What To Expect During a Professional Upholstery Cleaning

When you decide the time has come to refresh your furniture, knowing what to expect during a professional upholstery cleaning can make the whole process smoother and less stressful. On average, most American households spend around $2,346 on furniture every year. That makes your sofas, chairs, and other upholstered pieces substantial investments. 

Cleaning your upholstery is required to keep it looking new and extend its longevity. But why go with a professional cleaning service? Well, they have the tools, techniques, and know-how to deep clean without damaging the fabric. They inspect your furniture to choose the proper cleaning method and completely dry your pieces before letting you use them again.

Professional cleaners will handle your furniture carefully, ensuring it’s well-cleaned and preserved. This post will cover the cleaning process so you know what to expect during a professional upholstery cleaning.

Why Upholstery Needs Cleaning

When you think about what your upholstery goes through, it’s easy to see why a good cleaning is in order now and then. Over time, dust, dirt, and stains can take a toll on your furniture, making it look and feel less inviting. Dirty upholstery can also affect the air quality because of the allergens and bacteria trapped in the fabric.

And don’t forget those mysterious odors that seem to linger no matter how often you spritz them with air freshener, especially if the upholstery contains polyester. From pet dander to spilled drinks, the fabric on your furniture has a way of holding onto smells, making your living space less than fresh.

You might be tempted to tackle upholstery cleaning alone, but this is one area where professional help can make a difference. You might do more harm than good without the right equipment and expertise. Overwetting the fabric or using harsh chemicals can lead to damage or discoloration, not to mention the frustration of stains that refuse to budge.

Pre-Cleaning Preparations

The cleaning process kicks off with a few steps you need to handle before the professional carpet cleaners set foot in your home. It sounds odd, but a little prep work goes a long way in ensuring the cleaning session is effective. Let’s break down what you need to do before the pros arrive:

• Initial Inspection: Knowing the type of fabric you have and any particular stains or damaged areas can speed up the cleaning process. When the professionals arrive, point out these areas of concern. Different fabrics require different cleaning methods and solutions, and being upfront about stains can help the cleaners choose the most effective treatment. Whether it’s a wine spill on your favorite armchair or pet hair embedded in the sofa, giving the cleaners a heads-up ensures they come prepared with the right tools and solutions.
• Preparing the area: Ensure you quickly clean the area where your upholstered items are. The cleaners need enough room to work comfortably around the furniture. Move side tables, plant stands, or other decor that might be in the way. 
• Protecting the surrounding areas: Lay down old towels or sheets to cover the adjacent flooring or nearby items. That way, you can protect them from accidental splashes with the cleaning solution.

The Upholstery Cleaning Process

When you hand over your furniture to a professional for a thorough clean, you’re not just getting a quick once-over. The process addresses every nook and cranny to ensure your upholstery looks and smells refreshed. The professional cleaning process entails the following:

• Vacuuming: Unlike regular vacuums most of us have at home, professional cleaners have high-powered vacuums that can easily remove dust and dirt that would otherwise stay on the material. This step prepares the upholstery for a deeper cleaning. Skipping this could mean grinding the dirt deeper into the fabric during the subsequent stages, which is the opposite of what you want.
• Spot and stain treatment: This step removes any coffee spills or evidence of a kid’s art project gone awry. The experts don’t use average store-bought sprays but professional-grade products tailored to tackle specific stains without damaging the fabric. They remove the stain without leaving a watermark or fading the material.
• Deep cleaning: Depending on the item up for cleaning, you can go with steam or dry cleaning. Steam cleaning uses hot water and penetrates deep into the fabric to remove dirt, allergens, and bacteria. It’s thorough and effective, but it has a longer drying time. Dry cleaning methods do not use as much moisture but are great for delicate fabrics. They dry quicker but don’t give you as deep a clean.
• Optional fabric protection: After your upholstery is brought back to life, you can apply a protectant to keep it looking great for months or even years to come. This invisible barrier removes stains and spills, making future cleanups a breeze. It can help the fabric resist wear and tear, extending the life of your furniture. While optional, many find this final step a wise investment that protects their refreshed upholstery against the rigors of daily life.

Post-Cleaning Care

After your upholstery cleaning session, you must pay attention to the drying process. Thoroug drying is necessary before you can use your cleaned furniture again. The drying process can last a few hours or a full day, depending on the fabric and the humidity levels in your home. Here in Frisco, TX, the climate is somewhat humid, so your furniture might need more time to dry out.

You can speed up the drying time by increasing air circulation with fans or opening windows, but avoid direct heat sources as they can cause shrinkage or damage. You must also vacuum the furniture regularly to remove dust and prevent dirt from settling into the fibers.

Also, remember that it will typically take a year or up to 18 months before you need to schedule another cleaning, but this can vary. If you have kids or pets, or your furniture sees heavy use, scheduling cleaning sessions every six months will keep your upholstery in top-notch condition.

Benefits of Professional Upholstery Cleaning

When you opt for professional upholstery cleaning, you invest in your furniture’s longevity. Dirt, oils, and other grime that accumulate over time look bad and wear down your furniture’s fabric. A professional cleaner knows how to effectively remove these damaging substances, giving your favorite couch or chair a new lease on life.

Your home’s air quality will get a significant boost, too. All those dust particles and allergens trapped in your upholstery are gone, improving the air quality for you and your family. Plus, there’s something about the joy of seeing your furniture look as vibrant and inviting as the day you bought it. It’s like giving your home a mini-makeover without the hassle of redecorating.

Have The Freshest Upholstery in Frisco, TX

We’ve told you what to expect during a professional upholstery cleaning, covering everything from the initial inspection to the final touches. You now know how professionals ensure your furniture looks its best. That includes pre-treatment of spots, cleaning, and the drying process.

If you want your upholstery to look brand new and smell fresh, reach out to Miracle Steam in Frisco, TX. We are here to clean your furniture and carpet and remove any unpleasant odors from your home.

Call us or book an appointment today for a free estimate, and get your furniture looking so fresh and clean!