Guide to Finding the Right Upholstery Cleaner

A couch and upholstered chair are the places people go to for rest and for fun. This means they can get stained and have to be cleaned. The right upholstery cleaner can make the difference between a nice clean couch and a different kind of stain. Narrowing down the best kind of upholstery cleaner can create many questions. Whether you are looking for a cleaner for spots or for a deep clean, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the one you need for your home.

What is in upholstery cleaners?

Upholstery cleaners and carpet cleaners are actually similar in the ingredients included, but different in the amounts. When answering if carpet cleaning chemicals are toxic, we included the ingredients in carpet cleaning and what it is for. The basics are fragrances for the smells, disinfectants to get rid of bacteria, surfaceants for loosening the dirt and debris, solvents to clean oils, pH balancers for safety, and enzymes to break down organic materials. For a more in-depth explanation, check out the article on carpet cleaning chemicals to see what each ingredient does and which ones to avoid. 

Are there specific upholstery cleaners for kids and pets?

The short answer here is yes! There are many cleaners specifically catered to pets and kids. They usually have safer ingredients or alternatives that still get stains out while keeping your family members safe. Specific chemicals like ammonia, phenol, formaldehyde, and bleach are ones you want to avoid. Natural cleaners or ones specifically kid and pet safe are the upholstery cleaners you’ll want.

Are there different cleaners for different types of upholstery?

There are four main types of cleaner: water based (W), solvent based (S), water or solvent based (WS), and dry clean only (X). Upholstered furniture will always have a tag that explains what is suitable to clean it. In our guide for spot cleaning upholstery, we go in depth about them so that you can find the right one for your couch or chair. Be sure to check your furniture for the cleaning code before a deep or spot clean. 

Is DIY upholstery cleaner better than store bought?

There are many DIY tips and tricks out there, but are they the right option for your home? Most DIY cleaners include household ingredients, like baking soda, dish soap, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol. While there has been success, it can also create a bigger mess. We’ve seen small spots turn into a large stain from the use of unsuccessful attempts at DIY cleaner on upholstery. However, there are also successes. Be sure you trust the source you use if you make your own cleaner. 

Bringing life back into your upholstery is what professional upholstery cleaning can do. Request a quote today for our services to get started.