Get matched with top furniture cleaning pros in Lake Camelot, IL

Similarly to cleaning a mattress, another common question is whether you can clean a couch with a carpet cleaner. Yes, you can use a carpet cleaner to clean a couch, especially if it comes with an upholstery attachment and you're using the right cleaning solution. Just like with mattresses, it’s important to avoid oversaturating the fabric and to use products that are safe for upholstery. Always check the care tag on your couch and spot-test a hidden area before deep cleaning to avoid discoloration or damage.

Cleaning a leather sofa is typically easier than cleaning fabric sofas, although they do need annual conditioning to keep them in top condition. Where you can often quickly wipe down moisture-repellent leather with a damp cloth to remove dirt and spills, you might have to scrub fabrics and use specialist cleaning products to get rid of ingrained grime or soaked-in stains.

Signs your couch needs cleaning include a buildup of crumbs or pet hair, unsightly stains, grimy discoloration, or bad odors. Your couch typically needs deep cleaning every six to 12 months, but a weekly vacuum helps keep it crud-free. Cleaning schedules vary depending on the couch fabric and color, and one that accommodates shedding pets and careless kids will need cleaning more frequently.

It’s possible to steam clean some couches, but not all materials deal well with exposure to heat and moisture. If your couch material is cotton or polyester, steam cleaning might work well. With more delicate materials and those that can retain water and attract mold, you should steer clear of steam cleaning. Some materials like silk and rayon should only be dry cleaned to avoid damage. When in doubt, we recommend calling in a professional upholstery cleaning service to clean your furniture without causing damage.