Aurelia Butler

There’s good news if you’ve been eager to fill your home with pattern and color: Designer and artist Justina Blakeney just released a collection of machine washable rugs and doormats with Ruggable. They’re perfect for living with pets and small kids!Justina’s bold assortment showcases her original artwork, which she says is an instant “mood enhancer” and is intended to bring people joy. The line includes 15 lively indoor rugs, along with two doormats and two outdoor rugs, starting at $129. Justina, who is also the founder of Jungalow, a bohemian-inspired home decor brand, told Good Housekeeping: “For design enthusiasts who glean joy from color and pattern, for folks who like to embrace natural motifs, geometric shapes and design that’s a touch on the wild side – this collection is for you.”Shop Justina Blakeney’s New Ruggable CollectionEvery pick has a story, too. A few of her designs, like Sonia and Billie, were inspired by Justina’s paintings. Josephine and Eartha, which are based on her illustrative work, were inspired by Justina’s child who loves wildcats. Then there’s Alice and Georgia, which boast daring botanical motifs. “They were inspired by ancient Egyptian wall art with my own trippy, modern, kaleidoscopic spin,” Justina shares. Courtesy of RuggableAn appreciation for nature is a common theme throughout the collection as well. It’s long been a starting point for Justina’s design aesthetic and work as an artist. “In some designs, it’s more literal – like in the case of Tarsila – which celebrates palm fronds – and others are more abstract, like Hilma, which is an abstract interpretation of crystals. In my work, you’ll find lots of hints to Mama Nature and her magic,” Justina says. So, go ahead and shop the collection on Ruggable.com while there’s still time. You can start small with a rug at the side of your bed or go big with a graphic pick for your living room or bedroom. The choice is all yours!Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

Home to a crafty family of four, this Manhattan Beach property is full of coastal-inspired colors and natural textures that define the sought-after “California cool” style. From room to room, interior designer Lauren Meichtry, founder of Elsie Home, hunted for creative ways to reflect the couple and their two young daughters — without straying too far from the expectation of a beach house.Aside from the fact that the clients loved every lighting, fabric and furniture choice, this project marked Meichtry’s first time designing an entire house. The goal was to curate a space that feels casual, yet playful. “I knew the family would be willing to see a mix of color, pattern and texture,” says Meichtry, who dreamed up a color palette based on the surroundings. Think muted greens and cool blues, plus warm beige and bright white. Enter a sunny, open-concept space. The homeowners hired Thomas James Homes to build the property. While the hard finishes were already decided and the walls were painted white, Meichtry took the opportunity to introduce character. “I tried to add flair through lighting, artwork and decor,” she says.Public 311 DesignStay a while in the living room.Star patterned ceramic tiles, selected by the homeowners, installed around the fireplace act as a focal point in the airy living space. “The tiles were a great jumping off point for creating playfulness and personality,” says Meichtry, who weaves in striped drapery for warmth and natural elements (like a woven lamp) for a subtle coastal feel. “Little modifications, like textures and artwork, can make a room feel customized,” especially when your starting point looks builder-grade.Public 311 DesignPublic 311 DesignEntertain in the dining room.Where mid-century modern meets coastal style, the dining room is defined by a striking chandelier, mismatched seating and a dramatic sideboard from Lulu and Georgia. “When designing for an active family, I want every space to be a room they will actually use,” says Meichtry, who prioritizes comfortable and casual dining chairs. Public 311 DesignTake a repose on the deck.Exit the living room through cantina doors onto a covered deck that feels like an extension of the home. The modern patio set encourages the family (including their two dogs) to spend time outdoors, while the outdoor rug, round coffee tables and oversized rattan pendant maintain the casual style found inside. Public 311 DesignMake the most of bonus spaces.Instead of a guest bedroom, Meichtry creates a playful space for the young girls to hang out with friends, watch movies and play video games. When guests are in town, the custom-designed sofa transforms into a queen-size bed. Meanwhile, another spare room is turned into a pattern-filled craft room, from the dash wallpaper to the round mirrors from Jamie Young. “To spark creativity, you need to be in a space that makes you feel creative,” says Meichtry.Public 311 DesignPublic 311 DesignTake in every detail of the primary bedroom.Focused on their two young girls, the clients weren’t prioritizing the primary bedroom — but Meichtry was determined to create a cozy haven for the couple. Layers of texture add a surge of warmth, from plush Parachute Home bedding and decorative throws from Elsie Home to a woven leather bed frame and fluted dresser. Public 311 DesignEmbrace whimsy in a girl’s bedroom.For a third grader whose girly, silly and loves color, starburst peel-and-stick wallpaper, rainbow decor and a hanging egg chair are the perfect bedroom accents. Playing on the rainbow