8 Best Upholstery Cleaners, According to Our Lab Tests
Freshen up your carpet, couch and car seats with these top-performing cleaners.
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Soft upholstery can be a magnet for unavoidable household stains and odors, from food and drink spills to cooking odors and dirt tracked in by family members. Upholstered furniture gets more wear and tear than you may realize, which is why sometimes you need more than regular vacuuming. A good upholstery cleaner refreshes and restores your couch, dining room chairs, carpet or even the seats in your car so they look their best.
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In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we rigorously test all kinds of products and appliances for taking care of household and clothing fabrics. When evaluating upholstery cleaners, we test them for how well they perform their intended tasks, how easy they are to use, their safety on surfaces and the clarity and completeness of the instructions.
Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Pros
- Works quickly to remove stains
- Easy to carry and store
- Compact nozzle can reach tight crevices
Cons
- Somewhat loud
WHY WE LIKE IT: Easy to store and tote from room to room, Bissell's Little Green can remove just one stain or clean an entire sofa. We first tested this little social media star many years ago and have continued to recommend it in our roundups because it never fails to impress.
It's also simple to use. After filling the tank with water and one of Bissell's cleaning formulas, you'll spritz the solution onto the fabric, gently scrub it with the soft brush and then vacuum it all back into the water tank for easy emptying.
TESTING NOTES: This portable carpet cleaner made quick work of stains without damaging fabrics (or carpet), and it picked up spills faster and more thoroughly than with a cloth. We found the tanks easy and mess-free to fill, and the wand was comfortable to hold. Even if it is somewhat loud, we appreciate that the long, wrap-around hose and compact nozzle can reach into tight and curvy spaces, such as armrests. Its slim, oblong shape fits on a stair step or into the tight backseat space of a car.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bissell's Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner
| Type | Electric appliance |
| Size | 9.56 lbs |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Pros
- Easily removes oily stains
- Vacuums or brushes away once dry
- Versatile
Cons
- May need more than one application
WHY WE LIKE IT: If your patio is decked out in upholstered furniture like outdoor couches, it's worth investing in a stain remover formulated to tackle outdoor cushions and fabric coverings.
This unique spray goes on wet but turns into a white powder as it dries. Once dry, you can vacuum or brush it away. We found that it easily tackles stubborn stains, though one online reviewer wished the product were slightly less expensive because you may need a few applications to remove a stain.
TESTING NOTES: The spray excelled at removing tough grease stains, and it was also able to lift household messes like coffee and chocolate. During Lab testing, our cleaning pros were particularly impressed with how well the Sunbrella Stain Remover removed an old barbecue stain. Its stellar performance earned it a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning and Organizing Award.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 5 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | N/A |
Woolite INSTAclean Permanent Stain and Odor Remover, Pack of 2
Pros
- Contains Oxy ingredients to lighten stains
- Works quickly
- EPA Safer Choice certified
Cons
- Not for silk, velvet, vinyl or leather upholstery
WHY WE LIKE IT: Woolite's Instaclean stain remover contains ingredients that penetrate and dissolve stains on contact. Hydrogen peroxide acts like a fabric-safe bleach, removing the remnants of colored stains like tomato sauce, coffee and fruit juice without damaging or altering the color of the upholstery. After applying the EPA Safer Choice certified formula, let it sit for one minute and blot.
TESTING NOTES: In our tests, Woolite's line of carpet and upholstery stain removers worked quickly and thoroughly without the need for extra rinsing or blotting. Even though the ingredients in Woolite's Instaclean are color-safe, it's best to test on a hidden spot before treating any stain just to be safe. It should never be used on silk, velvet, vinyl or leather upholstery.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 22 oz. |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Method Stain and Odor Treatment Spray
Pros
- Removed old, stubborn stains in our tests
- Contains plant-based cleaning ingredients
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- Needs 10 minutes to work
WHY WE LIKE IT: We've tested many of Method's dish liquids, laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners. They all use plant-based ingredients in their formulas and have all proven to be effective cleaners in our tests. However, this Method Stain and Odor Treatment is the first in line to tackle and remove stains from unwashable household fabrics, such as upholstery and carpeting.
