How To Remove Old Furniture Stain

How to Remove Old Furniture Stain

Old furniture stains can be a real eyesore. They can make your furniture look dirty and unkempt, and they can also be difficult to remove. But with the right techniques, you can get rid of even the most stubborn stains and restore your furniture to its former glory.

What You'll Need

Soft cloths
Mild detergent
Water
Rubbing alcohol
Baking soda
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide (for light-colored furniture only)
Commercial furniture cleaner

Test First

Before you start cleaning the stain, test your chosen cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the furniture to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Apply a small amount of the solution to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. If there is no discoloration or damage, you can proceed with cleaning the stain.

Removing the Stain

The best way to remove a stain depends on the type of stain and the type of furniture. Here are some general tips:

For water-based stains, such as coffee or tea, blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean cloth. Then, dampen a cloth with water and mild detergent and blot the stain. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened with water and dry thoroughly.
For oil-based stains, such as grease or oil, blot up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth. Then, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and blot the stain. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened with water and dry thoroughly.
For food stains, such as ketchup or mustard, blot up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth. Then, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth dampened with water. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened with water and dry thoroughly.
For ink stains, blot up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth. Then, apply a small amount of white vinegar to a clean cloth and blot the stain. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened with water and dry thoroughly.
For tough stains, you may need to use a commercial furniture cleaner. Follow the directions on the product label carefully.