The first step in "de-upholstering" is to flip the couch upside-down and start taking the "dust-cloth" off. The dust cloth is the piece of fabric that covers the bottom and makes it look all neat and orderly. :) We found that the best tool for removing the staples is just a plain old flat head screwdriver. Also...we laid an old sheet in the middle of the living room to catch all the yuckies and so we wouldn't lose staples in the carpet.