If your house is anything like mine, the furniture often looks less than its best.
Between kids, pets and meals eaten on the sofa, spills and stains happen.
You don’t have to live with them though.
Using a water-free solvent enables you to clean your upholstery so your home always has its best face forward.
A water-free product is perfect for spot cleaning in a jiffy.
Here are my 3 favourite water free dry cleaning solvent for upholstery and couches below…
DISCLOSURE: TheRuggedRooster.com is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
Best Water Free Dry Cleaning Solvent For Upholstery And Couches
Scotchgard Fabric Remover vs Blue Coral Upholstery Cleaner vs Woolite Stain Remover
OUR TOP PICK
Good water free solvent choice
For sheer versatility, look no further than the Scotchyard Fabric Water Shield.
Prevention is better than cure so knowing that your upholstery and couches can repel water-based stains is a relief.
If you value the furniture in your home, have the peace of mind to know that it’s protected.
Especially when you have guests over. This dry cleaning solvent offers strong protection to repel water-based spills on a range of different surfaces.
Dry cleaning solvent for couch
Whether your upholstery or couch is leather or simply fabric.
The application is simple. Spray on the Fabric Water Shield from a few inches, allow it to dry then repeat. That’s it. It won’t alter the feel of the fabric which is reassuring.
All you should need to do is wipe away and need not worry about a potential stain. No more worrying about spillages, stains, or even dirt with that protective layer.
It’ll also keep the color of the fabric too after cleaning away any stains.
The eco-friendly formula in Scotchguard is safe for children, pets and the environment.
Pros
- Versatile - Can be used on several different surfaces including leather, plastic, and foam
- Water Repellent - Should protect your upholstery and couch from water-based spills
- Eco-Friendly - The solvent is environmentally friendly as well as safe for kids and pets
- Great Protection - Includes a protective layer against dirt, stains, and spillages
Cons
- Odor - You may want to leave it for a while after applying due to a slightly unpleasant smell
EDITORS CHOICE
Good choice dry cleaner solvent for upholstery
To make it easier to apply, the Blue Coral DC22-6PK Upholstery Cleaner comes as an aerosol.
While it may seem that the dry cleaning solvent has been sparingly applied it’s actually very effective.
Stains such as coffee, lipstick, and even ink can be eradicated conveniently with little fuss.
You shouldn’t worry about any plastic trim or chrome as this dry cleaning solvent has been proven safe. All without a sticky residue.
Tough spots are easily solved with a simple application of Blue Coral.
The liquid blend in this dry cleaning solvent even dissolves dirt.
Not only that, the Blue Coral looks professional with a streak-free formula.
This should provide high protection for long-lasting performance.
After you’ve cleaned it also has an odor eliminator, neutralizing pet stains as well as mildew.
This will leave your living area smelling fresh and looking good.
Pros
- Streak-Free - The treatment looks professional thanks to the streak-free formula.
- Long-Lasting Performance - The protective shield means it should last
- Easy Application - Blue Coral is easy to use and easy to clean
- Lack of Residue - Unlike other products, this doesn’t leave a sticky residue
- Fragrance - The Blue Coral solvent leaves a fresh fragrance after cleaning
Cons
- Cleaning Tip - The tip occasionally needs to be checked before using
BEST VALUE
Water free cleaning solvent
Look at that tough stain.
Now count to 30. That stain may have disappeared if you were using Woolite InstaClean Permanent Stain Remover.
You’d need to first blot up any excess first until no more liquid comes out. Use the stream setting on the nozzle, soak the stain and cover the area.
Leave then blot again with a wet rag to rinse.
The Oxy Stain Destroyer Formula works immediately on contact to penetrate then shift the stain.
This includes tough substances like mud, blood, food grease, motor oil, cola, fruit juice, and tomato sauce.
Even the worst possible substances like urine and vomit can be permanently removed.
The Woolite solvent that’s great to have if you have pets who like to roll around outdoors.
Once those tough stains are gone you’ll be left with a natural fresh scent, even around those pets. Those stains should be a distant memory.
No matter how messy your children or pets are, with a 22oz liquid solution this should last.
With so much liquid solution, even though it’s heavy-duty this can be for versatile use.
Pros
- Oxy Stain Destroyer Formula - This formula makes cleaning look and feel effortless
- Stream Setting - For a quick application, after 30 seconds you should see the difference using the stream setting
- Large Bottle - A 22oz liquid solution of Woolite should last for a long time
- Great Performance - Should remove deep stains on lots of different materials
Cons
- Watermarks - This may leave a slight watermark on certain fabrics
RUNNER UP
Upholstery safe dry cleaning solvent
If you’re after a water-free dry cleaning solvent specifically for the upholstery in your vehicle then this one's for you.
