10 Best Solvent Based Upholstery Cleaner Picks for 2025

I’ve been there – that heart-stopping moment when a glass of red wine tumbles onto your favorite sofa, or your furry friend leaves an unwelcome surprise on the armchair. Finding the right solvent-based upholstery cleaner can be a real game-changer for these disasters, and honestly, a lifesaver for extending the life of your furniture. Over the years, I’ve tried countless products, searching for those that truly cut through tough grease, oil, and ingrained dirt without soaking the fabric or leaving a sticky residue. In this guide, I’ll share my top 10 picks for the best solvent based upholstery cleaner options for 2025, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them stand out for tackling those stubborn upholstery stains.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Janie Dry Stick Spot Cleaner (1.8 oz) – Instant Stain…	View on Amazon
	Mohawk Finishing Products Upholstery/Fabric Cleaner White…	View on Amazon
	Resolve 22 fl oz Liquid Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery…	View on Amazon
	Imperial Cleaner and Spot Remover, 32 floz (Pack of 4),…	View on Amazon
	P & S PROFESSIONAL DETAIL PRODUCTS Carpet Bomber –…	View on Amazon
	P & S Professional Detail Products Terminator Enzyme Spot…	View on Amazon
	3D Orange Degreaser – Citrus-Based Car Cleaner for Oil,…	View on Amazon
	Natural Riches Organic Upholstery Carpet Cleaner Shampoo…	View on Amazon
	BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery…	View on Amazon
	BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and…	View on Amazon

Janie Dry Stick Spot Cleaner (1.8 oz) – Instant Stain…

When I’m facing a fresh grease stain or an accidental food spill, especially on the go, this little dry stick is a miracle worker. It uses a waterless, all-natural formula to absorb and lift stains without needing a drop of liquid, making it perfect for those times when traditional wet cleaners just aren’t an option. Just rub, let it work its magic, and brush away the residue.
* Key features that stand out:
* Waterless Stain Removal: Perfect for quick fixes without the need for water or washing.
* All-Natural Formula: Made with natural ingredients and clays, free from harsh chemicals.
* Safe for Most Fabrics: Effectively removes oil, grease, and food stains without leaving rings.
* Convenient Powdered Stick: Portable and easy to use anywhere, anytime.
* Non-Toxic and Odorless: Safe for use around family and pets.
* Pros:
* Incredibly convenient and portable for instant stain removal.
* Waterless application prevents soaking delicate fabrics.
* Natural and non-toxic, ideal for homes with pets or children.
* Doesn’t leave rings or residue if used correctly.
* Cons:
* Not recommended for very delicate fabrics like cashmere, and might require good brushing to remove all powder.
* Best for: Quick, on-the-go spot treatments and sensitive fabrics where water is a concern.
* Expert Opinion: This unique dry stick offers a brilliant solvent-like action through absorption, effectively pulling out oil and grease without wetness. It’s a must-have for emergency stain removal, particularly on fabrics that don’t tolerate liquid well.

Mohawk Finishing Products Upholstery/Fabric Cleaner White…

Mohawk’s cleaner is a reliable workhorse for all sorts of fabric issues. I’ve used it to refresh everything from car interiors to dining chairs, and it consistently delivers. It’s a powerful spray that targets tough stains like grease, ink, and even red drinks, restoring textiles without the worry of bleach damage.
* Key features that stand out:
* Versatile Application: Suitable for carpets, furniture, and car interiors.
* Stubborn Stain Removal: Tackles grease, ink, crayon, red drinks, lipstick, and more.
* Bleach-Free Formula: Ensures fabric safety without discoloration.
* Easy to Use: Spray, let it sit, then blot with a clean towel.
* Pros:
* Very effective on a wide range of common household stains.
* Safe for various washable textiles due to its bleach-free formula.
* Simple application process for quick clean-ups.
* Cons:
* Requires pre-testing on an inconspicuous area, and needs some dwell time.
* Best for: General household upholstery cleaning and removing a variety of everyday stains.
* Expert Opinion: This cleaner provides a strong solvent-based attack on organic and synthetic stains. Its broad effectiveness makes it a great all-around choice for maintaining cleanliness across different upholstered surfaces.

