How to get grease stains out of furniture
Friday night takeaway + sofa = pure bliss… until there’s a greasy spill on the seat cushion. It happens- the average lifespan of a sofa has 2,728 drink and food spillages! So, don’t let a rogue chip or pizza slice ruin your chill.
We’ll show you exactly how to get grease stains out of upholstery, so you can relax, indulge, and enjoy your night without the stress.
Whether it’s food, motor oil, or beauty products. With this guide, you’re ready to tackle them.
🍕🛋️🧼
A Step-by-Step for Grease Emergencies 🚨
STEP 1: REACT FAST
The key to avoiding any kind of long-lasting damage to your upholstery is to act quickly when the spill happens. Don’t panic, but don’t wait for the grease to settle into the fibres. When it comes to how to get grease out of upholstery, speed is everything – the longer it sits, the harder it is to evict!
STEP 2: SCOOP THE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS
Start by carefully lifting any leftover grease or food from the sofa using a spoon or dull plastic edge like a card, or clean cutlery. Be gentle to avoid pressing the stain deeper into the fabric or causing it to spread further. You just want to clear away the debris to work on the stain.
STEP 3: BLOT THE SPOT
After making sure any surface level debris, oil and grease have been removed, you’ll want to act quickly and soak up as much grease as possible with a damn cloth such as a kitchen towel or terry cloth. Be sure not to rub, just apply light pressure and dab the area.
STEP 4: TACKLE EXCESS MOISTURE
Counteract the moisture of the grease by adding a powdered substance such as cornstarch or baking soda, as there will be residual grease, even after blotting the surface. Leave to sit for 10-15 minutes to allow for optimal soak up.
STEP 5: HOOVER IT UP
After putting down a powder substance that absorbs some of the grease, you’ll want to vacuum it up, away from the material- preferably with the brush attachment if you have one.
Upholstery Cleaning Codes 🏷️
What they mean, when it comes down to how to remove grease stains from furniture:
W: Safe to clean with water and a bit of washing-up liquid or steam.
S: Use solvent-based cleaners only (like dry cleaning); water may leave marks.
WS: You can use either water or solvent-based cleaners.
X: Do not clean it yourself—call a professional.
You can read what the different symbols mean in this article by The Mirror.
Home Hacks 🏠
There are some other home remedies that could help if you have a super stubborn stain, such as…
- Apply the washing-up liquid directly to the stain, leave it to sit for a moment, then rinse with warm water.
- White vinegar spray, made of a cup of the white wine vinegar, and cold water in a spray bottle. Again, leave it to sit for a few minutes before using a damp cloth to blot and dab the stain away.
⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDER: Always do a patch test on your upholstery’s fabric prior to applying it to a larger, more visible area.
💡 TOP TIP: Your sofa or armchair will more than likely have a label attached on the underside of the furniture, or on a cushion label. This details what fabric it is, which gives you more information on what solutions and cleaning products are suitable for its composition. Make sure to check this before following any online “how to get rid of stains on sofa” advice.
Sit Back, Stain-Free 🛋️✨
Grease stains might feel like a nightmare in the moment, but with the right know-how and a quick response, they don’t have to leave a lasting mark on your furniture, or your evening. By following these steps and tips, you can handle everything from cheeky chip spills to mystery sofa smudges like a pro.
According to YouGov, 42% of Britons eat dinner on the sofa or in an armchair, and 67% watch something while they eat, so there’s no shame in your takeaway game! Next time you’re indulging in a well-earned takeaway, or movie night on your couch, you can do it worry-free. Go on- relax, snack, repeat.
How to get grease stains out of furniture
Friday night takeaway + sofa = pure bliss… until there’s a greasy spill on the seat cushion. It happens- the average lifespan of a sofa has 2,728 drink and food spillages! So, don’t let a rogue chip or pizza slice ruin your chill.
We’ll show you exactly how to get grease stains out of upholstery, so you can relax, indulge, and enjoy your night without the stress.
Whether it’s food, motor oil, or beauty products. With this guide, you’re ready to tackle them.
🍕🛋️🧼
A Step-by-Step for Grease Emergencies
1: REACT FAST ⏱️
The key to avoid any kind of long-lasting damage to your upholstery, is to act quickly when the spill happens. Don’t panic, but don’t wait for the grease to settle into the fibres, as the longer it sits, the harder it is to evict!
2: SCOOP THE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS 🥄
Start by carefully lifting any leftover grease or food from the sofa using a spoon or dull plastic edge like a card, or clean cutlery. Be gentle to avoid pressing the stain deeper into the fabric or causing it to spread further- we just want to clear away the debris to work on the stain.
3: BLOT THE SPOT 🧻
After making sure any surface level debris, oil and grease have been removed, you’ll want to act quickly and soak up as much grease as possible with a damn cloth such as a kitchen towelette or terry cloth. Be sure not to rub, just apply light pressure and dab the area.
5: HOOVER IT UP 💨
After putting down a powder substance that absorbs some of the grease, you’ll want to vacuum it up, away from the material- preferably with the brush attachment if you have one.
💡 PRO TIP: Your sofa or armchair will more than likely have a label attached on the underside of the furniture, or on a cushion label. This details what fabric it is, which gives you more information on what solutions and cleaning products are suitable for its composition. Make sure to check this before following any online “how to get rid of stains on sofa” advice.
Upholstery Cleaning Codes 🏷️
What they mean, when it comes down to how to remove grease stains from furniture:
- W: Safe to clean with water and a bit of washing-up liquid or steam.
- S: Use solvent-based cleaners only (like dry cleaning); water may leave marks.
- WS: You can use either water or solvent-based cleaners.
- X: Do not clean it yourself—call a professional.
- You can read what the different symbols mean in this article by The Mirror.
Home Hacks 🏠
There are some other home remedies that could help if you have a super stubborn stain, such as…
- Washing-up liquid neat to the stain, leave it to sit for a moment before rinsing with warm water.
- White vinegar spray, made of a cup of the white wine vinegar, and cold water in a spray bottle. Again, leave it to sit for a few minutes before using a damp cloth to blot and dab the stain away.
When to Call in the Pros for Grease Stains
If grease marks linger after your best efforts—or if the stain has dried in—it’s likely time to call a professional. This is especially important for delicate or high-end upholstery, where DIY cleaning could cause damage.
Professionals have the tools and know-how to safely remove stubborn stains from food, oils, cosmetics, and more, using specialist products that go far beyond what you’ll find in stores.