The ultimate guide to removing stains from home textiles: sofas, armchairs, rugs, tablecloths and more!

You've invested time and money in your furniture and home textiles to create a warm and welcoming interior. And it's a success! You love your home and enjoy spending all your time there with your family or guests. But as a result, your furniture is regularly exposed to stains of all kinds. And some are more difficult to clean than others. Whether it's a red wine stain on your sofa, a splash of sauce on your white tablecloth or an ink stain on your elegant curtains, we have prepared a complete instruction manual for you to remove stains from your furniture and make it look clean and healthy! Welcome to the ultimate guide to stain removal, co-created with Pascale Allaert, Linen and Textile Care Expert - Meilleur Ouvrier de France Nettoyeur Primereur Teinturerie.

Your sofa is the perfect place to relax, but it can also become a playground for unwanted stains. Learn how to eliminate them effectively to enjoy your living space hassle-free.

How to remove a stain from a fabric sofa

1. Act quickly
• As soon as you notice a stain on your fabric sofa, act quickly to prevent it from becoming encrusted.
2. Dab the stain
• Use a clean, damp cloth to gently dab the stain. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can spread the stain.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution
• Mix a tablespoon of mild dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm water.
4. Clean the stain
• Dip a clean cloth in the cleaning solution and gently dab the stain, starting from the outside edges towards the centre. Repeat until the stain is gone.
5. Rinse with clean water
• Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with clean water to remove any soap residue.
6. Let it dry
• Let your sofa air dry or use a hairdryer on the "cold air" position (the heat could damage the fabric or set the stain).
• Sprinkling talcum powder prevents halos from appearing when drying.
• When dry, shake or vacuum the garment it to remove the talcum powder without rubbing it.

How to clean a stain on a leather sofa

1. Wipe the stain off immediately
• Use a clean, dry cloth to immediately wipe the stain off your leather sofa. Don't let the stain set in.
2. Add 1 drop of washing-up liquid to a sponge.
3. Clean the stain in circular motions.
4. Rinse with clean water by spraying it with a spray.
• Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
5. Dry with a soft cloth and then sprinkle with talcum powder to prevent halos from appearing when drying.
• When dry, shake or vacuum the garment it to remove the talcum powder without rubbing it.

How to remove a stain from a microfibre sofa

The procedure for removing a stain from a microfibre sofa is the same as for a leather sofa, namely:

1. Immediate stain absorption
• As soon as the stain appears on your sofa, take a clean, dry cloth to dab and absorb the liquid. Acting quickly prevents the stain from penetrating into the sofa.
2. Gentle application of detergent
• Put a drop of washing-up liquid on a soft, ready-to-use sponge.
3. Gentle cleaning
• Gently rub the affected area with the sponge in circular motions so as not to damage the fabric.
4. Rinsing thoroughly
• Use a spray bottle to apply clean water to the cleaned area. Then, gently wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any traces of soap.
5. Drying and finishing
• Dry the surface with a soft cloth.
• Then apply a thin layer of talcum powder to the area to prevent the appearance of halos when drying.
• Once the area is completely dry, remove the talcum powder using a vacuum cleaner, be careful not to scrub.

Each type of material requires specific care to remove stains. By following these simple steps, you can keep your sofa spotless and in perfect condition

Rugs and carpets add warmth and comfort to your interior, but they are also prone to stains. Find out how to restore their shine effortlessly.

1. Act quickly
• As soon as you notice a stain on your rug or carpet, act quickly to prevent it from becoming encrusted.
2. Absorb excess fluid
• If the stain is fresh and there is excess liquid, use a clean sponge to gently dab and absorb as much fluid as possible.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution
• Mix a tablespoon of mild soap, such as colourless dishwashing liquid, with a cup of cold water.
4. Test the solution
• Before cleaning, test the solution on a small, hidden area of the rug or carpet to make sure it won't damage the fibres.
5. Cleaning the stain
• Dip a clean cloth in the cleaning solution and gently dab the stain from the outside edges to the centre. Avoid rubbing vigorously so as not to damage the fibres.
6. Rinse with clean water
• Once the stain is removed, rinse the area with clean water to remove any soap residue.
7. Absorb excess water
• Use a clean sponge to absorb excess water and accelerate drying.
8. Let dry completely
• Allow the rug or carpet to air dry completely. Avoid walking on the area until it is dry.

