Banish Tough Stains and Funky Smells from Your Upholstery for Good

We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when a fresh spill seeps into the fabric of a beloved couch or office lounge chair. And the embarrassment that comes when guests detect a musty smell emanating from well-worn furniture.

Luckily, Singapore’s professional cleaning service providers and companies offer comprehensive upholstery cleaning to restore your furnishings to a fresh, odour-free state. We will provide valuable tips for tackling routine stain removal and keeping upholstery smells at bay between professional cleanings.

The Culprits – Common Stains and Odours

Upholstery takes a beating from an onslaught of stains and odours. Here are some of the biggest culprits wreaking havoc on your furniture’s fabrics:

• Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and tea seep into the fibres and leave behind sticky residues that attract dirt. Oils and sauces from food make greasy stains that embed deep within the upholstery.
• Inks and paints contain pigments that bond to fabric and can’t be rinsed away with water alone.
• Pet accidents and body oils leave behind organic stains containing proteins and fatty acids that cause lingering odours. Feline urine is especially pungent and difficult to remove.
• The skin oils, lotions, and makeup we apply daily rub off on upholstery, magnifying our natural body odours over time.
• Airborne pollutants like smoke, vehicle exhaust, and soot settle into fabrics. Nicotine and tar from cigarette smoke bond strongly to fibres.
• In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, mould and mildew grow readily on upholstery, emitting rusty smells.

These types of stains often contain complicated mixtures of chemicals that penetrate deep into the upholstery. Their bonding properties make them resistant to casual cleaning attempts. That’s why professional strength cleaners and steamers are frequently needed to fully eliminate the most stubborn stains and odours.

Regular Maintenance Keeps Upholstery Fresh

Implementing some simple routine cleaning habits can go a long way towards protecting your upholstery from stains and odours.

1. Vacuum using the soft brush attachment at least weekly to lift dirt from fabric and crevices. More frequent vacuuming keeps odours at bay.
2. Flip and rotate removable cushions often to evenly wear and stains and prevent permanent indentations from forming.
3. Blot spills immediately using a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing the area to limit the stain from spreading deeper into the upholstery.
4. For spot cleaning, mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild detergent like dish soap or laundry detergent. Gently dab on stains and rinse thoroughly.
5. Treat stains quickly before they have time to set in and become stubborn issues requiring upholstery cleaning professionals.

Make these habits part of your regular cleaning routine to maintain your upholstery’s appearance in between periodic deep cleanings by skilled upholstery cleaning technicians. An ounce of prevention goes a long way!

DIY Stain Removal Techniques

Before calling in professional upholstery cleaning services, try tackling stains yourself using common household products.

1. Baking soda is mildly abrasive so it lifts stains and absorbs odours when sprinkled on fabric. Let it sit before vacuuming.
2. A vinegar solution kills bacteria and helps dissolve stains and funky odours. Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and blot on stains.
3. For grease stains, mix dish soap with warm water and scrub gently before rinsing. Dish soap breaks up oil and grease residue.
4. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent to lift some discolouration and organic stains. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
5. Meat tenderiser contains enzymes that break down protein-based stains like blood, food residue, and bodily fluids. Make a paste with water and let sit briefly before blotting.
6. The carbonation in club soda helps lift recent stains before they set in. Pour on stains and blot quickly.

For best results, always start with the gentlest approach and test on a small hidden area first. With a bit of trial and error, these common household cleaners can effectively treat many minor upholstery stains.

Eliminating Upholstery Odours

Unpleasant odours can linger in fabrics even after stains are removed. Here are some tips for freshening up smelly upholstery:

1. Baking soda and vinegar both neutralise odours naturally when sprinkled on fabric. The combination of acid and base helps destroy odour molecules.
2. Enzyme cleaners break down stubborn organic odour compounds using specialty enzymes that digest proteins and oils.
3. Odour-eliminating sprays contain pleasant fragrances and odour encapsulators that temporarily mask funky smells.
4. Activated charcoal is very porous and absorbs odour molecules like a sponge, trapping them within all its nooks and crannies.
5. On sunny days, set your upholstery outside to air out. The heat and UV rays from sunlight help destroy odour-causing bacteria.

