3rd September, 2025
Grease stains on upholstery fabric are frustrating, but you don’t need to panic. Whether it’s a cooking splash or takeaway drip, quick action helps most. DIY upholstery stain removal often works with simple items you already have at home – like baking soda, dish soap, and a clean cloth.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean grease from a fabric sofa step by step. By following gentle methods, you can remove grease stains from upholstery safely, protect your fabric, and avoid damage from harsh cleaning attempts.
Before you begin, check what type of stain you have. Fresh grease is shiny and sits on the surface, so it’s usually easier to lift. Older marks are duller and often absorbed into the fibres, which makes upholstery grease stain removal more persistent – but still possible.
You should also note the stain’s size. Small splashes can clear up quickly, while larger patches may need repeating. Either way, act calmly and avoid rushing. If you’re unsure whether the fabric can handle water or solvent, test a small hidden area first before moving on.
When grease hits fabric, your first move should be blotting. Take a clean, dry cloth or kitchen towel and press gently on the stain. This helps absorb grease from the upholstery fabric before it spreads further.
Avoid rubbing, as that pushes oil deeper into the fibres and makes removal harder. If the cloth becomes greasy, switch to a fresh one and keep blotting until no more lifts. It’s often better to spend extra time here rather than rush ahead. A patient blotting step sets you up for success in upholstery grease stain removal.
Once blotting is done, cover the stain with a dry powder to absorb grease from the upholstery fabric. Baking soda is usually best, though baby powder or cornstarch works too. These everyday staples are gentle, affordable, and highly effective.
Sprinkle a thick, even layer over the mark. Don’t be shy – the more coverage, the better chance the powder has of drawing out the oil. This method is often the safest way to start upholstery grease stain removal. In fact, baking soda grease stain upholstery treatments work well on both fresh and slightly older stains.
Once you’ve applied your chosen powder, let it sit undisturbed for at least 15 to 30 minutes. If the stain’s older or especially greasy, you might want to leave it for a bit longer – even an hour, if possible.
This resting time allows the powder to properly absorb grease from the upholstery fabric, soaking up as much oil as it can from the surface and deeper threads. It’s a gentle approach that often pulls out more than you’d expect.
Try not to touch or move the powder during this time. That way, you avoid disrupting the absorption process. For instance, if you’re dealing with a tricky corner of a fabric sofa, you could lightly cover the area with kitchen roll to stop powder from shifting.
Now that the powder has done its job, it’s time to remove it – gently. Use a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment, if you have one. This helps lift the powder without pressing the grease back into the fabric.
Start by lightly brushing over the area to loosen the powder. Then vacuum slowly in short strokes. The goal here is to take your time and avoid any harsh pressure. If you’re cleaning a curved section of a fabric sofa, for example, hold the nozzle just above the surface and let it glide.
This step is often quite satisfying – you’ll likely see some grease already gone. And if you used baking soda for your grease stain upholstery treatment, it may even help neutralise lingering odours at the same time.
If grease remains, mix a teaspoon of grease-cutting dish soap with a cup of warm water. Keep it mild – upholstery fabric doesn’t need heavy suds. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring it out, and gently dab the stain. Avoid scrubbing, as that spreads grease and drives moisture deeper.
Dish soap for upholstery stain removal works because it breaks down oil without harming fibres. Rinse and re-dip your cloth often, especially if it starts looking greasy. For delicate or coloured fabrics, always test a hidden spot first to check for fading before cleaning the main area.
Once you’ve treated the area with dish soap, it’s important to remove any leftover residue. Using a clean cloth dampened with plain water, gently blot the fabric. Don’t soak it – just dab enough to lift out the soap without leaving streaks behind.
This step often gets skipped, yet it’s one of the most important. If any soap remains, it could attract new dirt or even stiffen the fibres. So, too, it helps restore the upholstery’s natural feel.
Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it. If you notice the cloth picking up grease or soap, switch to a fresh section and continue.
Once rinsed, let the fabric dry naturally. Avoid heat – hairdryers, radiators, or direct sunlight can set any remaining grease and may alter fabric colour or texture. Instead, open a window or use a fan to speed up gentle airflow.
If the fabric still feels damp after a few hours, gently press it with a clean, dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture. This step matters because heat-free drying preserves both the look and feel of your upholstery. By the way, many stains fade further as the fabric dries, so don’t judge results too early.
Some grease stains are stubborn and may need more than one attempt. If you still see a mark, repeat the absorbent powder stage first – baking soda-grease stain upholstery treatments often work better the second time. Follow again with the dish soap method, blotting and rinsing as before.
If the stain lingers, you could try a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent, but always test it on a hidden patch. And if the fabric is delicate or the mark refuses to shift, it might be time to contact us for specialist guidance.
Looking for stain-resistant or easy-clean options? View our full range of upholstery fabric here at UK Fabrics Online to find the right material for your next project.
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