If you're here, I am going to take a wild guess that you've accidentally spilled something you really shouldn't have in a place that you always try to keep clean. Perhaps it's the couch and a glass of your favorite vino, or even worse: your mattress and your morning latte. Whatever it is, as the queen klutz of dropping and spilling things, I can totally relate. There's nothing like that moment, which for some reason is always in slow motion, and the feeling of your heart dropping. The thought that immediately enters your head every time: "will this come out, without costing me a fortune?" The answer is almost always yes, so long as you are armed with a decent upholstery cleaner that is.
Luckily enough for you (and conveniently enough for me) I've tested a bunch of upholstery cleaners everywhere from my couch to my rugs and my mattress. And only the ones that truly made a difference have made it onto this list. Even if you're not in a panic to wipe away a stain, these solutions are super handy to keep underneath your kitchen sink, with the rest of your cleaning supplies.
- Note that some of these clever products might need to be vacuumed up afterward.
The best upholstery cleaners — as tried and tested by our experts
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best upholstery cleaner
+ Works fast
+ No scrubbing required
+ Inexpensive
- Safe to use around kids & pets
- Not recommended for velvet, silk, vinyl, or leather
This easy-to-use spray is amazingly effective at both cleaning and deodorizing upholstery. Reviewers rave about the Resolve Upholstery Cleaner & Stain Remover's success at treating all sorts of stains, from hair dye to pet stains, to long-set-in marks on vintage pieces. Simply blot the stain, spray over the area that needs cleaning, and wait for five to 15 minutes for it to soak in. The worse the stain the longer you'll want to wait before blotting again. Results are impressive and this cleaner exceeded our expectations on numerous different stains and was able to completely eradicate a mess left behind by a sick pet (we'll leave it at that). The light scent is also fresh without being overwhelming. Just bear in mind that it works best when used on stains immediately.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The best upholstery cleaning machine
+ Portable
+ Effective on all surfaces
+ Satisfying process
- Expensive
- Requires cleaning
- Shampoo can cause serious eye irritation
If you're looking for an investment piece, rather than a cleaning product, then this carpet cleaner from Bissell is your one-stop purchase for all types of stains and is an investment in keeping your home looking great. It uses hot water to lift those nasty stains and comes with two bottles of carpet shampoo. You can pre-treat and spot clean with this cleaner and it will truly transform the look of cushions, sofas, rugs, and more. My colleagues are obsessed, and the best part is that it's so satisfying to use.
You can read our full Bissell SpotClean Pro review.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The best plant-based upholstery cleaner
+ Plant-based
+ Biodegradable
+ Built-in brush
+ Vegan-friendly
+ Recyclable bottle
- Not the best for larger stains
The pink-capped package might look cute, but boy does it pack a punch when it comes to lifting protein-based stains from clothes and any upholstered furniture that has a removable cover. My colleague Molly raves about it, and it's super easy to use thanks to its built-in brush. From removing curry stains to melted chocolate, it's powerful. Just make sure that before using, you moisten the stain and work it in with the brush. Then handwash after. I wouldn't recommend this for cleaning larger stains, as it requires some elbow grease.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 stars
The best upholstery cleaner for busy homes
+ Built-in brush
+ Easy to use
+ Ideal for those who have kids or pets
+ Works well on tough stains
- Not the best for larger stains
I found that the Dr. Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover does a pretty good job removing anything from red wine spills on the couch, to tea stains on your favorite rug. It was also a great stain removal solution for car seats. It's handy because it has a built-in brush like the Ecover stain remover, but it's not the best for large spillages. It's really handy to have in your cupboard if you have children or pets, but it might not be the main stain remover that you use.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 stars
The best upholstery cleaner for outdoor use
+ Multipurpose outdoor cleaner
+ Biodegradable and nontoxic
+ Built-in scrub brush
- Not the best for cleaning large areas
- Requires elbow grease
This solution works on almost any outdoor textile you can think of. We tried it on a canvas umbrella and mildew spots on our outdoor chair cushions, but Amazon users claim it also works wonders on outdoor area rugs, too. Oh, and if you're looking for an all-purpose outdoor cleaner, it can also be used on play equipment, PVC, brick, and statues. Simply squeeze the product through the brush head, and scrub. We let the solution sit for a few minutes in the sun, then sprayed everything off with a garden hose. This cleaner deftly tackled mildew spots and wear on striped patio cushions that had been left outside all summer, although the stains on the white stripes required a little more attention to fully remove. And if you're wanting to use this stuff for an outdoor sofa, then maybe use a larger brush to make this easier as the built-in brush is a little small.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The best upholstery cleaner at Amazon
+ Comes with a brush
+ Deodorizes
+ Works on set-in stains
+ Can be used on a multitude of surfaces
- Not the best for delicate fabrics
- Not the cheapest
Highly rated by more than 22,00 Amazon reviewers, this is the ultimate combination if you're working with a stain that might have already set in. Perhaps you've only just noticed it, or maybe it's a stain on a durable fabric? This is the solution (and brush) for you. You don't have to use the brush that comes with it, and I'd recommend leaving it in your cabinet if you're working with something a little more delicate. The before and after photos from Amazon reviewers are seriously impressive, so if you've got a stain that just won't budge, then make this your last resort. The majority of reviewers say it works wonders on car seats, but we've also seen that it really rejuvenates carpet and it can bring a new lease of life to a couch that might need it.
Real Homes review process — How we tested these cleaners
Bissell SpotClean in testing
We strive to test everything we recommend at Real Homes, so with the help of our team members we've managed to test a few of the upholstery cleaners featured in this guide. Yes, we test these solutions and machines in our own homes, to clean real-life day-to-day messes that we're faced with.
For the products we haven't (yet) tested, we've featured them because of their stellar reviews by people who really love using them.
Meet our testers below:
Jaclyn was preciously ecommerce editor at Real Homes, as well as our sister brands Livingetc and Homes & Gardens. Jaclyn tested the Revolve upholstery cleaner and her pet Reese gave it a run for its money. She also tested the outdoor cleaner from Carbona in her yard on some very tired looking cushions.
Jen was previously our appliances editor, so she tested the Bissell SpotClean Pro Upholstery Cleaner and gave it 4.5 stars out of five. She reckons it's the most satisfying appliance you'll ever use. Using fresh water, you can use it on your upholstery and carpets to dredge up new and historic dirt and dust, and then feel the satisfaction of emptying the sludgy brown water into the sink afterward.
3 things to consider when buying an upholstery cleaner
1. Find the right solution for your material
Whether your upholstery is a natural fiber or synthetic a good upholstery cleaner will work its way deep into the fabric to give it a complete refresh. But, before you buy a product, check that it will suit the material that you are cleaning. Leather upholstery, for example, can be easily cleaned of discoloration or marks but, you must use a leather cleaner rather than an all-purpose upholstery cleaner to bring it back to its former glory.
2. Be sure to read the directions carefully
Before you use any upholstery cleaner, you’ll need to make sure you read the label that came with your furniture so you can ensure that you’re not going to damage the material. In some cases, furniture will require a water-based cleaner, while others require water-free products, and some may advise against using an upholstery cleaner altogether.
3. Double-check the application
In our list of the best upholstery cleaners, we’ve provided you with a combination of shampoos, sprays, and aerosols so you can choose the best cleaning method for you. Lastly, double-check the ingredients and do a patch test out on a hidden part of your furniture first. This way you are confident that it will have no adverse effects.
