Our homes are filled with upholstery—from the cozy couch in the living room to the comfortable dining room chairs. Upholstery is more than just fabric on furniture; it’s what makes our spaces feel inviting and complete. When selecting upholstery, balancing style with practicality is key, and it’s just as important to know how to keep it looking its best.
While many believe that only a professional can truly deep-clean upholstery, you can actually do a lot at home to keep your furniture looking fresh. One great solution? A simple cleaner made with Dawn dish soap. In this article, we’ll walk you through creating an effective upholstery cleaner using Dawn, with tips on what to avoid to keep your fabrics in top shape. So let’s dive in and give your upholstery the care it deserves!
Why Dawn Works Well for Upholstery Cleaning
Dawn is popular for its grease-cutting abilities, making it ideal for tackling various stains, dirt, and even odors on upholstery. Its mild formulation also makes it safe for most fabrics, though it’s still wise to test it on an inconspicuous area of your furniture first.
Ingredients for DIY Upholstery Cleaner with Dawn
For a basic Dawn-based upholstery cleaner, you’ll need:
- Dawn Dish Soap: 1-2 tablespoons (blue Dawn is particularly known for its grease-cutting power).
- White Vinegar: 1 cup (helps eliminate odors and acts as a mild disinfectant).
- Warm Water: 2 cups (dilutes the solution and makes it gentle on fabric).
- Spray Bottle: To apply the cleaner evenly.
- Optional: A few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, for a pleasant scent.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making and Using the Cleaner
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl or directly in the spray bottle, add 1-2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water.
- Optional Scent Boost: If you’d like, add 5-10 drops of essential oil to enhance the scent and provide mild antibacterial properties.
- Shake to Mix: Secure the spray bottle’s lid and gently shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Avoid over-shaking, as this can create excess foam.
Step 2: Test the Solution on an Inconspicuous Spot
It’s always wise to test any new cleaning solution on a hidden area of your upholstery first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric or cause discoloration. Spray a small amount on a corner or underside, wait 5-10 minutes, and blot with a cloth to check for colorfastness.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaner
- Light Spray Application: Lightly spray the solution over the stained or dirty area, being careful not to soak the fabric, as excess moisture can cause watermarks or take longer to dry.
- Gentle Scrub: Use a clean, soft-bristled brush, sponge, or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the area in circular motions. Dawn’s grease-cutting action will help lift dirt and stains without damaging most upholstery fabrics.
Step 4: Blot and Rinse
- Blot Excess Liquid: After scrubbing, take a clean, dry cloth and blot the area to remove as much of the cleaning solution as possible.
- Rinse with Water (Optional): For fabrics that can handle it, you can dampen a cloth with water and gently blot the area to remove any remaining soap residue.
Step 5: Allow the Upholstery to Air Dry
Let the upholstery air dry fully before using it again. Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can sometimes set stains. For faster drying, you can open windows or use a fan to improve airflow.
Can You Clean Upholstery with Dawn?
Dawn dish soap is known for its ability to cut through grease, which is why it’s often used for cleaning dishes. However, you may be wondering if you can use Dawn dish soap to clean your upholstery. The answer is yes! Dawn is a versatile product that can be used for a variety of different things, including cleaning upholstery. It’s gentle on fabric and won’t damage it as some other cleaners can. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find.
Moreover, if you have a grease stain on your upholstery, Dawn dish soap will be a great solution to get rid of the stain. Dab a small amount of Dawn onto the stain and rub it in with a damp cloth. Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry. You may need to repeat this process if the stain is stubborn.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when using Dawn dish soap to clean your sofa. First, be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric for colorfastness. Second, use only a small amount of Dawn dish soap when cleaning your upholstery because Dawn dish soap leaves too many suds. Finally, do not use Dawn dish soap and vinegar to clean your upholstery because this combination will emit toxic gas.
While Dawn dish soap does have the power to clean upholstery, it is not the best product for this purpose. There are better products out there that will get your upholstery looking like new without damaging it. For example, Shout is a brand that specializes in cleaning upholstery. It comes with a spray bottle for easy application, and it will remove grease and stains from your upholstery.
Factors to Consider When Making Upholstery Cleaner with Dawn
If you’re looking for a safe and effective upholstery cleaner, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. You can easily make an upholstery cleaning solution with Dawn dish detergent and baking soda that will remove dirt and stains from most fabrics. Making your own upholstery cleaner is a great way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals. When making your own cleaner, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Never mix Dawn dish soap with vinegar.
Most cleaning sites make this mistake by recommending their audience to mix soap and vinegar together for cleaning. Dawn dish soap and vinegar should never be mixed together. This is because the Dawn dish soap is basic and the vinegar is acidic. When these two substances are mixed together, they will react with each other, cancel each other out, and become ineffective.
2. What type of fabric is your upholstery made out of?
Some upholstery fabrics are more delicate than others and require a gentle cleanser. Abrasive or strong chemicals can damage or discolor these materials, so it is important to make a cleaning solution that is mild and effective for use on delicate surfaces. When in doubt, test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the entire piece.
3. How big is the area you’re cleaning?
The size of the area you’re cleaning will determine how much cleaning solution you need to make. You’ll need to adjust the amount of cleaner you make based on the size of the area.
4. What kind of stains are you dealing with?
You’ll need to adjust the amount of soap you add based on the type of stain you’re trying to remove. For example, for grease stains, you’ll want a stronger cleaner than for simple dirt and grime. This will ensure that the stain is removed completely without damaging the fabric.
How to Make Upholstery Cleaner With Dawn?
Upholstery is one of the most important things in a home. It can make or break the look of a room. When it comes to choosing the right upholstery cleaner, there are many options on the market. But what if you could make your own upholstery cleaner with just two household ingredients? That’s right, Dawn dish soap and baking soda can be used to create a natural, effective upholstery cleaner.
This cleaner is effective on both fabric and leather upholstery. To make the cleaner, just follow these simple steps.
Items needed:
1. Dawn dish soap
2. Baking soda
3. Warm water
4. Spray bottle or a bowl
5. Measuring cup
6. Tablespoon
Procedure:
1. Mix every single cup of baking soda with two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle or bowl.
2. Add one cup of warm water to the mixture.
3. Shake or stir the mixture to completely dissolve in the water. Make sure the mixture is sprayable.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Upholstery with a Homemade Cleaner
Cleaning upholstery is a necessary part of keeping your home looking its best. But if you’re not careful, you could end up doing more harm than good. Here are six mistakes to avoid when cleaning upholstery with a homemade upholstery cleaner.
1. Do not forget to vacuum the upholstery before cleaning.
Before you start cleaning your upholstery, be sure to vacuum it first. This will help remove any dirt and debris that could potentially damage or discolor your fabric.
2. Do not use too much water when cleaning.
When cleaning your upholstery, be sure not to use too much water. Too much water can damage the fabric and cause mold or mildew to grow. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean up spills and stains.
3. Do not scrub the fabric too hard.
Do not scrub the upholstery fabric too hard. This could damage the fabric and cause it to wear out more quickly. Instead, gently rub the fabric with a sponge or clean cloth to remove dirt and debris.
4. Avoid using a brush that is too stiff.
When cleaning your upholstery, avoid using a brush that is too stiff. This can damage the fabric and make it more difficult to clean. Instead, use a soft brush or sponge.
5. Always test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire piece of furniture.
It is always best to test a new cleaner on a hidden area of the furniture before using it on the entire piece. This will help to ensure that the cleaner will not damage or discolor the furniture.
6. Allow the upholstery to completely dry before use.
Before you use your upholstery, make sure it is completely dry. Allowing it to dry completely will help prevent any mildew or mold from forming.
How to Clean Upholstery with Homemade Cleaner with Dawn
Upholstery can be difficult to clean and often requires special cleaners. However, you can easily clean your upholstery with a homemade upholstery cleaner using Dawn dish soap and baking soda. This cleaner is effective and gentle, making it perfect for use on both fabric and leather upholstery. Here’s how to clean your upholstery with a homemade cleaner:
Items needed:
1. Dawn dish soap and baking soda mixture
2. A microfiber cloth or soft brush
3. Warm water
Procedure:
1. Apply or spray the mixture on the stained areas of the couch.
2. Allow the mixture to soak the stains for about 5 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the stained area with a cloth or soft brush.
4. Repeat 1-3 until no stain is visible.
5. Dip a different cloth in warm water and apply it to the scrubbed areas to remove excess solution.
6. Allow the couch to completely air dry to avoid the formation of mold and mildew.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an effective and easy way to clean your upholstery, consider making your own cleaner with Dawn dish soap. To make an upholstery cleaner, you need Dawn dish soap and baking soda.
Then mix every cup of baking soda with two tablespoons of Dawn dish soap in a bowl or spray bottle. Add a cup of warm water to the mixture and gently stir or shake to dissolve the mixture. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture for a pleasant scent, and then use it to clean your upholstery as needed.
Moreover, this DIY upholstery cleaner can remove stains and freshen fabric, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. You can use it on many different types of upholstery fabrics and leathers, and it will leave your furniture looking and smelling fresh and clean. This cleaner is also safe for your upholstery and will not damage it.
