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How Much Does Upholstery Cleaning Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $120 - $231
Upholstery cleaning costs $174 on average, with homeowners paying between $75 and $350. Prices depend on furniture type, material, size, and cleaning method.
How we get this data
Photo: xartproduction / Adobe Stock
Photo: xartproduction / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Upholstery cleaning cost depends on furniture type, size, fabric material, and cleaning method used.
Professional upholstery cleaning refreshes furniture and helps extend its lifespan by removing dirt, allergens, and stains.
Regular cleaning can boost your home’s air quality and protect your investment in furniture.
Add-on services such as deodorizing or stain removal increase the total price, while costs may also be quoted per square foot or cushion.
For delicate or high-value items, hiring a qualified pro ensures safe, thorough cleaning and can help avoid accidental fabric damage.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Upholstery cleaning cost is an important consideration for homeowners wanting to refresh sofas, chairs, and other furniture. On average, upholstery cleaning costs $174, with an average range from $120 to $231 per piece. Prices may be quoted per item or per square foot, depending on the service provider. Keeping your upholstery clean not only maintains your home’s comfort and appearance but also helps protect your health.
Upholstery Cleaning Cost Factors
Understanding what influences upholstery cleaning cost helps you plan and budget more effectively. Let’s look at the main variables that impact your final price.
Type of Upholstery
The type of furniture you need cleaned has a big impact on upholstery cleaning cost. Sofas, sectionals, loveseats, armchairs, recliners, ottomans, mattresses, and dining chairs each present unique cleaning challenges. For example, a large sectional requires more time and effort than a small ottoman. Specialty pieces or those with intricate details, tufting, or attached cushions may cost more due to the extra care and labor involved.
| Furniture Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sofa | $120–$400 |
| Sectional | $200–$500 |
| Loveseat | $80–$200 |
| Armchair | $60–$120 |
| Recliner | $80–$150 |
| Dining chair | $10–$30 |
| Ottoman | $30–$65 |
| Mattress | $60–$150 |
Size
Size directly affects upholstery cleaning cost. Larger furniture takes more time and cleaning solution, so expect to pay more for sectionals, oversized sofas, or custom pieces. Pros charge $10 to $15 per linear foot or per cushion, especially for large sofas or built-in seating. Smaller items such as dining chairs or ottomans cost less due to their compact size.
| Furniture Size | Description | Average Cleaning Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Normal size for type | Standard rate per piece |
| Large/oversized | Extra-long, deep, or wide | 20%–40% higher than standard |
| Custom | Built-in or unique shape | Varies, $15–$25 per linear foot |
| Per cushion | Removable seat/back cushions | $10–$25 each |
Frequency
How often you schedule upholstery cleaning also affects cost. One-time cleanings are priced higher per visit, while regular annual, semiannual, or quarterly cleanings can qualify for discounts or package pricing. Some companies offer maintenance contracts at a lower rate per visit. Infrequent cleaning allows heavier soiling to build up, which can increase the amount of work—and the price—needed to restore your furniture.
Materials
The fabric or material of your furniture is a major cost factor. Leather, microfiber, cotton, linen, velvet, wool, synthetic blends, silk, and suede each require different cleaning methods. Delicate, specialty, or stain-prone fabrics may need extra care or specialty products, increasing the overall upholstery cleaning cost. Other materials, like silk or suede, may also carry a risk of damage if cleaned improperly.
| Material | Description | Cost per Piece |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber | Durable synthetic | $80–$150 |
| Cotton | Common, easy to clean | $70–$300 |
| Leather | Requires special products | $150–$500 |
| Linen | Prone to wrinkling | $100–$300 |
| Velvet | Delicate pile | $120–$300 |
| Wool | Natural, absorbs stains | $100–$300 |
| Silk | Delicate, specialty care | $120–$300 |
| Suede | Sensitive to water | $120–$400 |
| Other synthetics | Nylon, acrylic, etc. | $70–$150 |
Labor
Upholstery cleaning is performed by independent cleaners, national franchises, or specialty cleaning companies. Highly skilled technicians and established companies may charge more, reflecting their expertise, insurance, and reputation. Prices also vary by region and market demand.
