Upholstered furniture and surfaces can be tricky to clean if soiled with spots and stains. Here are some quick tips to steer you the right way when cleaning upholstery.

Removing spots and stains
The most important tip is to act quickly. Many spills can be removed when immediate action is taken. The longer you wait, the greater the chance the spill will become a permanent stain.

Always follow the advice of your upholstery fabric manufacturer. Where accidents happen, follow these tried and tested steps towards fast and easy stain removal.

Step one: Absorb the spill
Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels. Do not rub.

Start at the outside of the spot and continue toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Blot until barely damp. Scoop up any semi-solids (like food spills) with a spoon. Solid, dried bits can be vacuumed up.

Step two: Treat the spot or stain

Test a mild upholstery cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying to your stain, and analyze the result. Do not scrub. Scrubbing can damage the fabric.

Follow the product's directions carefully. Typically apply a small amount of the cleaner to a white cloth and work in gently, from the edges to the center. Blot, don't scrub. You may need to do this several times to remove the spot.

Be sure not to over clean. Unfortunately, removing stains and spots from upholstery can be very difficult. Do not overwork the area or it may result in water stains or bleeding.

Ayoub Carpet Service is located in Chantilly, Va. As of June 1, 2012, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.