theme, Meichtry sticks to arch shapes — notice the arched bed frame, bookshelf and rounded chair. The best part? This spirited space can grow with her — just swap out small accents like throw blankets and wall art.Public 311 DesignEnd your tour in this tween’s boho bedroom.Last but not least, the tween daughter’s bedroom — adorned with a palm fronds wallpaper and decorated with natural textures — has a bohemian flair. Despite the bedroom being small, Meichtry wanted this bold print plastered on all four walls for a real wow factor. “I promised my clients that it wasn’t going to make the room feel smaller, and it strangely makes the room feel bigger.”Public 311 Design Bring a “California Cool” Style Into Your HomeAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Whether you’re partial to pepperoni or enjoy a freshly made Margherita, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of pizza. While grabbing a pie at your local pizzeria is always fun, there’s something so satisfying about making your own at home. That’s where a good pizza stone comes in. The right pizza stone will distribute heat evenly and keep the dough moist while the pie bakes to perfection. Keep in mind that pizza stones are very different from regular pizza sheets, though, and require special care to perform well. Unlike metal pizza sheets, dish soap is a no-go with pizza stones and it’s best to avoid soaking them in water at all costs. To keep your pizza stone in top-notch condition, we checked in with Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, for her top tips to keep pesky stains at bay and ensure that every pizza you make tastes delicious. How to clean a pizza stone, step by stepWhether you use a pizza stone weekly or monthly, this unique kitchen accessory requires special care to keep it in tip-top shape. Your pizza stone might look clean on the surface, but because it’s porous, ingredients like sauce, oil and cheese can seep in and get stuck over time. Depending on how long you wait between cleanings, this can affect the taste of your pizzas. To maintain the quality of your pizza stone, we recommend repeating this process every time it’s used, and when in doubt, consult the instruction manual. What you’ll need:Nylon cleaning brushDishcloths Silicone pan scraperBaking sodaDrying rack Instructions: Before cleaning the pizza stone, wait two to three hours for it to cool down.Do an initial scrub with a nylon brush to remove food particles. Remove any cheese or cooked-on residue with the silicone scraper. Wipe away any remaining residue with a damp microfiber cloth. Air-dry the pizza stone on a drying rack and wipe off any remaining crumbs. How to remove stains from a pizza stone While you’ll never be able to completely remove all the stains your pizza stone accumulates with regular use, it’s still important to keep it as clean as possible. The best approach? Baking soda, which will quickly become your new best friend. When you combine water and baking soda into a paste, it can help remove those dreaded tomato stains. And no matter how stubborn the stain, always hand-wash your pizza stone and allow it to cool before applying the paste. Instructions: Mix baking soda and water in a separate bowl until it turns into a paste.Put the paste onto the stone and let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Related Stories Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Much like a swimming pool, a jetted tub needs extra care to keep it running properly. Regular use can result in a build-up of hair, dirt, shampoo and much more. Curious about how to clean a jetted tub quickly and efficiently? We checked in with Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, for her top tips.Before you get started, it’s important to check all the cleaning labels to make sure the products are safe to use on your tub. How often you clean your tub is also key. It’s best to clear any debris first. If your tub is used frequently, step up your cleaning schedule. To keep the pump running smoothly, many manufacturers suggest avoiding oil-based bath soaps or additives such as bubble baths, because the whirlpool action will intensify the foaming properties of these products, and the residue could stick to the plumbing. Instead, use a small amount of low-foaming bath salts. To clean the tub’s surface, you can opt for any non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to ensure you don’t scratch it. While we’d recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your tub (especially the jets), this at-home hack will work in a pinch:What you’ll needStep-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning a Jetted Tub: Remove bath residue once a month by filling the bath with hot water and ¼ cup powdered dishwasher detergent. Run the water jets for 10-15 minutes and then drain the bath and refill with cold water. Run the water jets for another 10-15 minutes and drain again. If you have hard water, you can add vinegar to the water and repeat the process. Just be sure to never mix it with bleach or other household cleaners.OppdowngalonHow to remove stains from a jetted tub Jetted tubs can easily be stained from soap scum, bath oils, bubble bath and even rusty plumbing. To get stubborn stains out, mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Once you’ve let the paste sit, simply wipe away the stains with a microfiber cloth. Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

No matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom or have a demanding nine-to-five, chances are coffee is part of your morning routine. Thankfully, Nespresso is here to save the day with its simple coffee pod system that eliminates the hassle of grinding beans. That’s why it’s important to learn how to clean and descale your Nespresso machine to keep your coffee tasting fresh. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, your single-serve coffee maker can grow mold and bacteria. It might even stop working completely. To keep your machine running smoothly, we recommend cleaning and descaling your Nespresso regularly. Follow this step-by-step guide, including tips from Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.How to clean a Nespresso machine Cleaning (versus descaling) the machine is relatively simple, but knowing how often to clean it is also key. We recommend keeping the outside of the machine, pod chamber and drip tray clean by wiping or washing it regularly. The water reservoir should be washed with soap and water once a month and the drip tray should be washed once a week. You can even wipe down the Nespresso machine daily to keep it squeaky clean. Just take care not to leave soap behind, as it will make your coffee taste less than desirable. What you’ll need: Dish soap A container for catching waterA dishcloth How to descale a Nespresso machine To properly descale your Nespresso machine, it’s essential to purchase the descaling solution directly from the company. Keep in mind that it notes home remedies like vinegar or store-bought solutions might damage your machine. Nespresso also recommends descaling your coffee maker every three months (or 300 capsules). Jose A. Bernat BaceteInstructions: Plug the machine in, then empty the capsule container and drip tray before placing them back into the machine. Pour in some water and mix with 17 ounces of the descaling solution. With the head closed, unlock the lever and press and hold the button until the light turns off. After seven seconds, the light will start blinking orange. Once the light begins blinking, unlock and lock the lever. Press and hold the button again until the light turns off. When the light starts blinking again, the descaling of your machine has started. Use a large container underneath the spout, then press and rerelease the button as the light continues blinking. The machine will be silent once it’s finished descaling. After emptying the capsule and drip tray, rinse the water tank and refill with water. Then press and rerelease the button to rinse the machine, removing the water from the container. Once it’s finished rinsing, refill the water tank again and insert it into the machine. Clean the machine with a damp cloth and let it stand for 10 minutes.Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Expert consulted:Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Japandi style encompasses the beauty and minimalistic nature of Scandinavian and Japanese design styles. Its known features center around nature, functionality, minimalism and neutral color palettes. Over 150 years old, this design and lifestyle is widely celebrated internationally for emphasizing easy, breezy comfort.With strong historical roots, Japandi style’s global attraction begins to trend as minimal decor and homes filled with natural elements grow popular. Jennifer Verruto, Founder & CEO, Blythe Interiors, says, “We are seeing more and more people gravitate towards the elegant simplicity and calming atmosphere of Japandi.” Timeless and simplistic, Japandi style sets the pace of your living space. Earthy and organic, craftmanship in your decor can shine through due to the pared-back ethos of not overcrowding your space with objects or tons of color. Ahead, learn why interior designers will continue to sing their praises of the over a century-old style.What Is Japandi Style?Japandi style harmoniously blends the most distinct and favored features in Japanese and Scandinavian cultures. Peak Petersen, senior interior designer at Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, says, “The focus of these combined aesthetics is tranquility and functionality and is often defined by natural materiality, a neutral palette with dark, earthy tones, uncluttered space that is not overly minimal, natural light and greenery, bringing nature into the home.”Marisa VitaleMarisa VitaleBut the re-emerging interest around Japandi goes beyond the surface. Carrying the spirit of feng shui and Scandinavian hygge principles, the design sets the environment and mood in your home. The crisp but laid-back look lends a relaxing and warm feel to your space. Unwinding will look better and not cluttered!Peter Spalding co-founder and CCO, Daniel House Club says, “Both cultures have a less-is-more mentality and both continue to foreground handmade objects. More than their aesthetics, it is their ethos that unites them.” Why Japandi Design Is EffectiveChristopher StarkDesigned by Noz Design.Petersen loves how Japandi style adds depth to the bright, clean Scandinavian “hygge”-influenced canvas (next-level coziness that causes you to feel contentment). You can enjoy the warmth without feeling closed in, thanks to the freeing nature of Japanese aesthetics it’s all about balance! “The inclusion of darker tones, meaningful artwork and found pieces create a lifetime ethos that will continue to be interesting,” Petersen explains.The overall soothing ambiance it provides is welcoming and can create a sense of calm even after a hectic day. Inviting guests over in a tranquil setting that promotes their