I have an Ethan Allen sofa with a soft canvas-like upholstery.

Erika K
by Erika K

The company recommends using a water-free solvent. Can anyone recommend an upholstery cleaner product for this? I'd like something mild because I have an infant in the house. Thanks!


  4 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Dec 20, 2011
    most "dry cleaning" solvents are petroleum based....think jet fuel....applying this to items in my home does not sit right with me. I did a quick google search and a product from guardsman came up high on the well reviewed amazon list. http://www.guardsman.com/en/automotive_care/automotive_fabric_care_products/remove_stains/Professional_Strength_Dry_Cleaning_Fluid.html Looking at the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) this product is mostly stoddard solvent as is most "dry cleaning" products. http://www.guardsman.com/export/system/galleries_guardsman/download/msds/37/041758041037.pdf?_=1324400285118 A number of years ago I was researching some "multi -fuel" cook stoves for camping and backpacking....one of them said Stoddard Solvent could be used as a fuel in that stove....Since then I have never had anything "dry cleaned"...dousing stuff with a flammable liquid ...to clean it....sorry I'll stick with a stain or use some other product.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Dec 23, 2011
    Not sure how helpful this is, but regular vacuuming and possibly a lint roller (that seems to work for all the Cheerio crumbs <-- that guy leaves on the furniture) on the sofa should take care of most regular care. If you need more serious cleaning, you might take it to a professional. A - With an infant, you don't really have time for that. B - As KMS said, there can be some nasty fumes, etc., that you don't want the baby licking or inhaling.
  • You need to use a Solvent type cleaning agent these are used by dry cleaners and professional cleaners, perchlor-ethylene, varsol, mineral spirits is what they are typically called. I suggest you contact the sofa manufacturer to ask their recommendation first on exactly what to use and where you can get this cleaning supply. Although the cleaner is unsafe and flammable to use, Once dry and aired out so no smell can be had, the cloth covering should be again safe for the children to be around once again. You may be better serviced by having a professional cleaner come it and do this for you. They have the experience necessary to use these chemicals and can offer advice on perhaps treatments that may make the couch more cleaning friendly in the future.
  • Most of the dry cleaning fluids that we have come across would not be something I would use around an infant. If you could send us a photo of the fabric I might be able to give you some suggestions. We have cleaned many pieces of furniture that had a cleaning code of "S" solvent. With steam extraction and differen't type of cleaner's. You can e-mail photo's to vpro@bellsouth.net