The Most Affordable Cleaning on the Market. No Subscriptions. No Extra Fees. Just Flat pricing
In under 2 minutes

Blog

What Is Upholstery Cleaning and Why It’s Important

Get a Quote

Table of Contents

Upholstery cleaning means cleaning the fabric on furniture. It helps keep your home clean and healthy. It also makes your furniture look good and feel nice. Furniture like sofas, chairs, and ottomans collect dust and dirt. They also gather allergens over time. These can make you sick. They can also make your furniture look old and dirty. This guide will explain what upholstery cleaning is. It will tell you why it is important. It will also show how Saga Cleaners can help you take care of your furniture.

What Is Upholstery Cleaning?

Upholstery cleaning means deep-cleaning the fabric or leather on your furniture. It removes dirt, oils, stains, allergens, pet hair, and bacteria. It goes deeper than vacuuming. Special tools clean deep inside the material. Cleaners may use steam, dry foam, or hot water. The method depends on the fabric type. This process keeps your furniture fresh without damage.

What Happens During Professional Upholstery Cleaning?

Professional cleaning is detailed and gentle. It cleans deeply and protects the fabric or leather.

1. Fabric Check

The cleaner checks the furniture first. They look at the fabric type and condition. They find any stains, wear, or color issues. This helps them choose the right cleaning method.

2. Stain Pre-Treatment

Visible stains are treated first. Gentle cleaners break down tough spots like food, oil, or pet messes. This makes the deep cleaning work better.

3. Deep Cleaning

Special machines clean deep into the fabric. Hot water or low-moisture cleaning removes dust, dirt, and allergens. The right method is used for your fabric type.

4. Sanitizing and Deodorizing

After cleaning, the furniture is sanitized. This kills germs and removes allergens. A deodorizer is added to make it smell fresh. This step is great for homes with kids, pets, or allergies.

5. Fast Drying

Strong air blowers help dry the furniture fast. Most pieces dry in a few hours. This prevents mold and keeps your furniture clean longer.

Types of Upholstery and How to Clean Them

Each fabric type needs a different cleaning method. Some are sensitive to water or heat. Here are common upholstery types and how to clean them:

1. Fabric Upholstery – Common but Stains Easily

Materials: Cotton, linen, polyester, rayon, blends
Cleaning: These fabrics are soft and come in many styles. But they absorb stains easily. Steam cleaning, foam, or hot water extraction works well. Be careful with spot cleaning—some may shrink or fade.

2. Leather Upholstery – Fancy but Needs Special Care

Materials: Genuine leather, bonded leather
Cleaning: Leather is strong and beautiful, but it needs special care. Use leather-safe cleaners and conditioners. Avoid harsh chemicals or too much water. Conditioning keeps it soft and prevents cracking.

3. Microfiber – Tough and Stain-Resistant

Materials: Fine polyester fibers
Cleaning: Microfiber resists stains and is easy to clean. A light cleaner or detergent with little water is enough. Regular vacuuming keeps it looking good.

4. Velvet – Soft and Rich, But Delicate

Materials: Cotton, silk, or synthetic velvet
Cleaning: Velvet is soft and fancy, but very delicate. Too much water or pressure can ruin it. Dry or low-moisture cleaning is best. Always ask a pro to clean velvet.

5. Synthetic Upholstery – Easy to Clean

Materials: Acrylic, nylon, olefin
Cleaning: These are low-cost and durable. They resist stains and wear. But they can react badly to heat or strong chemicals. Use gentle cleaners and avoid high temperatures.

At Saga Cleaners, we treat every fabric carefully. We match the cleaning to your fabric’s needs for the best results.

Why Upholstery Cleaning Is Important

Upholstery cleaning is not just for looks. It helps keep your home healthy and your furniture lasting longer.

1. Better Air Quality

Furniture holds dust, pollen, pet hair, and more. When you sit or move, it can go back into the air. This can cause sneezing or breathing issues. Cleaning removes these and keeps air cleaner.

2. Removes Stains and Bad Smells

Life is messy. Spills, food, pets, and sweat cause stains and smells. Over time, these sink deep into the fabric. Professional cleaning removes deep stains and odors, making furniture look and smell new.