well-being can also make entertaining feel zen. Simply, pop the open the dishwasher and enjoy an evening of relaxation when the party is over. Finally, you can indulge in your favorites without settling or feeling overwhelmed. “Japandi fuses the comfy rusticity of Scandinavian design with the Japanese celebration of imperfection as beauty,” says Spalding. “It is crisp and clean, but not sterile. Its palette is subtle, but never cold. It celebrates the handmade over the mass-produced.” How to Use Japandi Style in Your HomeJapandi style can fit in just about anywhere in your home from the bathroom (your spa days have never looked so good) to the kitchen, but it’s done best in places enjoyed by friends and family.Natalia RobertDesigned by Blythe Interiors.In the primary bathroom (pictured above), Verruto carefully blended warm and cool tones to create an environment of balance and serenity. “The design team revitalized the existing archway through thoughtful finishes, incorporating porcelain tile that mimics the look of thin wood slats—embodying the minimal, natural aesthetic of the style,” she explains. If you’re hoping to achieve this aesthetic, begin to draw back the curtain and let the light in. Paint with limewash for an organic, textured feel. Shop for high-quality vintage furniture made of wood or clay for a stylish moment that won’t get lost in a crowd of accessories.This trend allows you to start afresh in your home, boosting your sense of peace no matter the season. Spalding says, “I like that Japandi style presents its origins so completely. It gives us the opportunity to delve deep and explore work we are not that familiar with and make it our own.” Cheers to the start of something new that feels right at home!Medgina Saint-Elien is a lifestyle and design editor, whose journey has been marked by her interest in popular culture and technology. Saint-Elien uses her editorial eye to find the “on the pulse” moments in media through trend forecasting, exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and covering the “lightbulb” moments in every maker’s story. She is a creative strategist who conceptualizes digital franchises and partnerships that draw readers to take a second look. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, Snapchat, and more.  More

In the kitchen, there’s always something in need of a deep clean — think food splatters on kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances, plus the grime that builds up inside dishwashers, messy microwaves and ovens. Luckily, it’s our mission to make these dreaded tasks — like cleaning greasy and crusty oven racks — a lot easier. For expert advice on how to clean oven racks, we tapped Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, who recommends deep cleaning your oven racks three to four times a year. In the interim, make sure to wipe clean splatters, spills or spots when you notice them. It’s important to remove grease splatters and deposits that build up over time on oven racks, not only because your kitchen will look cleaner, but it can help prolong the life of your oven.Below, we’ve highlighted the best ways to quickly and effectively clean your oven racks. Plus, keep scrolling for feedback on a few methods that we don’t recommend. How to Clean Oven Racks With Dish SoapWhat You’ll NeedWash your racks in the sink with warm, soapy water. (If you require more space for scrubbing, you can also clean oven racks in the bath tub — just lay down towels first to prevent scratching). For stubborn gunk and grime, try a grease-cutting dish spray, like Dawn Powerwash. Spray dirty oven racks with a dish spray and let them sit in the sink or tub for several minutes. Scrub your racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad (depending on how dirty they are). Then, rinse racks clean and allow them to air dry on the counter or hand-dry with a dishtowel before re-inserting into the oven.powerofforever//Getty ImagesHow to Clean Oven Racks With Oven CleanerIf your racks are especially dirty (think burned food and tough grease), it might be best to try an oven cleaner. We always recommend that you first remove your oven racks. Keep in mind some oven cleaners can damage wood or stone surfaces. Cover your workstation in several layers of newspaper or clean racks someplace outside. Below are a few of our favorites and how to use them, but always follow the instructions listed on the package. Also, take a look at your appliance manufacturer’s recommendations — some may suggest only using an oven cleaner to spot clean. Expert tip: Always wear gloves during deep cleans.Easy-Off Oven Cleaner: Spray oven racks, allow to sit for 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a wet cloth. This cleaner, great for spot cleans, can be sprayed directly into the oven, as long it’s completely cool. Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner: Remove racks and lay them on a protected surface (several layers of newspaper works well). Spray foam cleaner and allow to sit for two to 10 minutes — try longer for tougher messes. Scrub racks with a scouring pad, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. RELATED: 8 Best Oven Cleaners of 2024, Tested by Cleaning ProsShould I clean my oven racks with baking soda? You can clean oven racks with baking soda, sprinkling it onto racks and scrubbing with a sponge or scouring pad, then finishing with a rinse. While this cleaning method may work for lightly soiled racks, we don’t suggest using baking soda to deep clean oven racks. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so this method could require intense scrubbing and rinsing. Should I clean my oven racks with vinegar?Some choose to create a paste by mixing vinegar with baking soda, but we don’t recommend this method. Mixing baking soda and vinegar together is only effective while the mixture is bubbling, which won’t last long.Should I clean my oven racks with dishwasher tablets or detergent?Some recommend soaking dirty oven racks in warm water mixed with dishwasher detergent, but we don’t. Not only does this method require you to soak oven racks overnight in the sink or bathtub, but it isn’t any more effective than using dish soap. Plus, your warm water won’t stay warm for long, making the detergent less effective. “Dishwashers periodically heat the water throughout the cycle,” says Forté. “You can’t do that in your sink or tub without diluting the mixture.” The Best Products for Clean Oven RacksAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

From family movie nights and entertaining friends to cuddling with pets, the couch receives a lot of daily use — which means it tends to collect crumbs, pet hair and the occasional food spill. Microfiber couches, while a durable choice for heavy-traffic homes, must be properly cleaned to ensure long-lasting quality. Keep in mind that the wrong cleaning methods can leave watermarks or damage your upholstery. Luckily, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to clean a microfiber couch by Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, that’ll quickly refresh your living room. For a deeper clean, we recommend following all of these instructions, but for lighter debris and stains, you can stick to the simpler steps, like vacuuming the upholstery or spot-treating with an upholstery cleaner. A piece of key advice from Forté: “Always start with the gentlest method first and work your way up.”What You’ll NeedStep-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Microfiber Couch:1. Determine the right cleaning method. The upholstered furniture industry uses a coding system to safely clean your couch. Check your couch’s tag or under-the-seat cushions to find its cleaning code.W means the fabric can be treated with water-based cleaners.W/S means that both water- or solvent-based cleaners are safe to use.S means the fabric cannot be treated with water and only solvent-based cleaning chemicals should be used.X means the fabric can only be vacuumed or lightly brushed.2. Steam clean the couch.Not only are handheld garment steamers gentle on microfiber, but hot steam can kill surface dust mites and lift stains from the fabric. Go over the entire couch, allowing just the steam to touch and penetrate the upholstery. (We recommend using a garment steamer to start your deep clean, but feel free to skip this step if you don’t have one).3. Vacuum the upholstery. With the upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire sofa: back, arms, skirt and cushions. Use the crevice tool to clean tricky areas — think crumbs and pet hair stuck in seams, around buttons or along the trim. If the cushions are removable, take them off and vacuum the fabric underneath, as well as both sides of each cushion. Quick cleaning tip: In between vacuums, use a lint roller to pick up stray hairs or a few crumbs. Oleg Breslavtsev//Getty Images4. Test your cleaning solution.Whether you’ve created your own cleaning solution (¼ teaspoon of mild dish soap mixed with one cup of warm water might do the trick) or you’ve bought an upholstery cleaner, it’s important to test the product on a hidden area first. Apply the cleaning solution to a small spot to be certain that it’s safe for the fabric and doesn’t cause any water spotting or color loss.RELATED: 8 Best Upholstery Cleaners, Recommended by Stain Removal Experts 5. Spot clean stains.When using any store-bought upholstery cleaner, always follow the package instructions. For water-safe fabrics, tackle stains with an enzyme-containing formula like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover. If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and place a paper towel between the fabric and filling to absorb excess moisture. Apply upholstery cleaner to a microfiber cloth and blot the stain carefully, working from the outside in. Once the stain is removed, dab the area with a damp cloth, then blot dry. For “S” fabrics, clean stains according to label directions with a solvent-based product such as ForceField Dry.skaman306//Getty Images6. Bring in a carpet or upholstery cleaner for tougher stains.For fabrics that can be treated with water, use a portable extraction cleaner, like Bissell’s Little Green Portable Cleaner, for a deeper clean. Dispense the cleaner and water mixture through the hose, agitate the fabric with the brush nozzle and vacuum up the dirt into the tank.7. Allow fabric to air dry.Let your couch completely dry, ideally overnight, before sitting or laying on the cushions. To speed up the drying process, use fans or open the windows on a warm day.8. Sanitize the couch. Once your sofa is clean and dry, kill lingering bacteria and remove smells on water-safe fabrics using a sanitizing spray, like GH Seal star Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray. Quick cleaning tip: Between deep cleans, eliminate any odors by sprinkling baking soda all over the sofa or spraying it with GH Seal Star Febreze FABRIC. The Products You Need to Clean Your Microfiber CouchAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More