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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.

To prepare your upholstery for steam cleaning, start by vacuuming it clean. Pretreat any stains with a professional stain fighter or your own solution of dish soap and water. Pre-condition the fabric with the products of your choice, and be sure to include a shampoo if the fabric allows for shampooing. Start steam cleaning your couch or other piece of furniture with the cushions, then tackle the rest of the chair. Make sure you leave plenty of time to let it dry.

A mild skunk smell in your house can last up to three weeks, dissipating over time with proper ventilation. However, if you leave stronger smells untreated, they can last for months or years, becoming more difficult to remove the longer they sit. This is especially true of odors that have seeped into fabrics such as clothing or furniture or those in your pets’ fur.

Yes, some carpet stains can be permanent. Stains that have been sitting for a long time (weeks, months, or years) are much harder to remove because they have had time to dry and set. Other types that may be permanent include oil-based stains and dye stains. While some cleaners can help, they can also risk dyeing or permanently changing the carpet's color. If you have an old stain and are unsure of the cause, it's best to call a carpet cleaning professional. If DIY methods and professional cleaning fail, you may need to replace that section of carpet or learn to live with the stain.