DIY Upholstery Cleaners

General Cloth Upholstery Cleaner

• Dilute 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap (like Dawn or Ivory) per 1 pint of water. Then use a white cloth to apply the solution. If the upholstery is delicate, blot; if the upholstery is more durable, use an upholstery brush and brush it on. Use another clean, dry white cloth to blot out the solution.

Cloth Upholstery Stain Removal Cleaners

• Use baby wipes to remove most food stains. Make your own stain remover by mixing 1 tsp. of neutral laundry detergent (nothing with bleach or bleach alternative) in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Blot this on the stain with a clean white cloth. If the stain remains, try mixing 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water and blot that on the stain; sponge it off with water (but remember not to overwet the area). You can also try a solution of 1 tbsp. of ammonia and 1/2 cup of water: blot it on and sponge it off.

General Leather Upholstery Cleaner

• Make your own leather upholstery cleaner by mixing 1 cup white vinegar with 2 cups linseed oil. Spread the cleaner on your leather upholstery with a white cloth, rubbing it in using a circular motion, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then buff the leather with another soft cloth until it shines.

Leather Upholstery Stain Removal Cleaners

• Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub it into the stain. Use a blow dryer to dry the spot; if the stain didn't come out completely, try rubbing on a thick layer of nongel, nonoily cutical remover, leaving it on overnight and wiping it off with a damp cloth the next morning. If your light-colored leather upholstery gets a dark-colored stain, rub it with a paste made from equal amounts of fresh lemon juice and cream of tartar. Leave the paste on the upholstery for 10 minutes before applying another layer and wiping it all off with a damp cloth or sponge.