10 Common Couch Stains and How to Treat Them at Home

Your couch is often the centerpiece of your living room—a cozy haven for lounging, entertaining, and sometimes, snacking. Unfortunately, life happens, and so do stains. But don’t worry! With a few household items and the right techniques, you can tackle most stains without breaking a sweat while retaining a healthy living space. Here’s a guide to treating 10 of the most common couch stains at home.

1. Coffee Stains

Spilled coffee can leave a noticeable mark on your couch. To treat it:

Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water.
Dab the solution onto the stain using a clean sponge, then blot dry.

2. Red Wine Stains

Red wine stains can be intimidating, but quick action is key:

Sprinkle salt on the stain to absorb moisture.
Blot with a cloth soaked in club soda or white vinegar.
Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.

3. Grease Stains

Grease can quickly soak into upholstery. Here’s how to deal with it:

Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the grease.
Vacuum the area and then use a mixture of dish soap and warm water to blot the stain.

4. Ink Stains

Ink stains might look permanent, but rubbing alcohol can save the day:

Dab rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and gently blot the ink stain. Avoid rubbing.
Rinse with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

5. Pet Accidents

For pet urine or other accidents, time is of the essence:

Blot the area with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray it on the stain, and blot with a clean cloth.
Sprinkle baking soda over the area to neutralize odors and vacuum once it’s dry.

6. Chocolate Stains

Chocolate stains are easier to remove than they seem:

Scrape off any excess chocolate with a dull knife.
Mix dish soap with warm water and dab the stain with a sponge.
Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.

7. Blood Stains

Cold water is your best friend for blood stains:

Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in cold water.
Apply a mixture of cold water and dish soap, then blot gently.
Rinse and repeat until the stain fades.

8. Juice Stains

Fruit juices can be tricky, but vinegar comes to the rescue:

Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid.
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water and dab it onto the stain.
Blot dry with a clean towel.

9. Makeup Stains

For foundation or lipstick stains:

Scrape off excess makeup with a spoon or knife.
Use a mixture of dish soap and warm water to blot the stain gently.
Rinse and blot dry.

10. Beer Stains

Beer spills can leave a sticky residue if not treated properly:

Blot the area with paper towels to soak up the liquid.
Mix dish soap and warm water, then blot the stain with a sponge.
Rinse with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

Final Thoughts

Stains don’t have to be the end of your couch’s good looks. With these DIY solutions, you can tackle common spills and accidents like a pro. Just remember to act quickly, test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area, and follow up with regular maintenance to keep your couch looking its best.