But, this method was interesting because it calls for a laundry or dishwashing detergent pod.

Then, they place a dishwasher detergent pod in a bowl with hot water.

The video then shows that the couch stains disappear.

Upholstered couch in living room

Issarawat Tattong / Getty Images

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It had a black stain on the right side that I hadn’t been able to treat yet.

Here’s the before.

A cream recliner with a stain on the bottom right arm.

Emily Benda Gaylord

Emily Benda Gaylord

I wanted to do a little prework to increase my chances of good results.

I started by vacuuming the chair in case there was any loose dirt and dust.

Then, I placed a dishwashing pod in a bowl and filled it with warm water.

A closeup photo of a black smudge stain on a cream recliner chair.

Emily Benda Gaylord

After a few scrubs, the stain started to fade.

Then, I dabbed at the stain with a dry towel to soak up excess water.

Id opt for a professional cleaning if I wanted to clean the entire piece of furniture.

Filling a bowl with warm water from the sink.

Emily Benda Gaylord

The fabric also doesnt feel stiff or sticky with residue, which is something I was worried about.

Overall, it seems like the hack worked!

Final Thoughts

While this method worked and my chair looks betterI won’t be doing it again.

A dishwashing pod dissolving in a bowl of warm water.

Emily Benda Gaylord

This hack also doesnt seem like it would be a great option for full upholstery cleaning.

Rubbing a towl-wrapped saucepan lid on an upholstery stain.

Emily Benda Gaylord

Dabbing at an upholstery stain with a damp cloth.

Emily Benda Gaylord

A closeup of a chair arm after using a cleaning hack.

Emily Benda Gaylord