To remove stains from a white couch:
1. Clean up any spills immediately, using a dampened cloth. Blot the stain to avoid spreading it.
2. Apply a paste of baking soda and water on coffee or wine stains. Apply corn flour on grease and oil stains. Allow the cleaning agent to sit for 15 minutes, and then clean it up. Again, blot rather than wipe.
3. Vacuum the spot after removing the stain. Inspect the couch for any remaining signs of the spill. Repeat the process if necessary until the stain is removed.
4. Add 1/2 cup of powdered laundry detergent–make sure it does not contain bleach–to 1/4 cup of water, if any sign of the stain remains. Whip the mixture until it turns into a light, foamy paste.
5. Clean the remnants of the stain with the foamy paste. Apply the paste using a damp rag. Allow it to sit for one minute, and then rinse it off using another damp rag.
6. Clean the entire couch, applying and removing the paste in 2-foot sections at a time. Cleaning the entire couch with the paste prevents having one overly white patch where the stain used to be.