How to Clean the Toughest Stains: A Guide for Furniture, Kitchens, and Bathrooms 🧽

No matter how careful you are, stains happen.
Whether it’s coffee on your couch, red wine on your counter, or soap scum in the bathroom, tough stains can make a clean home feel anything but fresh.

The trick? Knowing the right way to clean them based on the material or surface so you can get rid of the stain without causing damage.

Here’s a breakdown of how to tackle the toughest stains in your home, from furniture fabrics to kitchen counters:

🛋️ How to Clean Stains on Furniture (Fabric & Leather)

Fabric Upholstery (Couches, Chairs, Ottomans)

Fabric furniture tends to absorb spills fast, making immediate action your best bet. For common stains like coffee, juice, or food:

1. Blot (don’t rub!) the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible.

2. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and dab gently with a microfiber cloth.

3. For stubborn stains, try a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner or a diluted white vinegar solution.

4. Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.

Bonus Tip: Always check your furniture’s cleaning code (W, S, WS, X) before using any product.

Leather Furniture (Couches, Chairs, Benches)

Leather requires a gentler touch. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils.

1. Wipe the area with a soft, damp cloth.

2. For stains, use a mild soap (like a moisturizing hand soap) mixed with water.

3. Gently wipe, then dry with a clean towel.

4. Condition the leather afterward to prevent drying or cracking.

🍳 How to Clean Tough Kitchen Stains (Counters, Sinks, Appliances)

Countertops

• Granite & Quartz: Avoid anything acidic (vinegar, lemon) or abrasive. Use warm water with mild dish soap and a soft cloth. For greasy stains, a small amount of baking soda paste can help (make sure to rinse thoroughly).

• Laminate: Mild all-purpose cleaner works best. Avoid bleach or harsh scrubbing pads to prevent damage.

Sinks

• Stainless Steel: Sprinkle baking soda, scrub with a soft sponge, and rinse with vinegar to shine. Dry to avoid water spots.

• Porcelain: A non-abrasive cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water removes most stains without scratching.

Appliances

• For stuck-on grime, warm soapy water and patience beat harsh chemicals. Stainless steel finishes benefit from a gentle polish after cleaning to restore shine.

🚿 How to Clean Tough Bathroom Stains (Tiles, Showers, Toilets)

Shower & Tub (Soap Scum & Hard Water)

1. Spray white vinegar and let sit for 10–15 minutes.

2. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge.

3. For extra-tough stains, apply a baking soda paste, then spray with vinegar and scrub again.

4. Rinse thoroughly.

Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads on delicate surfaces like fiberglass or acrylic tubs.

Grout

Grout loves to hold onto grime. A paste of baking soda and water applied with a toothbrush works wonders. Let it sit, then spray with vinegar, scrub and rinse.

Toilets

For mineral deposits or tough stains:

1. Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl.

2. Pour white vinegar over it and let fizz for 5–10 minutes.

3. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

🧽 The Real Secret: Prevention + Routine Cleaning

While these stain-fighting strategies work, the best way to keep your home looking its best is routine care. The longer stains sit, the harder they are to remove... and that’s where professional cleaning makes a real difference.

At Casita Clean, our Maintenance Cleanings cover the places where stains love to hide:

• Kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces

• Floors, counters, fixtures, and furniture surfaces

We’ll keep your home fresh, stain-free, and easier to maintain, week after week.

Plus, we offer discounts based on how often you clean! How could you not give us a try?

👉 Schedule a quote call and let us help you keep those tough stains from turning into long-term headaches.