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If your dog has fleas, you should clean your couch and other upholstered furniture immediately. Fleas can lay eggs on furniture, and you can help remove them by regularly and thoroughly vacuuming your couch. Steam cleaning after vacuuming is also essential because the high heat can help kill the eggs and fleas on contact.

Stay away from using window cleaners and other harsh cleaning solutions on antique wood—or any wood in your home for that matter. The pH of the cleaners can break down the finish and permanently damage and stain the wood below. Even when it comes to more durable areas, such as when cleaning your baseboards, only use cleaning solutions that are safe for porous materials. 

It might be possible to use a carpet cleaner on your couch, but it’s not recommended. Some carpet cleaners contain chemicals that are too harsh or abrasive for the soft fabric on your couch. Plus, couches have upholstery codes that dictate what you can and can’t use safely for cleaning purposes, and carpet cleaner generally isn’t included in those codes. If you do decide to use a carpet cleaner, test it on a section of fabric that isn’t visible in case you damage it.

Yes, in most cases it’s a good idea to wrap furniture in plastic to protect it from dirt, dust, and damage during storage. However, natural and porous materials such as wood or leather should have breathable fabric covers to prevent moisture damage from condensation. Either way, it’s always important to ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, especially in humid climates.