Sofas constantly keep getting dirty because they are used a lot during the daytime. Also, if you are a fan of eating on the sofa like most other people, then they are bound to get stained a lot. It is important to keep the sofas clean because they are the centerpiece in the living rooms of most people. For this purpose, I explain in this articleย how to remove stains from a sofaย in the most efficient and easiest way possible. Below are 5 most common and stubborn stains that you may want to clean from your sofa.
1.Coffee:
Using, a dry cloth, try to blot out as much of the spilled liquid as you can. Apply liquid detergent to the stain on the sofa and scrub with a clean cloth. Do not rub too hard because the detergent can go deep within the soft material, and you do not want that. After this, rub the sofa with a clean damp cloth and let it dry.
2.Chocolate:
Try to scrape off as much chocolate as you can by using a dull knife. Prepare a mixture of a few drops of liquid detergent and 1 cup of warm water. Now, using a clean cloth, gently apply this mixture to the stain site on the sofa. Do not be rough, or the chocolate may move deeper within the sofa material. Blot the greased area with a clean cloth dipped in cold water and let the sofa dry before using it again.
3.Grease:
Use a paper towel and try to absorb as much grease as possible from the stain site. Spray the stain site with cold water and salt. Salt will absorb the grease from the site. After this, you can vacuum out the salt from the sofa. Now apply stain remover on the site according to the instructions given on the care tag of the sofa. Let the sofa completely dry before using it again.
4.Ink stains:
In the case of an ink spill, try to clean the stain as soon as possible before ink gets absorbed in the inner sides of the sofa. Dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol and blot the ink stain with it. You should try moving from outside to inside with blotting the ink as it will prevent the ink from spreading. You do not need to rinse the sofa after this because alcohol will evaporate quite soon.
5.Ketchup and tomato sauce stains:
Try to remove the excess sauce with the help of a dull knife. Now mix 1-part cold water with half part dishwashing liquid. Blot the stain with this mixture and let the sofa dry before using it again. Using these methods, you may clean these stubborn stains easily and efficiently from your sofa. Keep in mind the care label of the sofa and follow the procedures closely, and you will be good to go. Oh, and if you find yourself dealing with a lot of stains (as plenty of parents do!) it might be worth thinking about a loose sofa cover from a company likeย CoverMyFurniture. Unlike normal sofa fabric, these can just be removed when they get dirty or stained, and put through the washing machine. Once it’s dry you can just put it straight back on again, and nobody will be any the wiser!
If you have any top tips on how to remove stains from a sofa then I would love to know in the comments below. Check out my other cleaning tips, like keeping your kettle clean.

Maegan Boyle
August 26, 2021This is great. Grease is probably the worst I find to get out! Do think these hacks would work on some items of clothing too?
Thanks for these!
MummyConstant
August 26, 2021Oooh thatโs a very good idea
Cath Joyce
August 30, 2021Thank you – your tip to remove chocolate has worked perfectly!
Hayley Wakenshaw
August 30, 2021“Do not be rough, or the chocolate may move deeper within the sofa material.” Oh I wish I had read this just three days ago, before I absolutely did this with the melted giant Dairy Milk Button that I found on my sofa!
ashleigh allan
September 1, 2021Really helpful post!
ashleigh allan
September 10, 2021Good tips – ink is always a hard one!
Emma England
September 11, 2021Great tips. I have spilled coffee on my sofa on more than one occasion!
joanne coulson
September 13, 2021Brilliant idea! thanks
Hayley Wakenshaw
October 14, 2021Tip number 2 is the one I KNOW I’m going to use most!
Natalie Crossan
December 30, 2021Thank you for these tips, I have some really tough stains on my sofa!!
Natalie Gillham
December 31, 2021Great tips thanks so much I now have some stains to attack x
Mover Melbourne
January 11, 2022Thank you so much for this amazing blog. Best cleaning tips for cleaning sofa.
Claire W
December 5, 2022These are some great tips, thank you!