The clear formula is not sudsy and only needs to be spritzed on a stain before waiting 10 minutes (a bit longer than some other cleaners), then blotting. Non-sudsy formulas tend to be easier to wash away after use, making quick work of stains and messes.
TESTING NOTES: During Lab testing, it completely removed an old stain from a white damask dining room chair seat (pictured) that wouldn't budge with anything else our tester tried. It also removed stains from wool carpeting. We found the formula easy to rinse and blot from fabrics even after several applications, and we liked the Spearmint Sage scent. Even though old stains required a few attempts to be completely removed, the success impressed us so much that we named it a winner of the Best Cleaning and Organizing Award.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 20 oz. |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Pros
- Contains enzymes to tackle bacteria and odors
- Works on carpets, upholstery, mattresses and more
- Removes pet, food and other stains
Cons
- For best results, it needs time to work
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you own pets that have had accidents on your upholstery, carpets or bedding, you know that it's not just the stains that are problematic, but the lingering odors too. Left untreated, they can draw your cat or dog back to the very same spot.
What we especially like about this Bissell formula — besides how well it removes stains — is that it contains enzymes to attack both the stain and the odor pet messes leave behind. After using it to erase the stain, place a moist cloth over the area and let it sit for 12 to 72 hours. This keeps the enzymes working to eradicate the smell caused by odor-causing bacteria.
TESTING NOTES: In our tests, it did a great job removing food stains too, and it works just as well on carpeting, mattresses and pet bedding. We recommend using it wherever pet stains happen. While it works quickly on visible stains, it's best to give it time to soak into the upholstery to completely erase odors.
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| Type | Spray |
| Size | 22 oz |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner
Pros
- Safe for delicate fabrics
- Doesn't cause water spots
- Brightens fabrics and removes dirt
Cons
- May not remove old, set-in stains
WHY WE LIKE IT: Delicate upholstery fabrics like silk brocade, while beautiful, can be problematic to clean. Silk is usually not safe for wet cleaning and can be damaged by the majority of upholstery cleaners on the market. And some water-based cleaners also caution against using them on velvet upholstery, whether silk or synthetic. As a result, furniture covered in delicate fabric is often labeled with the cleaning codes S or X, for solvent cleaning only or no wet cleaning at all.
Regular vacuuming with an upholstery tool is essential to keep delicate fabrics looking their best, but when it's not enough, a dry powder formula like Capture can freshen and brighten delicate fabrics or carpets without causing damage. For very heavy soil and set-in stains on delicate upholstery, it's best to call in a professional.
TESTING NOTES: This upholstery cleaner is easy to use and offers a dry, safe cleaning option for fussy fabrics. To use it, liberally sprinkle the porous Capture granules on the cushions, back and armrests, then gently work them into the fabric with a brush (pictured). Let sit 30 minutes to give the granules time to absorb embedded dirt and fresh stains, then vacuum.
| Type | Granules |
| Size | 16 oz. |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W, S, WS and X |
Furniture Clinic Leather Care Kit
Pros
- Gently cleans without drying the leather
- Protector makes future stains easier to remove
- Kit includes an applicator and buffing pad
Cons
- A two-step process
WHY WE LIKE IT: Many people think leather upholstery is delicate and needs special care when in reality, it can be more forgiving and easier to care for than fabric. As long as you keep it out of direct sunlight and away from sharp objects, spills can usually be blotted out quickly and grime is easy to remove.
That's where GH Seal star, Furniture Clinic Leather Care Kit, comes in. It's a one-two punch that removes dirt and conditions as well as helps protect against future stains. Although the system requires two steps, we believe the extra effort is worthwhile.
The kit includes an applicator sponge and buffing pad. We also appreciate that Furniture Clinic is not just for leather furniture; it's safe to use on bags, shoes, jackets and more.
