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Yes, steam cleaning can be an effective way to clean a couch, but whether it's recommended depends on the upholstery material. It is possible to steam clean some couches, particularly those made of durable fabrics like cotton or polyester. However, not all materials handle heat and moisture well; delicate fabrics such as silk and rayon should only be dry-cleaned to avoid damage.

Before you begin, always double-check your couch manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. If steam cleaning is appropriate for your couch, opt for a gentle steam cleaner designed for fabric rather than a bulky carpet cleaner, and use the gentlest setting to prevent damage to the fabric and foam padding. Like with carpets, you may need to pretreat and spot-clean tougher stains.

While effective, steam cleaners can be expensive to buy or rent. If you are unsure about the material or the process, it's best to call a professional upholstery cleaning service to avoid causing damage.

It’s best to avoid using furniture polish, any oil-based cleaners, varnish, ammonia, and cleaning solvents. Other harmful materials include chemicals like acetone or alcohol, which can cause severe damage to your couch.

If the chemical compounds that make up pet pee haven’t been properly neutralized, the smell of urine can be reactivated with water and linger even after cleaning. You may also notice a remaining pee smell in carpets if the urine has soaked down to the carpet padding, which is more difficult to access and clean than the carpet itself.

The time it takes for a professional to clean upholstery varies. For a single piece of furniture, you can generally expect the process to take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the duration depends on the item's condition and material. Cleaning small, isolated stains may be quicker, while heavily soiled or delicate antique furniture could take up to three hours. For a room full of furniture, the process might take a couple of hours. Your cleaning expert should be able to provide a more accurate time estimate before they begin.