3. Makes Furniture Last Longer

Dirt acts like sandpaper. It wears down fabric and causes damage. Regular cleaning removes this dirt and protects the furniture. Your couch or chair lasts longer and looks better.

4. Reduces Allergens and Germs

Furniture can hide allergens like dust mites. These can cause allergy problems. Deep cleaning removes bacteria and allergens. This is good for families, kids, and people with allergies.

5. Makes Your Home Look Better

Furniture can hide allergens like dust mites. These can cause allergy problems. Deep cleaning removes bacteria and allergens. This is good for families, kids, and people with allergies.

6. Protects Your Investment

Furniture costs a lot of money. Sofas, chairs, and ottomans are not cheap. They are a big part of your home budget. Regular cleaning helps protect them. Clean fabric lasts longer. It stops early damage. This means you don’t need to buy new furniture too soon.

7. Helps Maintain Fabric Quality

Different fabrics need different care. Dirt and grime can break down fibers over time. Regular upholstery cleaning keeps the texture and softness of your fabric intact. It also helps keep patterns sharp and prevents fading.

8. Gets Rid of Hidden Moisture

Spills or humidity can leave moisture in the cushions. This hidden moisture can cause mold or mildew. It is not easy to see or clean by yourself. Professional cleaners use special tools. These tools remove the hidden moisture. This keeps your furniture dry, safe, and fresh.

9. Supports a Cleaner Overall Home

Dirty furniture can affect the cleanliness of your entire space. Dust and particles spread to other areas. Clean upholstery means fewer dust bunnies and less cleaning work overall. It’s a step toward a neater, healthier home.

10. Enhances Daily Comfort

You use your furniture every day. When it is clean, it feels softer. It smells nice. It is more fun to sit or lie on. Clean furniture helps you relax better. Whether you read a book or watch TV, it feels more comfortable.

Why Hire a Professional Like Saga Cleaners?

You can clean small stains at home. But only professionals can clean deep inside the fabric. Here’s why Saga Cleaners is a good choice:

1. Fabric Experts

Our trained team knows how to clean all kinds of fabric. Even delicate or old ones. We use safe methods to clean without damage.

2. Top Equipment

We use powerful machines that clean deep and fast. These remove dirt, stains, and allergens better than home tools.

3. Safe Products

We use green, non-toxic cleaners. They are safe for kids, pets, and the planet.

4. Saves Time

Cleaning furniture takes time and effort. Let us do the work while you relax.

5. Protects Your Investment

Regular cleaning keeps your furniture in great shape. You won’t need to buy new furniture as often.

How Often Should You Clean Upholstery?

How often depends on your home and lifestyle. Here are general tips:

  • Every 12–18 months for regular homes
  • Every 6–12 months if you have pets, kids, or allergies
  • Right away after spills or stains

Skipping cleaning can lead to permanent damage or smells. Regular care keeps your furniture fresh and strong.

Our Cleaning Process at Saga Cleaners

At Saga Cleaners, we use a special 5-step cleaning plan. It gives great results in the St. Louis, Missouri area.

1. Inspection

We check your furniture fabric, stains, and condition. Then we choose the safest cleaning method.

2. Pre-Cleaning

We vacuum dirt and apply stain treatments before deep cleaning.

3. Deep Clean

We use eco-friendly cleaners and modern machines to clean deeply and safely.

4. Fast Drying

We use powerful fans to dry the furniture quickly and avoid mold.

5. Final Check

We inspect the furniture to make sure it’s fully clean and you’re happy.

Why Choose Saga Cleaners?

We are more than cleaners. We care for your furniture with skill and respect.

  • Certified Technicians
  • Safe, Green Cleaning Products
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Local Business
  • Free Estimates

📞 Call us today at (206) 486-2196 to get a free quote!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you remove pet smells?

Yes. We use special deodorizers that remove odors from the inside out.

Is it safe for all furniture?

Yes, when done by professionals. We match our cleaning to your furniture’s fabric.

Can you clean leather?

Yes. We clean and condition leather to keep it soft and smooth.

How long does drying take?

Most items dry in 2–6 hours, depending on fabric and weather.

Scroll to Top