Some stains will not have any dried residue that can be removed. Use your judgement about whether scraping or vacuuming will remove anything.

Blot the area until the stain no longer transfers onto your paper towel or cloth. Use a clean, light-colored cloth so you can see how much of the stain is transferring onto it as you work. [4] X Expert Source Chad ZaniAuto Detailing Expert Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.

With commercial stain removers, it’s important to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before using it on the stain. This will assure that the product doesn’t stain or discolor your upholstery.

Rinsing can be done by getting a cloth wet, wringing it out, and then dabbing it on the stained area. This will rinse the upholstery fibers without adding too much water to the surface.

Once you have removed as much moisture as possible with your towel, allow the area to air dry completely.

Sprinkle the baking soda over the surface of the stain. Make sure you have a thick enough coating so that as much of the stain as possible is absorbed.

Although mixing detergent and vinegar together is safe, be careful when mixing other household cleaners together. There are some combinations, such as bleach and vinegar, that can be toxic if mixed together. [8] X Research source

Use a cloth or a cotton ball to apply the alcohol to the stain. Hairspray can be sprayed directly onto the stain in a pinch, because it tends to have a high concentration of alcohol in it.

Dab a little bit of the soap directly onto the upholstery stain and dab the area with a wet cloth.

Repeated blotting with very cold water will remove most minor blood or coffee stains. If your stain is not removed, try adding a few drops of detergent or a splash of club soda directly to the stain. Then continue to blot with very cold water.