips for removing stains effectively. Let’s dive in!
Store-bought upholstery cleaners are most often the go-to solution when it comes time to clean your furniture. These products are effective, but they have their own disadvantages. Some may cost a lot, others are full of bad chemicals, and most aren’t even eco-friendly.
Homemade upholstery cleaners, on the other hand, are affordable, effective and made with natural ingredients. They’re gentler on the environment and less harmful to your family and pets.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol & Vinegar Cleaner1 | ½ cup rubbing alcohol, ½ cup white vinegar, 5 drops lavender & rosemary essential oils (optional) | Mix ingredients in an 8 oz spray bottle. Spray on upholstery, let sit for a couple minutes. Scrub with a dry cloth and let dry. Do not use water. | General fabric cleaning |
| Hydrogen Peroxide & Dawn Cleaner3 | 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%), ¼ cup Blue Dawn dish soap (Ultra works best) | Spray solution onto upholstery. Let it sit for a few minutes. Rub upwards with a brush or microfiber cloth until stain is gone. Let dry naturally without soaking the fabric. Repeat if necessary for tough stains. |
Advantages of Homemade Upholstery Cleaning Solution
There are many benefits to using homemade upholstery cleaners. Here’s why these solutions are the better answer.
Environmental Impact
Toxic chemicals commonly found in commercial upholstery cleaners can be harmful to the environment. That makes the cleaners washing away to wind up in water systems and polluting rivers and oceans.
Homemade cleaners, by contrast, are made with natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. They’re biodegradable and don’t create hazardous waste, so they’re a far greener option. Making it homemade means you are doing your part to decrease your carbon footprint.
Cost Efficiency
Let’s talk about savings. Professional upholstery cleaning services can be pricey, especially if you’re struggling with repeat stains or spills. But homemade cleaners, on the other hand, are made with cheap pantry staples like vinegar, baking soda and dish soap.
A bottle of white vinegar for example can be purchased for a few dollars and can last you for months compared to a single commercial cleaner which might only last for few uses. Homemade solutions are good, and it’s cheaper, with the cost adding up over time.
Items Safe for Pets and Children
If you have pets or young children, safety is a primary consideration. Several commercial cleaners contain chemicals that can be toxic when ingested or even inhaled. Homemade cleaners mitigate this risk.
Finally, using non-toxic, natural ingredients will make your upholstery cleaning solution completely safe for your household. Say goodbye to toxic fumes and accidental ingestion!
Ingredients Used in Homemade Cleaners
Homemade upholstery cleaners use everyday polymerization ingredients that have clout. Here are some of the main ingredients and what they do.
Alcohol (Rubbing) & Vinegar (White)
Why They Work: Rubbing alcohol is an effective disinfectant that evaporates quickly, so it’s ideal for cleaning fabrics without leaving them damp. Natural deodorizer and stain remover, white vinegar, however. Combined, they are a lasting cleaning duo.
Example Recipe: Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar into a spray bottle. Add in a few drops of essential oils, for a lovely aroma.
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Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap
Why It Works: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that’s effective on stubborn stains, and dish soap breaks up grease and grime. Together, they can conquer even the greasiest of stains.
Example Recipe: Combine hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of dish soap. Pour on stains, allow to sit for a few minutes and gently scrub.
Baking Soda & Cornstarch
Why They Work: Both baking soda and cornstarch are great at absorbing odors and moisture. When blended into a paste, they can serve as a gentle cleanser for delicate fabrics.
Sample Recipe: Mix baking soda and cornstarch with water to form a paste Use on stains, allow to dry, vacuum off for a clean upholstery.
| Ingredient | Properties | Best Use |
| Rubbing Alcohol | Disinfects and dries quickly | General cleaning and spot-treating |
| White Vinegar | Deodorizes and removes stains | Neutralizing odors and light stains |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Natural bleaching agent | Tough stains and grease |
| Dish Soap | Breaks down grease and grime | Greasy or oily stains |
| Baking Soda | Absorbs odors and moisture | Odor removal and light cleaning |
| Cornstarch | Absorbs moisture and creates a gentle paste | Cleaning delicate fabrics |
Step by Step Guides: DIY Recipes
So, are you ready to make your own upholstery cleaner? Here are three easy recipes to experiment with, each designed for different cleaning jobs.
Using Rubbing Alcohol & Vinegar Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Please, add a few drops of essential oil if you wish to enjoy a pleasant aroma.
- Go ahead and spray the mixture right on the stain.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then lightly scrub with a microfiber cloth.
- Allow the fabric to air dry.
Mixture With Hydrogen Peroxide & Dish Soap
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon dish soap (blue Dawn works best)
Instructions:
Mix the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to mix.
- Spray the solution on the stain.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the stain with an upholstery brush or microfiber cloth.
- Dab off the excess solution with a wet cloth.
- C. Dry Cleaning Paste Recipe Baking Soda & Cornstarch
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Water (as needed)
Instructions:
- Combine the baking soda and cornstarch.
- Gradually add water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain.
- Allow it to dry fully (this could take a few hours).
- Vacuum the paste off to uncover fresh upholstery.
Tips on Removing Stains Effectively
When cleaning upholstery, you need to take a bit of care so you do not end up causing damage. To ensure you get the best results, here are a few tips:
Do a Spot Test: Always spot test your homemade solution on a small, hidden spot of the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t cause fading or damage.
Blot, Don’t Rub: When treating stains, use a cloth to gently blot rather than rub the area. Rubbing can spread the stain or push it deeper into the fabric.
Work Fast: The longer you wait to clean a stain, the harder it is to get rid of one. Don’t wait to clean up spills.
Clean with the Proper Products: For optimum result, use microfiber fabric, soft brushes or upholstery brushes to clean your furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Cleaning Solutions
Do homemade cleaners really work?
Absolutely! Homemade cleaners use naturally derived ingredients with proven cleaning properties. Certain ones take longer to work than some chemical-based counterparts but are just as effective (if not more so) when used rightly.
Are these cleaners safe to use on all fabrics?
Most homemade cleaners are safe to use on a pH-ballanced variety of fabrics, but it’s always smart to test on a small area first.
Is it safe to use these cleaners on leather upholstery?
No, these recipes will not work on leather. Cleaning leather is more complicated and needs specific products to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Homemade upholstery cleaners offer a great substitute for commercial products. They’re inexpensive, eco-friendly and safe for your family and pets. From rubbing alcohol and vinegar to baking soda and cornstarch, you probably have the ingredients you need in your kitchen.
The next time you are confronted with a stain or simply want to freshen up your furniture, use one of the recipes in this guide.] You won’t just save money, either – you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re working with safe, natural cleaning solutions.
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