Sustainability starts at home: Eco-friendly ways to keep your fabrics looking new

You are cozy on your sofa, snuggled with your favorite throw blanket and a warm drink. Suddenly, disaster strikes: your mug slips from your fingers in slow motion, spilling everywhere. You watch as the stain darkens on your sofa and throw. With the impending arrival of guests, panic sets in.

Before you whip out all your generic cleaning products — calm down. 

We are here to help.

Here are some eco-friendly cleaning solutions for your fabrics so they look fresh and inviting in no time:

1. The power combo: Baking soda + lemon juice

Before reaching for harsh chemicals, consider some of the natural ingredients in your pantry.

If you mix baking soda with vinegar or lemon juice and a little water, you will have a gentle yet effective cleaning solution.

This eco-friendly cleaning method is also wallet-friendly. 

Quick Tip: Act fast! Tackle stains as soon as they occur for the best results. Fresh stains are much easier to remove.

2. Repurpose old toothbrushes for stubborn stains

For stains that refuse to budge, enlist the help of an old toothbrush. Gently brush away the offending marks without causing damage to your favorite fabrics.

Quick tip: Make a paste using the eco-friendly cleaning ingredients in #1 and spread it evenly on the stain. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and gently brush the stain.

3. Eco-friendly cleaning detergent

When spot cleaning isn’t cutting it, turn to sustainable laundry detergent. Look for options free from artificial fragrances and dyes, which can irritate sensitive skin. 

Check labels for harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and phosphates to ensure your fabric and the environment stay safe.

Quick Tip: Always follow the cleaning instructions for your slipcovers and throw blankets. You don’t want to inadvertently damage them in the wash.

4. Steam cleaning 

If you do not have a steam cleaner, you can learn from the viral TikTok cleaning hack which uses everyday items. Dissolve an eco-friendly cleaning detergent in boiling water. 

Next wrap a micor-fiber cloth over the bottom of a pan lid. Dip the cloth side into the detergent and scrub at your couch. This method is especially useful if your covers are not machine washable. 

Quick tip: You can swap out detergent for diluted vinegar if you want something more natural.

5. Prevention is better than cure

Some households are more prone to spills than others — no judgment here! The best eco-friendly cleaning solution is to choose fabrics that are not stained easily.

For instance, Comfort Works’ Performance Weave sofa covers are both liquid-resistant and stylish. This way you elevate your sofa fabric while ensuring it stays stain-free. 

Quick tip: Want a sustainable sofa slipcover that is both unique and personalized? Opt for Comfort Works’ Eco Weaves, which have a unique composition that uses up to 60% recycled materials. 

Speaking of beloved fabrics, we have been obsessing over Seek & Swoon’s throw blankets which add personality and color to your home.

If you’re big on sustainability, you will be happy to know that about 75% of each throw blanket by Seek & Swoon are made with upcycled cotton.