Guide for removing stains - Flecken-Ratgeber

Removing stains

A comprehensive guide

Stains on furniture are annoying. But don't worry: in our guide, you can find out which types of stains occur most

First of all, 3 important tips:

Fresh stains? Act immediately! Fresh stains are easier to remove than older, dried-on stains.

Always clean large areas! Don't just treat the stain, but clean the entire surface, from seam to seam. Otherwise, a light (clean) area may be visible after the stain treatment.

Only use suitable cleaners! Only use suitable cleaners, no "home remedies" such as vinegar, nail polish remover or hairspray! These can damage the sofa cover.

Stains on the sofa cannot always be avoided in everyday life. Whether it's a spilled red wine, a grease stain or coffee drips, the right method of stain removal can make the difference between a flawless piece of furniture and a permanent stain. In this guide, we will look at the different types of stains that are particularly common on upholstered furniture, the difficulties of stain removal and the first aid measures for treating stains on furniture.

The most common stains on furniture

Various types of stains appear on furniture, especially sofas and dining room furniture, which can range from spilt drinks to pet marks. Some of the most common types of stains are:

Red wine and coffee stains: These stains are particularly common on upholstered furniture, dining room chairs or carpets and can be stubborn if not treated immediately.
Grease and oil stains can be caused by spilled food or body creams and are often found on upholstered furniture, leather or imitation leather sofas.
Water stains can be caused by spilled drinks, moisture or improper cleaning methods and are often found on natural leather or wooden surfaces.
Blood stains are caused by minor injuries or accidents, often on upholstered furniture.
Stains from pets such as urine, vomit or street dirt can be particularly stubborn and often require special cleaning methods.
Unsightly stains are often found on older and rarely cleaned leather sofas.

You can find out how to treat these stains on your sofa in our guides:

→ Oil and grease stains

→ Stains from spills

→ Red wine stains

→ Jeans discolouration

→ Mould

Difficulties with stain removal:

Removing stains from furniture can present various difficulties depending on the type of stain and the material of the piece of furniture. Some of the most common difficulties are:

Material sensitivity: some materials such as natural aniline leather, velvet or certain types of wood can be sensitive to cleaning agents and must be treated with extra care to avoid damage.
Depth of the stain: Stubborn stains that have already penetrated the material may be more difficult to remove and may require several cleaning passes.
Colour stability: Some stains, especially on fabrics, can affect the colour stability of the material and lead to discolouration if treated too late or not properly.
Odor problems: Pet or food stains can often leave unpleasant odors that can linger even after cleaning if not thoroughly removed.