The Armor All Car Carpet & Upholstery Spray Bottle is tailored for cars. With a fresh spice and citrus new car scent, you’ll know it’s a job well done.
It’ll also help remove nasty odors like pets, food, and even smoke. It’ll even help remove the leather scent of your vehicle upholstery.
That’s after noticing its powerful, deep-cleaning stain removal. It’s effective too with a removable brush for those ground-in stains.
The versatile cleaner will break down then remove tough stains in your vehicles like mud, grease, and coffee.
Great to know when those stains are rubbed into your upholstery over time.
The foaming formula penetrates a stain so it’s easier to remove. Perfect if you like to consume food and drink on the go with passengers who tend to make a mess.
Pros
- Removable Brush - Ensures a deep clean for tough, in-ground stains
- Foam Formula - Ideal to get into a stain, making it easier to remove
- Heavy Duty Foam - Great for ensuring a maximum cleaning action
- Pleasant Odor - Leaves a nice and fresh spice and citrus new car scent
Cons
- Runs Out Quick - Ideal for a deep clean but not everyday use
RUNNER UP
Good solvent based upholstery cleaner
If you have a lot of furniture to take care of then you’ll want a powder-based dry cleaning solvent. Look no further than the Capture Carpet & Rug Dry Cleaner.
This 8-pound pack should be more than enough for your upholstery and couches.
In fact, it should cover 800 square feet. Using a dry cleaning method which is absorbent deep means this acts like a heavy-duty sponge.
Effectively, soaking up the dirt and spills so you don’t need to worry about stains reappearing.
With the Capture Pre-Mist, you can sprinkle on the powder, leave for 30 minutes then vacuum away any excess powder.
Once the stain is gone, this will also work to neutralize any bad odors. It’ll also be versatile and can be used on wool and fabric upholstery, even silk.
The re-sealable lid should also be sturdy enough to ensure your children or pets can’t simply knock it over and spill the powder.
That powder will work in deep to any stain yet won’t add any moisture. Once it’s done the job you can get back to enjoying your couch.
Pros
- Easy Application - Spray with the Capture Pre-Mist, sprinkle on the powder and leave for around half an hour to remove the stain
- Absorbent Deep - The dry cleaning solvent works like a heavy-duty sponge, absorbing the stain
- No Moisture - This is powder-based so you can quickly get back to enjoying your sofa
- Regular Use - Can be used for a deep clean or regularly for long-lasting freshness
- Safe - Doesn’t contain bleach or harsh chemicals
Cons
- Spray Sold Separately - Spraying requires the Capture Pre-Mist which is sold separately
Water Free Dry Cleaning Solvents for Upholstery Comparison
Buyer’s Guide and where to buy dry cleaning solvent for upholstery
Application
Occasionally, no matter how effective the dry cleaning solvent is supposed to be it won’t work as well as you want. That’s usually down to how you’re using it. Some are better on various surfaces than others while some can simply be applied better.
Ensure that you spend time reading the instructions before applying. Not just for what the product contains but how it is to be best applied. You really don’t want to clean your furniture only to discover it’s ruined afterward.
You could also test the product on the back of your upholstery or couch if you’re not sure. Leave it for a while to see if it’s done the job.
A lot of dry cleaning solvents come with handy applicators that make them even easier to use. These can include a brush for difficult-to-remove stains.
An aerosol spray can also provide a lot more coverage making the job quicker. Convenience should be key to making the job seem effortless.
Also, remove any items from your furniture before applying. That may sound simple but it can avoid a lot of distress once you’ve done your cleaning. While the product may be fine to use on your upholstery or couch, any leftover items of clothing may not be.
You’ll want to ensure that your children or pets are in another room too. Ideally, your children or pets should be out of the house while you’re cleaning but that might not be possible.
These products should not be harmful but some may not be pleasant if applied on your loved ones. Always keep your cleaning products away from the reaches of children.
Pets
A dry cleaning solvent is vital for your upholstery and couch if you have pets. There are different ways to clean your furniture yet cats and dogs can make a mess.
Soil and dirt should be primary concerns. Your pets can also simply leave a bad odor on your furniture. With that in mind, consider a dry cleaning solvent that has a fresh fragrance.
Once your upholstery and couch are clean you’ll want them to mask over any odors your pets might bring.
Although all these will work to remove pet stains and odours the Woolite with it's tough stain removal of feaces, mud, and tracked in dirt combined with scented smell makes it a perfect choice for pet owners...
