How Often Should I Clean My Couch?
A Guide to Upholstery Maintenance

From sofas to loveseats, dining chairs, and more—upholstery is an essential part of your furniture and adds aesthetic value to your home. To make sure your upholstery lasts a long time and continues looking new, regular cleaning and maintenance of your upholstery is important. If you don’t know how often it should be cleaned and how to maintain it, you may feel overwhelmed—not to worry! Our Stanley Steemer experts are here to provide recommendations for keeping your upholstery looking its best for years to come.

The frequency of upholstery cleaning depends on several factors, such as the level of usage, the type of fabric, the number of people in your household, and the presence of pets or children.

Generally, it's recommended that you have your upholstery professionally cleaned at least once every 12 to 18 months. However, if your furniture sees heavy usage, it may be necessary to clean it more frequently.

For households with pets, it's recommended to clean the upholstery every six months. Pets tend to shed a lot of hair, which can accumulate on your upholstery and cause allergies. Besides, pets may cause stains, which can be difficult to remove if left unattended for an extended period.

If you have children, you may need to clean your upholstery more frequently to remove spills, dirt, and stains caused by them. Children tend to be more active and may spend a lot of time on your furniture, which can cause the fabric to wear out quickly.

1. Vacuum Your Upholstery Regularly

Regular vacuuming of your upholstery is crucial in maintaining it. It helps to remove dirt, dust, and pet hair that can accumulate on your furniture. Use a soft-bristled vacuum cleaner to prevent damaging the fabric. Vacuum your upholstery once a week to keep it clean and free from allergens.

2. Rotate Your Cushions

Rotating your cushions regularly helps to prevent them from wearing out on one side. This helps to prolong the lifespan of your upholstery. Depending on your usage, rotate your cushions every two to three months.

3. Protect Your Upholstery from Sunlight

Sunlight can cause the fabric of your upholstery to fade or discolor. To prevent this, ensure your furniture is not placed directly under sunlight. Consider using window treatments such as blinds or curtains to protect your furniture from the sun's rays.

4. Clean Stains Immediately

Spills and stains on your upholstery should be cleaned immediately to prevent them from setting in. Use a clean cloth to blot the stain and remove as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread. Once you've removed as much of the stain as possible, use a gentle upholstery cleaner to remove any remaining residue.

5. Avoid Eating on Your Upholstery

Eating on your upholstery can cause spills and stains that are difficult to remove. If possible, avoid eating on your furniture. If you have to, use a tray to protect your furniture from spills.

That being said, there’s more to owning furniture than just keeping it clean! After all, some of our most treasured memories are made watching movies with the ones we love on our favorite couch—or staying up late in bed reading a book that’s too good to put down. Don’t sweat it, spilled drinks and snacks happen, dirt makes its way in—but we’re here to help! With regular maintenance and cleanings from professionals like Stanley Steemer, you can enjoy making memories and keep your upholstery clean at the same time!