Location
Where you live can influence upholstery cleaning costs. Urban and high-cost-of-living areas tend to have higher prices due to overhead and demand. In-home cleaning is most common, but some companies offer off-site cleaning, which may include pickup and delivery fees. If your furniture is located on upper floors or in hard-to-reach spaces, you might pay extra for access or moving.
Tipping
Tipping for upholstery cleaning is appreciated but not always expected. If you’re pleased with the service, a tip of 10% to 20% of the total bill is customary. For small jobs, rounding up or offering $10 to $20 is common. Tipping is most appropriate for exceptional service, challenging jobs, or when technicians go above and beyond.
How Often Should You Clean Upholstery?
Routine upholstery cleaning keeps your home healthier and your furniture looking its best. For most households, cleaning upholstered furniture every 12 to 24 months is recommended. Homes with children, pets, or allergy sufferers benefit from more frequent cleaning—every 6 to 12 months—to control allergens, pet hair, and stains.
Seasonal changes, such as spring cleaning or post-holiday gatherings, can prompt extra cleaning needs. If you notice dullness, stubborn stains, lingering odors, or increased allergy symptoms, it’s time to schedule a professional cleaning. Regular maintenance prevents buildup of dirt and odors, ultimately reducing long-term upholstery cleaning cost.
Cost by Cleaning Method
Different cleaning methods are suited to different fabrics, soil levels, and homeowner preferences. The right method impacts both the results and the final upholstery cleaning cost.
Steam cleaning is effective for most synthetic fabrics, while dry or solvent cleaning is best for delicate materials. Foam and shampooing methods are gentler, making them safe for certain blends or lightly soiled furniture. Always consult your cleaning pro about the safest and most effective option for your upholstery.
| Cleaning Method | Cost per Piece |
|---|---|
| Steam cleaning/hot water extraction | $100–$300 |
| Dry foam cleaning | $120–$220 |
| Encapsulation | $100–$190 |
Cost of Common Upholstery Cleaning Add-Ons
Extra services can increase your overall upholstery cleaning cost. Add-ons are optional, while others may be necessary for furniture repairs, deep-set stains, odors, or specialty needs. Discuss your needs and budget with your cleaning pro to determine which services are worthwhile for your furniture and household.
| Add-On Service | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stain removal/spot treatment | Focused cleaning for tough stains | $25–$80 |
| Odor removal/deodorizing | Neutralizes lingering smells | $15–$35 |
| Fabric protector (e.g., Scotchgard) | Helps prevent future stains | $20–$50 |
| Pet hair/allergen treatment | Specialized tools/solutions | $15–$40 |
| Sanitizing/antimicrobial | Kills germs and bacteria | $20–$50 |
| Cushions, pillows, throws | Separate cleaning | $5–$20 |
| Emergency/same-day service | Rush scheduling | $50–$100 |
| Moving/disassembling furniture | For heavy/hard-to-move items | $20–$50 |
DIY Upholstery Cleaning vs. Hiring a Pro
Some homeowners choose to clean upholstery themselves to save money. DIY upholstery cleaning cost includes equipment rental at $30 to $60 per day, cleaning solutions at $10 to $20, and protective gear like gloves or masks. While you can save, the process is time-consuming and requires careful attention to avoid damaging materials or voiding warranties. Risks of DIY include fabric shrinkage, water stains, incomplete cleaning, or accidental discoloration.
When in doubt, or for valuable furniture, it’s best to trust the job to an expert. Hiring a professional upholstery cleaner yields deeper, more reliable results, especially for delicate or expensive pieces. DIY is best for routine maintenance or spot cleaning, but pros are recommended for deep cleaning, specialty fabrics, or heavy soiling.
| Cleaning Option | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | Rental equipment plus supplies | $40–$100 per session |
| Professional | Professional service | $120–$260 per piece |
Tips to Reduce Upholstery Cleaning Cost
Use these strategies to manage your budget effectively for upholstery cleaning:
Schedule regular cleaning to avoid deep stains and higher costs.
Request quotes from multiple upholstery cleaning pros.
Bundle multiple pieces of furniture for volume discounts.
Maintain furniture with routine vacuuming and spot cleaning.
Use washable slipcovers to protect upholstery.
Address spills and stains promptly to prevent permanent damage.
Ask about off-peak or seasonal discounts.
Consider maintenance contracts for ongoing savings.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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