Cleaning Solution for the Sofa

Vacuum the sofa to remove dust, grit and dirt.

Check the sofa for stains. Determine what the stain is and use an appropriate stain remover. If you don't know what the stain is, use the solution in step 4.

Remove as much of a fresh wet stain as possible by blotting or scrapping it off with dull knife. Do not scrub the stain it will just drive it deeper into the fabric. Fold up paper towels and press the towels firmly on the stain. If the stain is on a cushion that can be unzipped, unzip it and place folded up paper towels beneath the stain to absorb it as well as on top.

Mix 2 tbsp. of non-sudsy household ammonia with 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the kind you buy for first aid). Test the colorfastness of the sofa material in an inconspicuous spot. Place a few drops on the fabric. If the solution dries without changing the color of the fabric it's most likely safe to use.

Soak a sponge in the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Place it on the stain and squeeze out the mixture until the stain is soaked.

Place paper towels on top of the stain. Place a folded terry cloth towel over the paper towels. Put a heavy weight such as books on the terry cloth towel. Leave in place for 60 minutes. The hydrogen peroxide mixture will pick up the stain into the paper towels.

Remove weight and towels and let dry.

Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.