Resolve 22 fl oz Liquid Multi-Fabric Cleaner and Upholstery…

Resolve has been a household name for a reason, and their multi-fabric cleaner lives up to the reputation. It’s my go-to for freshening up upholstery and tackling everyday spills. This formula is specifically designed to safely lift away dirt and odors, making it great for things like makeup, food grease, and even coffee spills.
* Key features that stand out:
* Safely Lifts Dirt & Odor: Specially formulated to clean and refresh simultaneously.
* Multi-Fabric Safe: Works well on polyester, nylon, and cotton blends.
* Targets Common Stains: Effective on makeup, food grease, coffee, and wine.
* Easy-to-Follow Directions: Straightforward application for effective results.
* Pros:
* Widely available and trusted for consistent results.
* Cleans and deodorizes, leaving upholstery fresh.
* Effective on a variety of everyday household stains.
* Safe for many common fabric types.
* Cons:
* Not suitable for delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, vinyl, or leather.
* Best for: Everyday stain removal and refreshing upholstery on common household fabrics.
* Expert Opinion: Resolve’s formula is a classic example of an effective solvent-based upholstery cleaner for home use. It’s formulated to dissolve and suspend grime, making blotting easier and preventing re-deposition.

Imperial Cleaner and Spot Remover, 32 floz (Pack of 4),…

If you need a true heavy-hitter for tough, greasy stains, Imperial Cleaner is fantastic. I’ve relied on this product for some really stubborn issues because it’s a multi-use dry cleaning solvent that goes beyond just upholstery. It excels at removing oils, grease, lipstick, and even tar from a surprising range of surfaces, including fine fabrics without fading or shrinking.
* Key features that stand out:
* Powerful Multi-Use Solution: Acts as a dry cleaning spray, spot remover, and tar remover.
* Removes Oils, Grease, Tar: Highly effective on a wide spectrum of difficult, oily stains.
* Safe on Fine Fabrics: Will not fade, shrink, or remove pleats, ideal for delicate items.
* Versatile Surface Compatibility: Cleans upholstery, clothes, wood floors, ceramic, and automotive exteriors.
* Made in the USA: Trusted brand with over 80 years of experience.
* Pros:
* Exceptional at dissolving tough, greasy, and oily stains.
* Safe for a surprising number of surfaces, including fine fabrics.
* Acts as a true dry cleaning solvent, minimizing moisture.
* Great value in a pack of four.
* Cons:
* Stronger solvent smell compared to some natural alternatives.
* Best for: Heavy-duty stain removal, oil and grease, fine fabric dry cleaning, and automotive tar.
* Expert Opinion: This product is a quintessential solvent-based upholstery cleaner, specifically designed to cut through petroleum-based stains and grime. Its “dry cleaning” nature means minimal moisture, which is crucial for sensitive fabrics.

P & S PROFESSIONAL DETAIL PRODUCTS Carpet Bomber –…

From my experience, when you need a professional-grade clean for both vehicles and home, Carpet Bomber is outstanding. It’s a high-performance carpet and upholstery cleaner with a citrus-based formula that doesn’t just lift dirt, grease, and grime, but also eliminates odors at the source. The best part? It’s highly dilutable, so you can tailor its strength to the task.
* Key features that stand out:
* Powerful Stain & Dirt Removal: Deeply penetrates to lift tough stains from fabric, vinyl, and upholstery.
* Odor-Eliminating Citrus-Based Formula: Tackles embedded dirt and grease while leaving a fresh, pleasant scent.
* Highly Dilutable for Versatile Cleaning: Use straight or dilute up to 8:1 for various cleaning tasks.
* Multi-Purpose Cleaning Solution: Effective for vehicles, home carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.
* Detailer-Trusted Formula: Part of the Renny Doyle Double Black Collection, trusted by pros.
* Pros:
* Exceptional cleaning power, even on stubborn, embedded stains.
* Citrus scent effectively neutralizes odors, not just masks them.
* Cost-effective due to its dilutable formula.
* Safe and effective for both automotive and home use.
* Cons:
* May be too powerful for extremely delicate, non-colorfast fabrics without proper dilution and testing.
* Best for: Deep cleaning and odor elimination in vehicles and homes, especially for heavy grease and grime.
* Expert Opinion: Carpet Bomber leverages citrus-based solvents (like d’Limonene) for its incredible grease-cutting ability. Its versatility and professional-grade performance make it a top choice for serious upholstery cleaning challenges.

