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Sofa stain guide: what to do depending on the fabric
Most damage to a sofa isn't caused by the stain but by what happens in the next ten minutes: rubbing, soaking, applying a product without knowing the fabric. This guide is not an automatic diagnosis and doesn't promise to remove the stain: it tells you what to do first, what to avoid and when it's best to stop.
No registration and no personal details needed. You can copy the link for your combination or print the summary.
First, whatever happens
- Absorb the liquid with a clean, dry cloth, pressing rather than rubbing.
- Don't soak the area: excess water leaves rings and can reach the padding.
- Find the manufacturer's care label (W, S, WS or X) before applying any product.
Why we ask about the label
Sofas carry a cleaning code on the label: W (can be cleaned with water), S (solvent only), WS (both) or X (vacuum only). It's the most useful piece of information you have and almost nobody looks at it.
If you can't find it, the guide assumes the most cautious case and asks you to test on a hidden area.
Full fabric × stain matrix
Every published combination has been reviewed with a date and source. Missing ones have no safe home steps and point to a professional assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does this guide replace a professional clean?
No. It helps you avoid making the stain worse in the first minutes and decide whether it's worth trying something at home. If the fabric is delicate or the stain is days old, an assessment is the sensible choice.
Why don't you recommend vinegar, bicarbonate or ammonia?
Because they work on some fabrics and ruin others, and online they're recommended without distinction. We prefer steps that don't harm any fibre and refer you to a professional when a specific product is needed.
Can I share or link to a recommendation?
Yes: each combination has its own address that you can copy. It contains no personal data.
Who reviews these recommendations?
The SofaSpa team, with a date and source on each combination. If a combination is missing, it's because we have no home steps we consider safe.
Tell us what needs cleaning
No obligation. We review your case and get back to you through the channel you choose with the next steps.