What furniture can be cleaned?

Most fabric-covered furniture can be cleaned where it stands. That includes sofas, armchairs, footstools, ottomans, dining chair seats and padded headboards. Some cleaners also take on mattresses, scatter cushions and fabric office chairs. Leather is a different material with its own care needs, so list any leather pieces separately.

Why does the fabric matter so much?

Upholstery fabrics vary far more than carpets do. Cotton, linen, viscose, velvet, chenille, wool blends and synthetic weaves each react in their own way to water and cleaning products. Some natural fibres can shrink, lose colour or leave water rings if they get too wet. Many polyester and microfibre covers are more forgiving. How the piece is built matters as well, because foam, feather fillings, wooden frames and dyed piping can all be affected by moisture.

What do the letters on a care label mean?

Many sofas have a label under a seat cushion or on the base. Some use a letter code to show how the fabric may be cleaned:

W: water-based cleaning products are suitable.
S: use solvent-based products only, not water.
W/S, sometimes printed as SW: water-based or solvent-based products may be used.
X: no water or solvent; vacuum or brush only.

Not every piece carries one of these codes. A label may instead show washing symbols, the fibre content or fire safety information. Leave every permanent label in place, even the long ones, and note what yours says in your enquiry.

Can the covers go in the washing machine?

Sometimes, but take care. A removable cover is not always meant to be washed, and one that shrinks even slightly can be a struggle to fit again. Washing a single cushion cover can also leave it a different shade from the rest of the set. Check the label and the maker's instructions first, and ask the cleaner if you are unsure.

How is upholstery cleaned?

A cleaner will usually vacuum the piece thoroughly, test the fabric somewhere out of sight, pre-treat any marks and then clean with a method that suits the fabric. For water-safe fabrics, that often means a gentle hot water extraction with a small hand tool. For delicate or solvent-only fabrics, a low-moisture or solvent method may be chosen instead. It is reasonable to ask what they plan to use and whether they will test it first.

How often does furniture need cleaning?

There is no fixed rule. Arms, headrests and the fronts of seat cushions pick up body oils, hair products and hand marks first, so they usually darken before the rest of the piece. Throws and arm caps, plumping and turning cushions regularly, and vacuuming into the seams all help spread the wear. A clean is worth considering once those areas look noticeably different from the backs and sides.

How soon can I sit on it again?

That depends on the fabric, the filling, the method used and how warm and airy the room is. The cleaner can give you a view on the day. Until it is dry, keep pets off, leave cushions standing on their edges rather than pressed onto damp seats, and avoid placing newspapers or coloured items on the fabric.

What about stains and pet hair?

Mention any marks, how long they have been there and what caused them, if you know. Ink, make-up, red wine and grease each need a different treatment, and some may fade rather than vanish completely. Dog and cat hair often has to come off before cleaning can start, so say if you have pets.

Do you take enquiries from businesses?

Yes. Reception seating, meeting room chairs, care home lounges, holiday let furniture and staff rooms can all be cleaned. For a commercial job, give the number of pieces, the fabric if known, and the times when the room can be out of use.

What details should I include?

your postcode
each piece you want cleaned and how many seats it has
the fabric, and any letter code or symbols on the label
marks, smells or pet hair you would like dealt with
anyone in the household with allergies or sensitivities, so products can be discussed

What happens next?

With your agreement, your enquiry is passed to one local carpet cleaner who covers your postcode, if there is one. You then talk through the furniture, the method and the cost with them directly.

Who you will hear from

We pass your enquiry to one local carpet cleaner, if one covers your postcode. It is never sent to a list of companies. If nobody covers your postcode, we will tell you and will not pass your details on.