How to Clean White Furniture

Clean the furniture regularly to keep everyday dirt and grime from setting in. Vacuum the couch weekly to remove any accumulated dirt. Brush the furniture with a lint brush if you have pets that shed hair. Wash wooden or plastic furniture using a damp towel, then pat it dry.

Blot any simple stains immediately with a towel dampened with clean, cold water. For wine and coffee stains, apply a paste made from baking soda and water. For grease and oil stains, use a cornstarch poultice. Leave the cleaner in place for 15 minutes, then wipe the area with a towel dampened with clean, cold water.

Mix 1/2 cup of mild powdered laundry detergent with 1/4 cup of water in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until it forms a foamy paste. Clean the furniture with the paste in 2-foot sections, dabbing the paste on with a damp rag, then wiping it off with a second damp rag. Allow the furniture to dry completely before sitting on it or vacuuming it.

Clean the furniture deeply every four to six months. Apply a chemical cleaning agent made specifically for the material of the furniture, following the directions on the label. Alternatively, you can use a steam cleaner to lift any embedded dirt out of the furniture.