5 Smart Arguments for Getting an Upholstery Cleaning Pro

5 Smart Arguments for Getting an Upholstery Cleaning Pro

Under routine conditions, textile producers and furniture manufacturers suggest that upholstered furnishing should be cleaned once every 12 to 18 months. The best time to clean upholstery is before dirt becomes visible on the surface, so if your home includes pets and kids or you entertain regularly, more frequent cleanings will help prevent stains and signs of wear.

It’s time to call in a professional when routine vacuuming stops removing embedded odors, or recent spot-cleaning expeditions have left telltale rings. Still weighing the pros and cons in your mind? Five smart reasons to hire a pro:

Reason 1: Upholstery fabrics are hard to clean.

Upholstery fabric comes in a variety of natural and manmade fibers each with its own very specific cleaning needs. For example, silk is very touchy. Highly alkaline cleaning agents can damage the material, bleach can dissolve the fibers, water can cause stretching, and even low levels of salt (think perspiration) can cause discoloration and splitting.

Most (not all) upholstery fabrics conform to one of eight categories known as cleaning codes. Meeting these criteria is key because improper methods can lead to browning, stretching, shrinking, fading, bleaching, yellowing and or distortion of texture,”. Excessive wetting may damage exterior surfaces and support mold and mildew and reverse metal zippers, buttons, and studs rusting and damaging not only the metal but the surrounding fabric too. But also be careful on pieces that have a combination of materials, as fabric cleaners can also damage wood or leather.

Professionals know these issues well, and they have the experience, cleaning products, and equipment to make sure the job is done properly.

Reason No. 2: Stain removal isn’t easy.

Using an incorrect cleaning solution could allow spots and stains to settle further into the fabric, making it extremely difficult to remove or even permanent. Pro cleaners know how not to cause these problems, and may be able to remove stains that have bested your cleaning efforts.

Why Reason 3: High cost of upholstered furniture.

It’s probably because your furniture is a decently big investment, which you want to protect. A quality chair or couch can last a decade or longer. Regular cleanings are the best way to maximize this investment, by eliminating unsightly stains and multi-layered, deeply rooted dirt that can reduce the life of the upholstery leaving you with furniture that’s longer lasting and at its best.

Reason No. 4: Manufacturers recommend pro cleaning.

Most furniture warranties pit an escape clause that shields the manufacturer if upholstered furnishings are improperly cleaned. The smartest option is to have a pro detail it because a do-it-yourself upholstery cleaning can void that warranty.

Reason 5: Time is money.

Upholstery cleaning is not something that can be done quickly, and it also requires energy and effort. It can also be time-consuming and costly to acquire the right cleaning solutions and equipment especially if you have multiple upholstered pieces of furniture that require different cleaning methods due to the type of fabric present. In fact, if you value your time at all, paying for professional cleaning is often the best financial decision.