Note: For stubborn stains or for a deep clean, it is recommended that you call a professional for carpet or rug cleaning.

By following these steps, you will be able to effectively remove stains from your rug or carpet and keep them looking new and clean for a spotless interior!

Meals with family or friends can be an opportunity to stain your beautiful tablecloths. Follow our advice to preserve the beauty of your tablecloths and enjoy convivial moments without worries.

1. Act quickly
• As soon as the stain occurs on your tablecloth, act quickly to increase your chances of successfully removing it completely.
• Never put salt on a stain as it is a fixative. To replace its absorbency, prefer talcum powder, flour, cornflour or even a simple sponge.
2. Blot up excess liquid
• If the stain is fresh and there is excess liquid, use a clean paper towel or sponge to gently blot and absorb as much liquid as possible. Don't forget to pat gently, don't rub to avoid spreading the stain.
3. Do not let dry
• Avoid letting the stain dry completely, as this will make the cleaning process more difficult.
4. Identify the type of stain
• Determine the type of stain you have on your tablecloth. Stains can be of different kinds: food (wine, sauce, grease), makeup, ink, etc. The type of stain will influence the cleaning method.
5. Pre-treat the stain
• For food stains, you can use a small amount of dishwashing liquid or specific stain remover on the stain. For ink stains, you can try using rubbing alcohol. Apply the product gently to the stain with gentle movements starting from the outside edges towards the centre.
6. Washing the tablecloth
• If the tablecloth is machine washable, follow the manufacturer's care instructions and wash it as soon as possible after pre-treatment. Use the appropriate programme depending on the type of fabric.
7. Check the stain
• Before drying the tablecloth, check to see if the stain is completely gone. If any residue from the stain is still visible, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process.
8. Allow to air dry
• If the stain is completely gone, let the tablecloth air dry. Avoid the use of a dryer to prevent heat from setting the stain.

By following these steps, you will be able to easily remove stains from your tablecloth and keep it looking clean and spotless to entertain your guests around a beautiful table!

Curtains add a finishing touch to your home room, but they can also accumulate dust and stains. Discover professional techniques to keep your curtains spotless.

1. Identify the type of stain
• Before you start cleaning, identify the type of stain on your curtains. This will help you to choose the best cleaning method.
2. Pre-treatment
• For fresh stains: Act quickly by gently dabbing the stain with a clean, damp cloth to remove as many stains as possible.
• For moisture rings due to condensation: soak the curtain in cold water overnight and wash it only the next day.
• For fly poop stains: apply Aleppo soap to the stains before soaking your curtain overnight in cold water.
3. Use of specific stain removers
• For stubborn or specific stains, you can use stain removers specific for delicate textiles. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
4. Machine wash (if possible)
• Always check the manufacturer's care label to make sure your curtains are machine washable.
• Use a gentle cycle and wash in cold water. Use the longest wash cycle possible. If pre-washing is possible in the cycle, even better. On some washing machines, you will even find the "curtain" programme.
• Add a mild detergent for delicate textiles.
5. Drying
• Hang your curtains to let them air dry. Avoid using the dryer, as the heat can damage delicate fabrics or set stains.
6. Ironing
• If your curtains are wrinkled after washing, iron them with the Laurastar protective sole. If you haven't got a Laurastar iron, iron at medium temperature and use a clean cloth between the iron and the fabric.
• Pro tip: Iron and disinfect them already in place, vertically, with a Laurastar iron or steamer!

By following these steps, you can remove stains from your curtains and restore them to their beauty. Remember to always check the manufacturer's care labels and carry out a test on a small, hidden area of the fabric before applying any solution to the entire stain. Your curtains will look as good as new and bring a fresh and elegant touch to your interior.

Your mattress is where you recharge your batteries every night. But it can also be the victim of unsightly stains. Follow our tips to keep your mattress fresh and clean.