P & S Professional Detail Products Terminator Enzyme Spot…

Dealing with protein-based stains, like pet accidents or food spills, can be tricky, but Terminator Enzyme Spot & Stain Remover is a formidable foe. I often use it as a pre-treatment to break down stubborn matter at a molecular level before extraction. It doesn’t just clean; it deodorizes, leaving a genuinely fresh scent rather than a chemical one.
* Key features that stand out:
* Powerful Stain-Fighting Formula: Targets grease, oil, dirt, and protein-based stains at the source.
* Advanced Cleaning Technology: Works at a molecular level to clean and deodorize in one application.
* Pre-Treat for Maximum Cleaning Power: Ideal for loosening tough stains before shampooing or extraction.
* Leaves a Fresh, Clean Scent: Neutralizes foul smells, replacing them with a pleasant aroma.
* Detailer-Trusted Formula: Another reliable product from the Renny Doyle Double Black Collection.
* Pros:
* Highly effective on a broad range of organic and protein-based stains.
* Enzyme action means it truly breaks down stains and odors.
* Excellent as a pre-treatment to boost overall cleaning results.
* Leaves a pleasant, fresh scent.
* Cons:
* Primarily a pre-treatment, so sometimes a follow-up cleaning step is beneficial.
* Best for: Pet stains, food spills, and pre-treating deeply embedded organic and protein-based stains.
* Expert Opinion: While primarily enzyme-based, Terminator’s ability to chemically break down complex stains is a form of solvent action. It’s crucial for tackling bio-based messes where traditional chemical solvents might struggle to completely eradicate the source of odor.

3D Orange Degreaser – Citrus-Based Car Cleaner for Oil,…

For the grittiest, greasiest jobs, 3D Orange Degreaser is my go-to. It’s packed with d’Limonene terpenes, a powerful natural solvent that just melts away oil, grime, and sticky residue. I love that it’s multi-surface safe, so I can use it on everything from engine bays to car upholstery without worrying about damage or leaving a nasty film.
* Key features that stand out:
* Powerful Citrus Cleaning Formula: Cuts through grease, grime, and oil buildup with d’Limonene.
* Multi-Surface Safe Performance: Use on vinyl, plastic, cloth, carpet, metal, leather, and more.
* No Film, No Residue, No Stains: Rinses clean, leaving surfaces spotless.
* Body Shop Safe & Non-Corrosive: Delivers heavy-duty power without the risk of damage.
* Made in the USA by Car Care Pros: Developed with over 25 years of R&D.
* Pros:
* Exceptional degreasing and cleaning power for heavy grime.
* Safe for a vast array of materials, including delicate upholstery components.
* Leaves no sticky residue or film, ensuring a clean finish.
* Pleasant citrus scent.
* Cons:
* Its degreasing strength might be overkill for very light, non-oily stains.
* Best for: Heavy grease, oil, and grime removal on automotive interiors, as well as tough household degreasing tasks.
* Expert Opinion: This is a pure example of a highly effective natural solvent-based cleaner. The d’Limonene acts as a formidable solvent, dissolving hydrocarbon-based stains and leaving surfaces impeccably clean without harsh chemical fumes.

Natural Riches Organic Upholstery Carpet Cleaner Shampoo…

If you’re leaning towards a more natural approach, Natural Riches offers an impressive organic cleaner. Its Five Guards essential oil blend (cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, rosemary) not only smells amazing but also tackles pet accidents and wine spills effectively. I appreciate that it’s ultra-concentrated and can even be used with carpet cleaning machines.
* Key features that stand out:
* Five Guards Stain and Odor Remover: Safely works on pet accidents, wine spills, and various organic matter.
* Easy Cleanup: Makes removing drool, pee, and poo fast and easy.
* Incredible Value & Versatility: Works on rugs, hardwood, furniture, leather, car upholstery, and more.
* Machine Compatible: Can be used with any carpet cleaning machines.
* French Thieves Tale Based Essential Oil Blend: Provides a natural, clean scent and defense.
* Pros:
* Organic and natural formula, safe for family and pets.
* Effective on a wide range of organic stains and odors.
* Pleasant, natural essential oil scent.
* Can be used for spot cleaning or with a machine for deeper cleans.
* Cons:
* Might require more effort on extremely stubborn synthetic stains compared to harsher chemical solvents.
* Best for: Pet owners, those seeking natural/organic cleaning solutions, and general cleaning of organic stains.
* Expert Opinion: While “organic,” the essential oils within this cleaner possess natural solvent properties that break down and lift organic matter and odors. It’s an excellent choice for a gentle yet effective solvent based upholstery cleaner option for environmentally conscious users.

BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery…

This little machine is a must-have for anyone with pets or frequent spills. The BISSELL Little Green Mini isn’t just a cleaner; it’s a portable deep-cleaning system that sprays, scrubs, and suctions away embedded dirt and allergens. It’s incredibly handy for upholstery, car interiors, and even pet beds, making thorough cleaning much easier than just a spray bottle. The included formula works wonders on tough stains.
* Key features that stand out:
* Portable Deep Cleaning: Sprays, scrubs, and suctions to remove embedded dirt and stains.
* Removes Allergens: Tackles dander, dust, and pollen allergens.
* Versatile Cleaning: Cleans upholstery, car interiors, pet beds, and more.
* Includes Tools & Formula: Comes with a 4” Tough Stain Tool and Little Green Formula.
* Easy Storage: Compact design fits in small spaces.
* Pros:
* Provides a much deeper clean than manual spot treatments.
* Excellent for removing embedded dirt, pet stains, and allergens.
* Convenient and easy to set up and use.
* Compact size makes it highly portable.
* Cons:
* It’s a machine, so it requires maintenance and purchasing refill formulas.
* Best for: Pet owners, allergy sufferers, and anyone needing a portable solution for deep cleaning upholstery and carpets.
* Expert Opinion: While the Little Green is a machine, its effectiveness relies heavily on the solvent-based cleaning formula it uses. The combination of the specialized solution, scrubbing action, and powerful suction ensures that stains are not just dissolved but also extracted completely.

BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and…

If you love the idea of the Little Green but need a bit more capacity and power, the Multi-Purpose version is a fantastic upgrade. It boasts powerful suction and a larger 48 oz tank, meaning you can clean more without constant refills. Paired with the Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness, it’s brilliant for not just removing tough pet spots but also eliminating odors from your upholstery and car interiors.
* Key features that stand out:
* Powerful Suction: Effectively removes tough pet spots and stains.
* Portable & Versatile Design: Easily cleans multiple surfaces throughout the home and vehicle.
* Large Tank Capacity: 48 oz tank allows for longer cleaning sessions between refills.
* Removes Stains & Odors: Uses Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness for deep cleaning and deodorizing.
* Pros:
* Superior suction power for lifting deep-set stains.
* Larger tank reduces interruptions for refills.
* Febreze formula provides excellent odor elimination.
* Highly effective for frequent pet messes and larger cleaning areas.
* Cons:
* It’s a larger machine, so it takes up more storage space than the mini version.
* Best for: Homes with multiple pets, larger upholstered furniture, or those who need extended cleaning time and powerful odor removal.
* Expert Opinion: This larger BISSELL unit amplifies the benefits of using a solvent-based cleaning solution with mechanical action. The increased tank size and suction power ensure the solvent can penetrate, break down, and be thoroughly extracted, leading to superior and longer-lasting clean results.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When navigating the world of upholstery cleaners, you’ll find different strengths. For quick, on-the-go fixes and water-sensitive fabrics, the Janie Dry Stick is uniquely effective with its dry, absorptive power. If you’re tackling heavy-duty grease, oil, or tar, then Imperial Cleaner and the 3D Orange Degreaser (with its d’Limonene solvent) are absolute champions, offering professional-grade dissolving action.

For general household stains and refreshing, Mohawk and Resolve are reliable choices, providing broad spectrum cleaning without being overly aggressive. Pet owners or those dealing with stubborn organic stains and odors will find the enzyme-based P&S Terminator to be an invaluable pre-treatment, while Natural Riches offers a great organic alternative with powerful essential oil solvents.