Woolite InstaClean Permanent Stain Remover
Type Of Solution
Read the label to find out the type of solution too. With so many different types out there it’s worth looking into. It’s required that there’s full disclosure on what goes into a cleaning product like a dry cleaning solvent.
One factor to certainly consider when choosing is the ingredients. It’s always better to go for natural ingredients than chemical formulas.
The natural ingredients will still clean your upholstery and couch yet do it with some gentle care. However, chemical formulas may damage your furniture permanently.
From the top picks above here's the type of solution...
Although all are Sprays, I personally prefer the Scotchguard for multiple reasons including it's odour free, doesn't damage the fabric or change it's colour, it's eco friendly and safe for pets and children, which is why it's my top pick...
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
Bottle Size
The bottle size should also help you decide and there are many different sizes of bottles to choose from. These can vary from just 125 milliliters to over 60 oz. For regular use, you want a bottle that you can store in your home at easy reach.
Ideally away from children in a place that’s hard to reach for them. For a water-free dry cleaning solvent that you only require for the odd deep clean then pick a bigger one.
You could leave it in a larger cupboard or garage so you’ll know you need to use it when you’ve got time to spare.
If you know that your upholstery or couch is going to be stained easily you should go for a bigger bottle. This should save you money over time, especially if it’s a reliable product for the material.
Here's the bottle size of the top pick products mentioned above:
- Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield - 295 Millimetres
- Woolite InstaClean Permanent Stain Remover - 650 Millimetres
So you get twice as much with the Woolite however depending on your needs it may be too much.
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
The Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is the smaller bottle of the two but I still prefer it for use on Upholstery.
Shelf-Life
Depending on how often you use it, try picking a dry cleaning solvent that you know you’ll make the most out of.
One that will cover most, if not all, of the materials on the items you want it for. That way you’ll know it’s reliable unless you buy a new couch.
One that you know will last and offer durable results. You may also want to invest in a replacement bottle. The last thing you want is to leave a cleaning job half done so always have a bottle in reserve.
Odor
We all want our homes and furniture to smell great. That’s why a lot of dry cleaning solvents come with fresh fragrances. These ensure that your home looks and smells clean.
However, you may not want a smell at all. If that’s the case you should look for an odorless notification on the product as you may not want your children wondering what that smell is. No matter how clean it is.
The top pick Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is Odourless and Soil Resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make A Dry-Cleaning Solvent At Home For Upholstery Cleaning?
This is a simple recipe using some well-known cupboard items. Firstly, you may want to vacuum the area first to remove any dust or debris. You’ll want to sprinkle on some baking soda onto your stain first.
Using a disused spray container, mix a quarter cup vinegar with two tablespoons of dishwasher detergent and a few drops of essential oils. Mix this in your spray container, spray onto the stain and scrub gently with a cloth.
How Do I Check If My Water-Free Dry Cleaning Solvent Is Safe For My Upholstery Or couch?
A lot of these cleaning products come with handy information on them. These should give you the details you need to know it’s safe to use.
You’ll need to know what type of material you’re going to use it on first. There should be certain letters on the furniture label to help you decide.
If there’s an ‘S’ this means it should be cleaned with a dry cleaning solvent. A ‘W’ should mean only water can be applied to remove the stain.
How Do I Find The Right Dry Cleaning Solvent For My Upholstery And Couch?
You’ll want to make sure that the dry cleaning solvent won’t leave a mark on your upholstery or couch. Ensuring that your furniture is clean shouldn’t mean it’s a different appearance too.
Check the label on your upholstery or couch to check what material it is. Then you should read the label on the dry cleaning solvent to make sure it’s compatible.
Read the label thoroughly just in case there are any other important instructions you need to know too. If the material is included in the list then you’re ready to go.
So What's The Best Water Free Dry Cleaning Solvent For Upholstery?
I would 100% recommend my top pick from this list the Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is Odourless and Soil Resistant and here's why...
- It actually acts as a shield protecting your upholstery and couches.
- It can repel water based stains protecting your furniture.
- It works on leather or fabric upholstery/
- It's simple to apply; spray on the Fabric Water Shield from a few inches, allow it to dry then repeat.
- It won’t alter the feel of the fabric which is reassuring as some cleaners do.
- It’ll also keep the color of the fabric too after cleaning away any stains.
- The eco-friendly formula in Scotchguard is safe for children, pets and the environment.
- Includes a protective layer against dirt, stains, and spillages.
So the #1 choice is definitely Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is Odourless and Soil Resistant and you can get it here...
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
