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Professional carpet cleaners may use steamers or a dry cleaning method for your Berber carpet. A cleaning company will use a commercial-grade steamer, which is more powerful and takes a fraction of the time to use as the steamer you may have at home. The steam draws out all the dirt and stains to help your carpet look new again.

Alternatively, the cleaners may use a dry cleaning method. This is when chemicals are applied to the carpet to help draw out the dirt and stains. Afterward, they use a high-powered vacuum to suck up all the debris.

If left untreated, the smell of pet urine may not go away on its own. This is because urine is a surfactant that can penetrate fabric and upholstery, even some porous concrete. Plus, urine attracts bacteria, which can worsen the smell. When dealing with urine on your couch, treat it immediately or pay for the cost of a house cleaner. Most pros charge between $30 and $50 per hour.

Vinegar and baking soda can be effective for removing old carpet stains, although success may depend on the type of stain. There are two common methods for this process.

One method involves combining the ingredients directly on the stain to create a chemical reaction. First, pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the stain. In a spray bottle, mix distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, then spray this solution thoroughly over the baking soda. The mixture will foam as the acidic vinegar reacts with the basic baking soda, which helps loosen and lift the stain. Let this sit for a few hours until it dries, then wipe or vacuum up the residue and blot the area with a clean, dry towel. You can repeat the process if the stain persists.

An alternative method suggests using the ingredients separately. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and letting it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Next, blot the remaining stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then blot the area dry with a clean cloth.

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.