However, professional strength treatments and commercial steam cleaning may be required for severe pet odours, smoke smells, and deep-set mildew odours. The experts at upholstery cleaning services have access to heavy-duty deodorisers.

Deep Cleaning for Superior Stain and Odour Removal

Consider investing in some powerful equipment for periodic deep cleaning that revives upholstery.

1. Professional strength solvents and cleaners are specifically formulated to dissolve stubborn stains, lift residues, and eliminate odours that household products cannot tackle.
2. Extractors and steamers use hot water, cleaning agents, and powerful suction to deep clean fabrics and fluff crushed fibres. Home models are available for purchase or rent.


3. The extremely high heat from steam (over 200 degrees Fahrenheit) kills bacteria, dust mites, and other germs that cause odours. Steam also loosens stubborn dirt.
4. Pressurised water in professional extractors has the force to remove stains that have penetrated deep into the upholstery.

Having the proper equipment and cleaning agents allows you to perform deep cleaning between professional sofa cleaning services. The result is your upholstery’s fresh appearance and odour-free comfort.

Knowing When to Call the Pros for Upholstery Cleaning

Yes, DIY cleaning can tackle minor stains and odours, but there are some scenarios that call for a professional’s touch.

1. Severe pet stains and odours may require commercial enzymatic cleaners and repeat treatments to fully eliminate them. Professionals have the right chemicals and tools.
2. Smoke damage and nicotine residues often need special treatments and commercial ozone machines unavailable to consumers.
3. If water damage has led to mould growth in upholstery, professionals can apply antimicrobial products and dry out padding to prevent recurring mould.
4. Extreme grease buildup may need solvents that are too harsh for safe at-home use. Professionals take safety precautions.
5. Most importantly, trusted upholstery cleaning companies invest in specialised training and commercial equipment like truck-mounted steam extraction units to thoroughly clean fabrics and lift stains that DIY methods cannot remove.

For upholstery cleaning that restores your furnishings to a fresh, clean, odour-free state, call the experts at Avalon Services. Our pros have the know-how to banish those stubborn stains and lingering funky smells for good.

Proactive Prevention of Upholstery Stains and Odours

Along with thorough cleaning, some preventive measures can safeguard your upholstery from new stains and odours.

1. Use slipcovers or furniture covers to protect upholstery from spills, wear, and sun damage.
2. Wash removable covers regularly.
3. Apply a fabric protector to form an invisible shield preventing spills from penetrating or staining.
4. Position furniture away from direct sunlight, which can fade and degrade delicate fabrics.
5. Close curtains and blinds during peak sunlight hours.
6. Establish house rules prohibiting eating and drinking on upholstery. Accidental spills are bound to happen with snacks and beverages in hand.
7. Immediately treat accidental spills to prevent stains from setting in.
8. Keep cleaning supplies handy.
9. Regular professional cleanings remove the accumulated grime and residues that attract odours. A clean baseline helps upholstery stay fresher for longer.

You can minimise upholstery cleaning needs and prolong the life of your furniture with vigilant maintenance and protective measures.

Restore Your Upholstery’s Vibrant Look

There are two ways to keep upholstery looking fresh: a) regular maintenance and b) timely stain removal. Implementing quick fixes, DIY solutions, and periodic deep cleanings prevent stains from becoming permanent eyesores.

With the proper care, your upholstery will look better and last longer before needing replacement. But for the inevitable spills and accidents that evade DIY removal, contact the experts at Avalon Services. Our professional cleaning services have commercial-grade disinfection equipment, cleaning agents, and experience to eliminate the most stubborn upholstery stains and odours.

Don’t let lacklustre, stained upholstery make your home or office look shabby. Call a cleaning services company in Singapore today to schedule upholstery cleaning guaranteed to restore your fabrics’ original beauty.