Read on to learn how to make homemade upholstery cleaner.

Types of Upholstery

Some fabrics will be ruined if cleaned with water-based cleaners.

Tip

To freshen any key in of fabric upholstery, sprinkle the surface with baking soda.

Homemade upholstery cleaner in clear spray bottle next to folded towels

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Use enough baking soda to cover the fabric about one-quarter inch deep.

Allow the soda to sit on the surface for at least eight hours and then vacuum it away.

The fabric will both smell better and look brighter after the baking soda absorbs oils and odors.

An assortment of upholstery cleaners we recommend, including the Bissell Little Green Original Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, side-by-side on a wood floor

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

It also works well to clean vinyl or faux leather upholstery.

it’s possible for you to also add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.

Label the Solution

Label the bottle unless you plan to use all of the solution immediately.

Materials and tools to make a homemade upholstery cleaner

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Vacuum the Upholstery

Vacuum the upholsterywell to remove as much soil as possible.

Apply the Cleaner

Spritz on the cleaner lightly starting at the top of the furniture.

Allow the upholstery to air-dry.

Distilled white vinegar, Castile soup and water mixed in clear spray bottle

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

For fabric with an S tag, use the isopropyl alcohol cleaning method.

Always vacuum the upholstery well before you use either cleaning solution.

Add one-fourth cup dishwashing liquid.

Clear spray bottle with solution labeled as upholstery cleaner

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Use an electric hand mixer or whisk to create lots of soapy suds.

You may also want to add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.

Starting at the top will prevent dirty suds from dripping onto already cleaned areas.

Red faux leather upholstery vacuumed with brush attachment

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Allow the fabric to air-dry completely.

Use a vacuum or upholstery brush to fluff fibers onmicrofiber upholstery finishes.

For safety, always label the bottle.

Homemade upholstery cleaner sprayed on red faux leather furniture

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Warning

Do not use rubbing alcohol or any dry-cleaning solvent around open-flames.

Open windows or turn on fans to provide good ventilation.

Clean the Upholstery

Spritz the fabric lightly starting at the top of a cushion or section.

Damp microfiber cloth rinsing red faux leather furniture

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

While the fabric is damp with the rubbing alcohol, use a soft-bristled brush to remove soil.

If you want, add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance.

Label the bottle as “Leather Cleaner and Conditioner.”

Large bucket with soapy water surrounded by materials for cleaning solution

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Working in a small area, lightly spray the leather with the solution.

Wipe down the leather with a microfiber cloth to remove soil.

The olive oil will keep the leather soft and supple.

Soap suds on top of soft-bristled scrubbing brush

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This is especially the case when stains have been allowed to set-in for too long.

It’s vital that you clean spills as soon as they occur to avoid this set-in stain effect.

In these situations, your best bet may be to call a professional.

Microfiber furniture rinsed with damp cloth

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Be sure to consult the item’s care tag and test the dish soap in an inconspicuous area first.

Yes, various types of fabric can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide.

However, this is a strong option that can also be damaging.

Rubbing alcohol in glass spray bottle next to towels and scrub brush

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Test the hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous area first.

Laundry detergent can be used as an upholstery cleaner, but be careful to only use small amounts.

Soft-bristled scrub brush cleaning white fabric with rubbing alcohol and plain water

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Vacuum cleaning up matted fibers from white synthetic fabric cushion

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Distilled white vinegar poured into spray bottle with olive oil for leather cleaning solution

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Homemade leather cleaner sprayed on leather couch cushion and wiped with microfiber cloth

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Dry microfiber cloth buffing leather couch cushion to remove streaks

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Closeup of steam cleaning a sofa