TESTING NOTES: In our tests, the cleaner removed grime embedded in the leather's grain and even erased blue dye from jeans that had transferred to a leather car seat, eliminating the need for a specialty leather car cleaner. The protector left our leather seats, recliner and test swatches supple and shiny and helped make the ink marks we applied afterward easier to remove.
RELATED: The Best Car Upholstery Cleaners
| Type | Cream |
| Size | 17 oz. |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | No |
| Best for fabrics coded | N/A |
Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover
Pros
- Works on contact
- Rinses away easily
- Works on red stains other than red wine
Cons
- Requires washing or rinsing after use
WHY WE LIKE IT: While we all know that drinking a glass of red wine on the sofa can be a recipe for disaster, we do it anyway. Fortunately, with Wine Away on hand, disasters can be averted.
While fabrics need to be rinsed or washed after being treated with Wine Away, we found that the formula isn't sudsy, making it easy to remove without excessive blotting or rubbing. And don't just save it for upholstery stains: Wine Away works on clothing and carpet stains too. As soon as you spritz it on, the color starts to fade.
TESTING NOTES: In our Cleaning Lab tests, Wine Away was the best red wine stain remover we tested. It completely removed fresh stains and lightened set-in ones so well that they could easily be rinsed away. Plus, the product works on other red-colored stains, such as berries and fruit juice.
RELATED: The Best Carpet Stain Removers
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 12 oz. |
| Works on carpet and upholstery | Yes |
| Best for fabrics coded | W and WS |
How we test upholstery cleaners
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing upholstery cleaning sprays, creams and powder formulas along with upholstery cleaning appliances for years. And most of them are also designed to safely clean stains from carpeting. In fact, we first tested our best overall pick, Bissell, more than 20 years ago, well before it became a social media sensation. For our latest Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards alone, we tested nine products and appliances that could be used for cleaning upholstery.
When our Home Care and Cleaning Lab experts test upholstery cleaners, we evaluate how well products remove food, dirt and oily stains we've applied to a variety of typical upholstery fabrics.
We also check for any fabric damage the cleaners may cause and how easy the cleaners are to use and rinse away. We then assess how clear the directions are and check for any safety or cautionary warnings that must be on the product's label.
For upholstery cleaning machines, we evaluate them as we do any appliance by following the owner's manual and testing all the attachments and included cleaning formulas to assess performance, ease of use, run time, capacity and how easy they are to maintain and store.
Products are also sent to consumers and staffers to test on the well-loved couches and cushions in their own homes. We then gather feedback on how well they removed stains, eradicated pet messes, restored the look of fabrics and more.
How do I safely clean a fabric couch?
Upholstery is trickier to clean than carpet because it can be made from a wide variety of fibers and fabrics. Some, like synthetic microfiber or cotton chenille, can be cleaned with most products. Silk damask, on the other hand, would be damaged when cleaned with a water-based method. So before you grab just any cleaner from your cabinet and start spraying, it's essential to know what type of cleaning formula is safest for the fabric covering your furniture.
Check the care tag on your upholstered furniture before cleaning it and look for codes that indicate how to proceed safely. A quick cheat sheet:
• Code W: Water-based cleaning solutions are safe to use.
• Code S: Only solvent-based cleaning solutions are safe to use.
• Code WS: Both water- and solvent-based cleaning solutions are safe to use.
• Code X: Neither water- nor solvent-based cleaning solutions are safe to use. Only vacuuming or professional cleaning is recommended.
Always test any cleaning solution or method on a hidden spot first for safety.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As its executive director, Carolyn Forté oversees all testing done in the Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Over the years, she has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, upholstery cleaners, mops and other major (and small) home appliances. She also spent 16 years as the director of the GH Institute's Textiles Lab, so she's very comfortable handling all kinds of fibers and fabrics and evaluating and assessing their care.
Updates Editor Elizabeth Berry most recently refreshed this guide with images from our tests as well as product recommendations. At the GH Institute, Elizabeth collaborates with analysts across Labs to report on home and style categories, including cleaning.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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