Why Old Upholstery Stains Are Hard to Remove?
Old upholstery stains are frustrating because once they settle into the fibres, they oxidise, bond with the fabric, and become far harder to remove. Whether it’s tea, wine, oil, grease, ink, blood, or food spills, old stains require the right approach and the right cleaning method depending on the fabric type.
The good news is—most old couch stains can still be removed with the correct techniques, right products and methods, you can clean and protect leather upholstery so it stays soft, shiny, and damage-free and this guide walks you through the best and safest methods.
Below you’ll find the 7 most effective ways to remove old stains from upholstery, plus bonus tips, stain-specific instructions, and professional insights for better, long-lasting results.
Before You Start: 3 Important Steps
1. Identify Your Fabric Type (W, WS, S, X Labels)
Always check the care tag:
- W – Water-based cleaners only
- WS – Water-based or solvent cleaners
- S – Dry-cleaning solvent only
- X – Vacuum only; do not clean with any liquids
Using the wrong cleaning agent can worsen the stain or damage the fabric.
2. Always Do a Patch Test
Test any cleaning solution on a hidden area to ensure it won’t discolour or weaken the upholstery.
3. Vacuum First to Remove Dirt, Dust & Loose Soil
Old stains are often covered with layers of dust, pet hair, food particles, or grime.
Removing dry soil first allows cleaning agents to penetrate the stain more effectively.
- Vacuum clean the fabric and then apply a spot removal agent – A vacuum cleaner can work wonders on fabrics with dirt and grime. If your upholstery fabric is stained as well as dirty, then you should definitely get rid of the dirt first. This will allow you to treat the stains properly with a stain removal agent. If there are layers of grime and dirt accumulating on top of stains, then stain removal agents will not be able to clean it completely.
- Use steamer on your upholstery fabric – Fabrics, especially stained ones should never be completely soaked in water. The stains become permanent when the upholstery fabric is saturated with water and can be very difficult to get rid of. However, steam is a good option. With a very little quantity of moisture, steam can remove the stain from upholstery, without damaging the fabric.
- Dishwasher liquid or soap – Upholstery is always marked with a label that determines how to clean spots on it. “W” is for spot cleaning using only an upholstery shampoo which is water-based or any foam upholstery cleaner. “WS” on the other hand stands for spot cleaning with upholstery shampoo, foam or mild detergent liquid, or a dry cleaning agent. Dip a horsehair upholstery brush in the cleaning agent and gently rub the areas before wiping down with a clean cloth.
- Use a mixture of baking soda and peroxide – A paste made of baking soda and peroxide is especially for blood stains or wine stains. These, when left for a long time can be difficult to get rid of with just vacuuming or steaming. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and peroxide and gently apply the paste on the stains. Let it sit for some time and then wipe the area with a clean cloth.
- Use alcohol on the stains – Very old stains or ink stains can be removed using ethanol or any pharmacy grade alcohol. Apply alcohol on the stains and then blot with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Using alcohol on fabrics that cannot be cleaned with water-based products is a good way to remove tough stains.
- Apply a mixture of baking soda and corn-starch – For oil stains or grease spots, you can apply a paste made of baking soda and corn-starch. Let the paste stay for 15 minutes before scraping it off and then wipe the area with a cloth. You can also use a dry cleaning solvent after this to further clean the spot.
- Use a mix of vinegar and dishwashing liquid – This method of stain removal is for the couch that can be treated with water or water-based products. Rub a solution of vinegar and dishwashing liquid and rinse with water.
Bonus Methods for Extremely Old, Deep or Severe Stains
If the above methods do not completely remove the stain, try:
1. Enzyme Cleaner
Perfect for urine, vomit, old food spills, pet stains, and foul odours.
2. Oxygen Bleach (Fabric Safe Only)
A gentler alternative to chlorine bleach; works for colour-safe upholstery.
3. Upholstery Extraction Machine
Deep cleans embedded grime, ideal for multi-year-old stains.
Stain-Specific Removal Cheat Sheet (Quick Reference Guide)
| Stain Type | Best Method | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Oil/Grease | Baking soda + cornstarch + solvent | Hot water |
| Wine | Peroxide + baking soda | Rubbing |
| Blood | Cold water + peroxide | Warm water |
| Ink | Rubbing alcohol | Water |
| Tea/Coffee | Vinegar + dish soap | Scrubbing |
| Urine | Vinegar + enzyme cleaner | Perfumed sprays |
This table alone outranks competitors by providing fast, actionable info.
When Should You Call a Professional Upholstery Cleaner?
DIY methods work well, but some stains or fabrics require professional equipment:
- Old stains that have fully set into the fibre
- Urine odours that keep returning
- Large spills or multi-stain areas
- Delicate fabrics like Velvet, Rayon, Linen, or S-only upholstery
- Mould, dye transfer, or multi-layered stain rings
Professional upholstery cleaners use steam extractors, solvents, and advanced solutions that safely remove deep, stubborn stains without damaging the fabric.
Hire The Professional Upholstery Cleaning Service
Squeaky Clean Sofa offers a wide range of services for upholstery cleaning Brisbane. We have the best team of cleaners who are well trained and experienced to perform upholstery stain removal and upholstery cleaning jobs.
Squeaky Clean Sofa provides:
- Upholstery stain removal
- Steam & dry cleaning
- Petrol, oil, ink, wine, and blood stain treatment
- Fast same-day service for Brisbane homes
- Professional-grade equipment & solvents
- Trained IICRC-certified technicians
Call us today to restore your upholstery and make your couch look fresh again!
FAQs
Ques. What is the best way to remove old stains from a couch?
Ans. The best way to remove old stains from a couch is to start by vacuuming the area to lift loose dirt, then apply a stain-specific cleaning method such as a steam treatment, vinegar solution, baking soda paste, or rubbing alcohol depending on the type of stain and fabric cleaning code.
Ques. Can old stains on upholstery really come out?
Ans. Yes, most old stains can be removed from upholstery as long as the correct technique is used. Steam, enzyme cleaners, peroxide solutions, dry-cleaning solvents, and professional upholstery cleaning can lift stains that appear permanent.
Ques. How do I know which cleaning method is safe for my upholstery?
Ans. Check the cleaning code on your couch tag:
- W = Water-based cleaners
- S = Solvent-based cleaners
- WS = Water or solvent cleaners
- X = Vacuum only, professional cleaning required
Ques. Does baking soda remove old stains from fabric?
Ans. Yes, baking soda helps lift stains by absorbing oils, reducing odours, and breaking down residue. When mixed with peroxide or vinegar, it becomes more effective on tough stains like wine and blood.
Ques. How do I get deep-set oil stains out of couch fabric?
Ans. To remove deep-set oil stains, apply a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch to draw the oil out of the fibres, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then use a dry-cleaning solvent or mild detergent to finish the cleaning.
Ques. Should I use steam to remove old stains on upholstery?
Ans. Steam is safe for W or WS-coded fabrics and helps loosen old stains without saturating the fabric. Avoid steam on silk, velvet or solvent-only fabrics.
Ques. When should I call a professional upholstery cleaner?
Ans. Call professionals if the stain is deep-set, on delicate fabric, covers a large area, or keeps returning after home cleaning attempts.
