Short answer: the dark patches on couch arms and headrests are body oil, sweat and sunscreen. Check the care tag, then blot with a small amount of mild detergent in cool water if the fabric allows it. Built-up oil usually needs professional cleaning.
Where summer stains come from
Through an Adelaide summer people sit on the lounge in shorts and singlets, often straight from the beach, the pool or the garden. Skin leaves behind:
- Sunscreen, which is oily and can leave yellow or orange marks
- Sweat, which carries salts and causes odour
- Body oil and hair products, which darken headrests and arms
Each layer is slightly sticky, so dust clings to it. That is why those areas look dirty even on a couch that is otherwise clean.
Check the care tag first
Look under the seat cushions for a code:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaners are safe |
| S | Solvent cleaners only, no water |
| WS | Either can be used |
| X | Vacuum only |
No tag? Test any cleaner on a hidden spot and let it dry before going further.
Treating a fresh sunscreen mark
- Scrape off any excess with a spoon.
- Sprinkle bicarb soda or cornflour on the mark to absorb oil. Leave 15 minutes, then vacuum.
- If the tag allows water, dab with a few drops of clear dishwashing liquid in cool water.
- Blot with a clean damp cloth to rinse.
- Blot dry and let it air.
Do not use bleach or chlorine-based cleaners on sunscreen stains. Some sunscreen ingredients react with them and turn the mark darker.
Prevention
- Throw a washable cover or towel over the lounge in summer
- Shower before settling in after the beach
- Vacuum the couch when you vacuum the floor
- Rotate and flip cushions monthly
When to call a professional
Darkened arms and headrests are oil that has built up over months, and home cleaning rarely shifts it evenly. Professional upholstery cleaning lifts the oil and rinses the fabric so it dries without rings.
See couch and upholstery cleaning, or leather cleaning for leather lounges. Sand in the carpet too? See beach sand in carpet.
FAQs
Why are my couch arms darker than the rest?
Body oil, sweat and sunscreen transfer from skin and attract dust.
Can sunscreen stains be removed from fabric?
Fresh ones usually can. Old stains, or ones that were treated with bleach, may be permanent.
How often should a couch be cleaned?
About once a year, and more often with children, pets or heavy summer use.
