Professional Cleaning

• If you want a "green" business to clean your furniture, look in the National Green Pages (see "References" below), which says it's the nation's only directory of screened and approved green businesses. If you can't find a certified green cleaner in your area (or their rates are too high), contact your local carpet and upholstery professionals and ask if they are willing to use the products and methods you prefer. Many smaller businesses are starting to "go green" and might have just what you are looking for, though they haven't yet become certified and don't advertise nationally.
  
  

Do it Yourself

• If you want to clean the upholstery yourself, the first step is to always keep the upholstery as dry as possible to prevent damage. Make sure the fabric is color-fast and won't be damaged by cleaning; clean a small hidden area and let it dry. Be sure you are satisfied with the results before you clean the entire piece of furniture.
  
  Mix 1/2 cup of an environmentally safe dish washing liquid (such as Ecover, Method, or Seventh Generation) and 1 cup water in a large bowl, then whip with a hand mixer until the mixture looks like whipped cream. Using a small scrub brush, gently shampoo a small area at a time, using a spatula or rubber scraper to lift away the dirty suds. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Rinse the cloth frequently in clean water, wringing it out until it is nearly dry.
  
  Another method is to mix 2 tbsp. Borax, 2 tbsp. soap flakes and 2 cups of boiling water in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Let cool, then shake to mix. Using a small scrub brush, gently shampoo a small area at a time. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Rinse the cloth frequently in clean water, wringing it out until it is nearly dry.
  
  Another way to clean small, stained areas, particularly dark stains like grape juice, coffee, or red wine, is to use hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Simply sponge onto the stain, then blot with a clean, white cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.
  
  

Keep it Dry

• With any cleaning method, be sure not to soak the upholstery and to dry completely. Use a fan, air conditioner, or dehumidifier to speed drying.