The average sofa and loveseat traps a lot of unwelcome guests like pet hair, food crumbs, dust mites and more. Although regularly vacuuming and brushing your couch will remove a good amount of loose dirt, this isn’t enough to thoroughly clean your upholstery fabric. Deep cleaning is necessary to remove odors, eliminate allergens and get rid of more persistent stains. While you can purchase commercial cleaners designed to do the job, you can also make your own mild solutions with household items you probably already have in your pantry or refrigerator. These homemade cleaners are typically cheaper, safer and better for the environment than many commercial products.

First, read your furniture’s cleaning label to determine the best method to use for your particular fabric type. The fabric may be labelled W (washable), WS (wet and solvent) or X (dry clean only). Those labeled WS are best for both water and chemical-based cleaners, while those with an X label must be dry cleaned only.

If your couch is made from a durable fabric that can handle a bit of moisture, steaming the upholstery can help to remove stuck-on dirt, allergens and stains. If you decide to do this, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the heat level and length of time the fabric should be exposed to the steam. This will prevent the fabric from overheating and shrinking. Also, be sure to keep the air circulating in the room while you steam the fabric and allow it to dry completely before using or sitting on it.

A light sprinkle of baking soda can be an effective stain remover for most fabrics. Blot the soiled area with the baking soda on a sponge or cloth, working from the outside of the stain in to avoid spreading it. Use a second sponge or cloth dampened with water to blot away the baking soda and any remaining dirt or stains.

For fabrics that require a wet-cleaning method, mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap in a spray bottle. Spot test an inconspicuous area of your sofa before applying the solution and scrub the soiled area with a clean microfiber cloth, being careful not to over-saturate it. Repeat as needed until the soiled area is clean and then use a clean microfiber cloth to blot the sofa and loveseat cleaning dry.

Vinegar works well for removing ink and grease stains on most fabric types, and it’s safe to use on most couches. If you have an ink stain that hasn’t set, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and gently dab (avoid rubbing) the area until it lifts. Once the stain is gone, dab the area with a clean, damp cloth to soak up the excess rubbing alcohol.

Keeping up with surface cleaning between deep cleanings will keep your couch looking and smelling its best. But if your family includes kids or pets, you’ll need to do a little more frequent vacuuming and spot treating of spills and stains. For households without children or pets, a twice-yearly deep clean should be sufficient to refresh your couch’s look and feel.