Stain Removal: How To Remove Accidents from Various Materials

Furniture isn’t just a staple of your personality, it’s a financial investment. Some pieces can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars. With something so expensive that takes up space in your home, you want to take care of it, right? We do all we can to keep pets off the couch, or not eating in the bedrooms, but accidents are bound to happen. Don’t worry – there are plenty of effective techniques that you can try to restore your furniture, no matter the material! From wood to leather, here are a few stain removal techniques that just might save your favorite piece of furniture.

Wood

Wood furniture can be prone to stains due to its porous nature, meaning liquids can easily seep into the surface and leave behind marks. Spills from beverages, food, or ink can quickly penetrate the wood, causing discoloration and staining. Without proper protection and maintenance, even everyday use can lead to unsightly stains on wood furniture. Here are a few ways to tackle wood stain removal:

1. Blotting: If you catch the stain early, immediately blot spills with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to prevent absorption. Try not to rub, as it will just allow the liquid to seep deeper.
2. Mild Soap and Water: Mix mild dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the stained area. Do not use an abrasive surface, and instead use a washcloth or heavy-duty paper towel. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth afterward.
3. Vinegar Solution: For tougher stains, create a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Dip a cloth into the mixture, and allow it to sit for a minute or two. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth afterward.
4. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. You’ll want it to be almost the consistency of toothpaste, but not too watery. Apply to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Upholstery

Stain removal in upholstery can be a long process, but is still entirely possible! Getting stains out of upholstery can be challenging due to the fabric’s absorbent nature and the variety of potential stains, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to effectively remove most stains:

1. Immediate Action: Just as you would with wood, if caught immediately, blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid. This may not get rid of the stain but will make it easier to remove whatever is left behind.
2. Commercial Cleaners: There are plenty of trusted commercial cleaners to help remove stains from a multitude of fabrics. Once you find one you prefer, make sure to follow the specific directions carefully to ensure your stain is removed properly.
3. Spot Testing: Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Especially if you are using a store-bought cleaner that you’re not sure about.
4. Homemade Solutions: Mix a mild detergent with water or create a paste with baking soda and water to spot clean gently. This works great for recent stains or light water stains.
5. Steam Cleaning: For deeper stains, consider steam cleaning with a handheld steamer or hire a professional upholstery cleaner.

Leather

Leather is definitely the most stress-inducing material to clean. Removing stains from leather can be tricky due to its delicate nature and susceptibility to damage from harsh cleaning agents. However, with gentle methods, it’s entirely feasible to restore leather to its original condition:

1. Immediate Blotting: Using a dry cloth, blot dry the space if it is a recent stain. Do not scrub or wipe, as it will just cause it to spread.
2. Mild Soap and Water: Water is safe for most leather. Dampen a cloth with a mixture of mild soap and water. Gently wipe the stained area, then dry with a clean cloth.
3. Commercial Leather Cleaner: Invest in a high-quality leather cleaner recommended for your specific type of leather. While looking, try to stay away from wax cleaners for furniture, as it will leave a sleek residue that may not be preferred for something you sit on.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Just as you should avoid wax, try to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the leather’s finish.
5. Conditioning: Regularly condition your leather furniture to keep it supple and prevent future stains. This is great to do immediately after you receive the furniture, as well as after using any cleaner.

Metal

When dealing with metal, you also have to worry about rust. That makes cleaning metal a bit of a tricky task. Because of that, stain removal for metal usually includes natural remedies:

1. Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water to create a solution for removing rust stains. Apply with a cloth and scrub gently. Do not put a lot of pressure, as you may scratch the metal.
2. Baking Soda Paste: For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water just as you would for wood. Apply to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
3. Lemon and Salt for Rust: Make a paste with lemon juice and salt for rust removal. Apply to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. Reapply if necessary.
4. Protective Coating: Consider applying a protective coating or sealant to prevent future stains and corrosion. These are great for spaces such as your kitchen tables or entryway furniture that may see a lot of interaction.

Stain Removal with Augustus & Carolina

Taking good care of your furniture is key to maintaining its beauty and durability. With helpful tips and techniques designed for different types of furniture materials, it’s easy to effectively remove stains and keep your furnishings looking fresh.

Looking to invest in something new for your home? Augustus & Carolina can assist you in building your new interior style. With tons of unique options for any aesthetic, we are here to make your vision a reality! Need some inspiration? Check out our indoor furnishing gallery and outdoor gallery. Come visit our showroom at 822 Front Street, Georgetown, SC 29440.