1. Act quickly
• When you notice a stain on your mattress, act quickly to increase your chances of success in removing the stain.
2. Absorb excess
• If the stain is fresh and damp, start by absorbing the excess liquid by gently dabbing the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth, such as a terry towel. Avoid rubbing so as not to spread the stain.
3. Use a cleaning solution
• Mix a solution of cold water and mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid for delicate textiles.
• Apply this solution to the stain in gentle circular motions with a clean cloth or sponge.
4. Avoid over-wetting
• Be careful not to get the mattress too wet, as this can lead to moisture and mould problems. Use only a small amount of the cleaning solution at a time.
5. Rinse with clean water
• Once the stain has been treated, rinse the mattress with clean water to remove any soap residue. You can use a clean, slightly damp cloth to do this.
• Sprinkle the area with talcum powder to prevent halos from appearing when drying.
• Once dry, vacuum it to remove the talcum powder without rubbing it.
6. Dry completely
• Make sure the mattress dries completely before covering it with sheets or reuse it. You can speed up the drying process by placing the mattress in a well-ventilated area or using a hair dryer on cold air (heat may damage the fabric or set the stain).
7. Use specific stain removers
• For more stubborn stains, you can use specific stain removers designed for mattresses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
8. Protect the mattress
• To avoid future stains, remember to protect your mattress with a waterproof and washable cover (for example a cotton mattress protector with a PVC coating on the inside)

By following these practical tips, you can extend the life of your mattress while keeping a clean and healthy sleeping environment. Always make sure that you check the manufacturer's care labels and perform a test on a small, hidden area of the mattress before applying any solution to the stain. With a little attention and care, your mattress will remain spotless and conducive to a restful night's sleep.

Your pillows are essential for a good night's sleep, but they can become stained and yellow over time. Learn how to restore their bright whiteness for restful nights.

1. Check the care label
• Before you start cleaning, check your pillow's care label to make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Machine wash
• In most cases, pillows made of synthetic fibres, down or feathers can be machine washed. Make sure you use a cycle with a pre-wash and don't overload the machine. The pillows must be able to move around inside the drum without hindrance.
3. Use a mild detergent
• Choose a special white detergent (ideally powder-type), even if the pillows are coloured, by adding a tablet or a dose of oxygenated bleach.
• Be careful not to use bleach so as not to damage the fibres of the pillow.
• Also avoid fabric softeners that could cause allergies.
4. Rinse thoroughly
• Perform an extra rinse to ensure that any detergent residue is removed. Detergent residue could make the pillow stiff and uncomfortable.
5. Spin-drying
• You can use a quick spin at 1200 rpm or 1000 rpm without further ado.
6. Dry completely
• Dry the pillow flat on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight.
• You can also put the pillows in the tumble dryer, as long as it's a tumble dryer (electric) and you add tennis balls to help plump up the pillow.
7. Treating stubborn stains
• For stubborn stains, you can apply a mixture of baking soda and water to the stain, leave it on for a few minutes and then wash the pillow as directed above.
8. Protect the pillow
• To prevent future stains, use a washable pillow cover that will help to keep your pillow fresh and clean for longer. You can also use, for example, a cotton pillow protector with a PVC coating on the inside for pillows.
9. Disinfect regularly
• Sleeping on a disinfected pillow not only contributes to a better quality of sleep but also to the health of your skin and respiratory health. Laurastar's DMS (Dry Microfine Steam) steam offers an effective and natural solution to disinfect your pillows thoroughly, eliminating >99.999% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and 100% of dust mites and dust mites without chemicals. This regular treatment ensures that your pillow remains a haven of freshness, enveloping you night after night in a cocoon of cleanliness and comfort.

By following these practical tips, you can restore your pillow to its original glory and enjoy a restful night's sleep. Don't forget to wash your pillows regularly to maintain optimal hygiene and extend their life. Take care of your pillows and they'll take care of you in return, night after night.

With this complete guide, you will be equipped to remove all stains from your home textiles and preserve the beauty of your interior. Say goodbye to worries and enjoy your cosy cocoon, always spotless and welcoming! Read the complete guide to cleaning all types of stains: