6 ways to remove stains from old furniture according to expert advice

So you’ve hit the thrift store jackpot and found the vintage sofa of your dreams at a deep discount. But then you spot something that could turn the scene into a nightmare—an ugly stain on the fabric that looks at least half the age of the furniture.

With a little patience and proper cleaning techniques, you have a great chance of removing stains, refreshing the fabric, and enjoying your “new” furniture for years to come. Below, we share six effective ways to remove stains from thrift store finds.

Identify fabric and stains

Clint Collins, owner of HFR Furniture Rental & Sales, says your success in removing stains from budget furniture depends largely on knowing what the stain and fabric are made of. For example, an oil-based stain on satin will need to be treated differently than a dye-based stain on suede, he says.

Here are his suggestions for dealing with some common stains:

• Oil bunker: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain. Gently rub it in, then let it sit for five to 10 minutes before cleaning.
• Wine or tannin stains: Blot the stain with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water. You can also choose a specialized stain remover.
• Protein Stains: If possible, soak the fabric in cold water. Then, make a paste of baking soda and cold water. Apply to the stain, then let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing.
• Stain: Soak with alcohol or a specialized stain remover.

If you’re lucky and the care label is still there, follow it to the letter. You can also ask the thrift store clerk if they know the story behind the stain. Otherwise, a gentle approach is always recommended.

Collins suggests pre-treating any stains by blotting or blotting with a white cloth or rag, which will help lift any surface stains. It will also give you a better idea of ​​the source of the stain if you’re not entirely sure.

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Use a mild detergent on furniture

If the stain is on a removable cover, Passalacqua says it can be easily washed on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. But for non-removable fabrics, he recommends diluting a mild upholstery cleaner with water. Apply it to the stain, then scrub gently with a soft brush.

Taylor Riley, founder of Impact Cleaning Professionals and Boom. Facility Service Advisors, recommends Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. Despite the name, Riley explains that the product is great for furniture. He even tested it against commercial products and found Folex to be just as effective.

“It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and most importantly, it removes old, hard-set stains,” he says, making it perfect for cleaning old furniture.

Just follow the simple instructions on the bottle, then let the upholstery dry before using. It’s worth noting that Riley also tested the Folex cleaner on carpet stains—specifically mustard, coffee, ketchup, and red wine—and got great results.

Clean with just one White Microfiber cloth

Microfiber cleaning cloths come in a variety of colors, but make sure you get a plain white cloth if you’re cleaning furniture, antiques, or other items. This is especially important when blotting stains after applying any solution.

“The white towel eliminates the possibility of the dye absorbing through the towel, further staining the upholstery,” says Riley.

While any white cloth or towel can be used in an emergency, microfiber is ideal because it can absorb moisture as it dries, Riley says.

Always check onsite first

Don’t overlook this common sense cleaning reminder when trying to salvage a great antique. Collins recommends testing any cleaning or pre-treatment solutions in an inconspicuous spot, if possible.

“This way, if the solution doesn’t work, the stain won’t get worse or more visible,” he says.

Air dry for best results

Joseph Passalacqua, CEO of Maid Sailors, recommends letting your upholstery dry completely after cleaning to avoid shrinkage or warping. For any small or removable items, like sofa covers, he recommends using the lowest heat setting and tossing in a few dryer balls if you must use a dryer.

Hire a cleaning professional when needed

If the stain on your new antique furniture is still stubborn, you may be tempted to use a stronger chemical cleaner. Collins advises against this. Instead, seek out a professional who has done this before.

“There is no harm in hiring a professional cleaning service, especially for certain specialty fabrics or furniture,” he says.