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Stubborn stains can make your much-loved sofa look worn and old. Although some sofa cushion covers can be removed for cleaning, this can be a difficult and sometimes time-consuming chore.

However, there are some "fool-proof" methods which can get your sofa looking as good as new.

In a Reddit forum, users shared their top "full-proof methods for cleaning the upholstery on a sofa and chair".

These range from specific products which can remove stains in a flash, to homemade solutions which won't require you to try and strip the upholstery from your couch.

Most households will likely already have laundry detergent tucked away for washing their clothes, but when combined with water in a spray bottle, detergent can work outside of the washing machine too.

A Reddit user explained: "[Mix] liquid bio laundry detergent in a spray bottle with warm water. Don't soak it just use enough to clean it."

After spritzing your sofa, they recommend leaving it for 10 seconds before rubbing it with a damp cloth.

The user added: "It's all about using enough detergent and water to clean it without getting it wet enough to cause problems."

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Baking soda and white vinegar are both hailed for their multi-purpose cleaning uses around the home, and according to Reddit users, this also includes use on upholstery.

A Reddit user explained: "I do this once a month on all carpets and fabric-covered furniture in my house.

"We let our dog on the furniture, but I don't want my house to smell like dog. This helps a lot with anything that you can't toss in the wash."

They recommend sprinkling baking soda all over your couch, leaving it for half an hour and then vacuuming the powder.

The user added: "Sprinkle it all over, wait half an hour or so, and vacuum it up. Everything smells super fresh and clean.

"If you want to get super thorough, use a little hand broom to kinda brush the baking powder all over and really get it into the upholstery and carpets." [SIC]

You can add white vinegar into the mix and let it dry for an extra kick.

The user explained: "I keep a refillable aerosol-type sprayer in my living room with vinegar.

"I mist all the furniture every few days, and the curtains and rugs once a week or so. The vinegar smell dissipates really fast."

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Along with homemade solutions, users also recommended some cleaning products that, although not targeted at sofas, can help remove marks.

A user posting under the name Stocksy said: "Go to somewhere like Halfords and buy ‘Groom’.

"It’s meant for cleaning car upholstery but I find it’s better than any of the household stuff. Spray it on, wipe it off with a damp cloth, allow to dry." [SIC]

Another, posting under the name Elizadont, recommended opting for "Dr Beckmann carpet stain remover", which they said "is good for sofas too".

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