How to Remove Stains from a Sofa & Upholstery

Sofas attract the worst combination of stains in the house — food and drink from one side, body oil and sweat from the headrest, ink and chocolate from the kids, paw prints and mud from the dog. The challenge is the same as a mattress: you can't put it in the wash, so the cleaner has to lift the stain into a cloth, not rinse it through the foam. Luniva's enzyme formula is built exactly for this. This guide covers food spills on cushions, body-oil shadows on headrests and armrests, ink and chocolate from kids, and pet stains on upholstery.

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Why most sofa cleaners leave a ring or a damp patch

Sofa fabric is usually a tight weave over thick foam, so any liquid you apply either pools on the surface (leaving a tide-mark ring) or sinks into the foam (leaving a damp patch and mildew). The fix is a light mist that the enzymes can work in, followed by a damp-cloth blot to lift the broken-down stain out before the moisture can soak through. No bleach, no surfactant residue, no ring.

How to use Luniva on sofa & upholstery stains

Step 1 — Check the cleaning code: Look at the label or under the cushion: W = water-safe, S = solvent-only, W/S = both, X = vacuum only. Luniva is for W and W/S codes.
Step 2 — Mist Luniva on the stain: Spray a light even coat over the stain only — not the surrounding fabric. Leave for 1–3 minutes, re-spraying set-in marks so they stay wet.
Step 3 — Blot out with a damp cloth: Press a clean damp microfibre cloth firmly onto the stain to lift the dissolved stain. Work from the outside in so you don't spread the ring. Air-dry fully before sitting on it.

Compliance note: Based on controlled laboratory testing. Performance may vary by stain age, fabric type and wash conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I remove food stains from a fabric sofa?

Scrape off any solids with the edge of a spoon, mist Luniva on the stain, leave for 1–3 minutes, then blot firmly with a clean damp microfibre cloth. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading. Air-dry with a fan before sitting on it.

Will Luniva remove body oil and head-grease shadows from a sofa headrest?

Yes. Mist Luniva across the headrest patch, leave for 1–3 minutes, blot with a damp cloth, then repeat once. Months of sebum usually needs two passes.

Is Luniva safe on microfibre sofas?

Yes, if the care code is W or W/S. Mist lightly, leave 1–3 minutes, blot with a damp cloth, then brush the pile in one direction with a soft brush as it dries to reset the texture.

Can I use Luniva on a velvet or silk sofa?

No — these need a specialist solvent-only (S) cleaner or professional treatment. Using a water-based product can leave a permanent water-mark on velvet pile.

How do I stop a tide-mark ring after spot-cleaning my sofa?

Mist evenly across the whole stain (not just the centre), blot with a damp cloth from the outside in, then dry the spot fast with a fan or hairdryer on cool. Rings form when the edge dries slower than the middle.