Finally, for deep cleaning and extraction, especially for embedded dirt and allergens, the BISSELL Little Green machines (both Mini and Multi-Purpose) stand out. They utilize powerful solvent-based cleaning formulas combined with mechanical scrubbing and suction, offering a comprehensive clean that spray-and-blot methods can’t match. Choose the Mini for portability and smaller jobs, or the Multi-Purpose for larger tasks and maximum tank capacity.

Final Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Upholstery Ally

Choosing the best solvent based upholstery cleaner truly depends on your specific needs and the nature of the stains you’re up against.

If you’re looking for an emergency kit essential for quick, dry spot removal, the Janie Dry Stick is unparalleled. It’s a unique take on solvent action.

For the toughest, greasiest automotive or industrial grime, Imperial Cleaner and 3D Orange Degreaser are the undisputed heavyweights, leveraging potent solvent properties for deep cleaning.

For everyday spills and general fabric refreshment on common household materials, Mohawk and Resolve are consistently reliable and user-friendly.

When pet accidents and organic odors are a frequent concern, P&S Terminator (as a pre-treatment) and Natural Riches (for a gentle, organic clean) will be your best friends, breaking down messes at a molecular level.

But for those who need a truly deep clean and professional-level extraction for embedded dirt, allergens, and persistent pet messes, investing in a BISSELL Little Green machine (either the Mini or the larger Multi-Purpose model) is the ultimate solution. These machines combine the power of their specialized solvent-based formulas with mechanical action for a transformative clean.

Ultimately, arming yourself with one or two of these top-tier solvent based upholstery cleaner options will ensure your furniture stays looking fresh and clean, no matter what life throws at it.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. What exactly is a solvent-based upholstery cleaner?
A solvent-based upholstery cleaner typically uses chemical compounds (solvents) other than water to dissolve and lift stains. These solvents can range from petroleum-based distillates to natural citrus extracts (like d’Limonene) or even enzyme blends. The key benefit is their ability to break down oils, grease, and other non-water-soluble stains more effectively, often with less moisture, reducing drying time and preventing water rings.

2. Are solvent-based cleaners safe for all types of upholstery?
No, not all solvent-based upholstery cleaner products are safe for every fabric. Delicate materials like silk, velvet, some leathers, and certain synthetic blends can be damaged or discolored by strong solvents. Always check the fabric care tag (look for “S” for solvent-only cleaning or “WS” for water/solvent) and perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area before full application. Products like Janie Dry Stick or Imperial Cleaner specify safety on fine fabrics, but caution is always advised.

3. What kind of stains are best removed with a solvent-based upholstery cleaner?
Solvent-based upholstery cleaners excel at tackling oil-based stains, grease, tar, lipstick, ink, crayon, food stains (especially those with fats or oils), and many types of general grime that water alone can’t break down. They are also excellent for protein-based stains (like pet accidents) when combined with enzyme action.

4. How do I properly use a solvent-based upholstery cleaner to avoid damage?
First, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove loose dirt. Then, always pre-test the cleaner on a hidden spot for colorfastness and fabric compatibility. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain (or as directed by the product), let it dwell for the recommended time, and then blot gently with a clean, white cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain or damage fibers. Repeat if necessary. Ensure good ventilation, especially with stronger solvents.

5. Can I use a solvent-based cleaner in my carpet cleaning machine?
Some solvent-based upholstery cleaner formulas are designed to be used in machines, especially those that are dilutable or specifically labeled as machine-compatible, like Natural Riches Organic Upholstery Carpet Cleaner Shampoo or the formulas for BISSELL Little Green machines. However, never use a non-machine-specific solvent in a machine as it could damage the equipment, create excessive fumes, or void warranties. Always check product instructions carefully.

6. Are there any health or safety precautions I should take when using these cleaners?
Yes. Many solvent-based upholstery cleaner products can emit fumes, so ensure good ventilation in the area. Wear gloves to protect your skin, and avoid contact with eyes. Keep children and pets away from the treated area until it’s dry and ventilated. Store products securely according to manufacturer instructions. If using a highly concentrated or strong solvent, consider wearing a mask.