Homemade Upholstery Cleaner: Simple Recipes That Actually Work

When you spill coffee on your favorite sofa or track in mud after a rainy day, you don’t need to buy expensive cleaners or call a pro right away. A homemade upholstery cleaner, a simple, do-it-yourself solution made from common household ingredients like vinegar, water, and mild soap. Also known as natural fabric cleaner, it’s safe for most fabrics and won’t leave behind harsh chemical residues. Many people assume store-bought sprays are more powerful, but the truth? A well-made DIY mix often works better—and costs less than a dollar per batch.

Not all upholstery is the same. A cotton sofa behaves differently than microfiber or linen, and leather needs a totally different approach. That’s why knowing the right ingredients matters. White vinegar, a mild acid that breaks down grease, odors, and organic stains without damaging most fabrics. Also known as distilled vinegar, it’s the secret behind many effective cleaning solutions. Combine it with water in a 1:1 ratio, and you’ve got a basic cleaner that lifts dirt and deodorizes. Add a drop of dish soap like Dawn, and it cuts through grease on stains from kids, pets, or oily snacks. But here’s the catch: vinegar isn’t safe for everything. It can damage silk, wool, or unfinished wood frames, so always test in a hidden spot first.

Then there’s baking soda, a gentle abrasive and odor absorber that’s perfect for deep-cleaning fabric cushions and removing lingering smells. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, it’s the go-to for freshening up mattresses and car seats too. Sprinkle it on the fabric, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum it up. It won’t remove a wine stain by itself, but it’ll pull out the smell left behind after you’ve treated the stain with vinegar. For tougher stains like pet urine or dried food, enzyme-based cleaners work best—but those aren’t usually homemade. Still, vinegar and baking soda cover 80% of everyday messes.

People ask if you can use vinegar on velvet or suede. The answer? No. Those fabrics need special care. And if your sofa has a cleaning code like "W" or "S" on the tag, that’s your guide. "W" means water-based cleaners like vinegar are fine. "S" means solvent-only—so skip the water mix and use rubbing alcohol instead. Ignore those tags at your own risk.

What you’ll find below are real, tested methods from people who’ve cleaned their own sofas, couches, and chairs without spending hundreds. You’ll see exactly how to mix the right solution, how long to let it sit, which stains need extra steps, and when it’s better to call in a professional. No fluff. No marketing hype. Just what works—and what doesn’t—based on actual results.