For most of us, the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outside. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental health risks.

Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health problems, including headaches, fatigue, and respiratory illnesses. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and mildew are just a few of the contaminants that can pollute your indoor air.

One way to improve your indoor air quality is to regularly clean your upholstered furniture. Upholstered furniture collects dust, dirt, and other allergens over time, which can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory problems. A professional upholstery cleaning will remove these contaminants from your furniture, leaving you with cleaner, healthier air to breathe.

Upholstery cleaning - what is it and why is it important?

Your upholstery sees a lot of use. Not only is it subject to the dirt, dust, and grime that naturally accumulate in your home, but it also deals with spills, pet hair, and other messes on a regular basis. Over time, all of this can lead to your upholstery looking dull and worn out. That's where upholstery cleaning comes in. 

Upholstery cleaning is the process of deep-cleaning your upholstered furniture to remove all the dirt, dust, grime, and other build-ups that have accumulated over time. Not only does this help restore your furniture's original appearance, but it also helps prolong its life by removing any harmful substances that could cause permanent damage. Here are just a few of the advantages of keeping your upholstery clean: 

Better Air Quality. One of the main benefits of upholstery cleaning is that it can improve the air quality in your home. All that dirt, dust, and grime that has built up in your furniture over time gets released into the air every time you sit down or move around on your furniture. This can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems.

Remove Stains. Another benefit of upholstery cleaning is that it can help remove stubborn stains that have built up over time. Even if you're careful with your furniture, accidents happen. And once a stain sets, it can be very difficult to remove without professional help. Upholstery cleaners have the tools and knowledge necessary to remove even the most stubborn stains quickly and efficiently. 

Prolong Furniture Life. Perhaps one of the most important benefits of upholstery cleaning is that it helps prolong the life of your furniture. All that dirt, dust, and grime can act like sandpaper on your fabric, leading to premature wear and tear.

How often should you have your upholstery cleaned?

Upholstery cleaning is essential for maintaining your furniture and prolonging its lifespan. But how often should you have it done? The answer depends on a few different factors.

What type of fabric is your upholstery made of? 

One of the main things you'll want to consider when deciding how often to have your upholstery cleaned is the type of fabric it's made of. Certain fabrics, like cotton and linen, can withstand more frequent cleaning without damaging the material. Other fabrics, like silk and suede, are more delicate and require special care when cleaning. As a general rule of thumb, if your upholstery is made of a delicate fabric, you should have it cleaned every six months to prevent damage. 

How many people use the furniture? 

Another thing to take into consideration is how many people use the furniture on a daily basis. If you have a large family or entertain guests often, your upholstery will require more frequent cleaning in order to stay fresh and free of dirt and stains. On the other hand, if you're the only one using the furniture or don't entertain guests often, you can probably get away with having your upholstery cleaned once a year. 

Do you have pets? 

If you have pets, they might be one of the main reasons why your upholstery needs to be cleaned more frequently. Pets can track in dirt and mud from outside, shed their fur all over your furniture, and even have accidents on your upholstery from time to time. If you have pets, we recommend having your upholstery cleaned at least twice a year (or more) to prevent pet hair and stains from building up over time. 

How does upholstery cleaning protect your furniture?

1. Remove Allergens and Bacteria

If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, it’s important to keep your upholstery as clean as possible. Over time, the fabric of your furniture can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens. These allergens can then be released into the air every time someone sits down or moves around on the furniture. Regular upholstery cleaning can remove these allergens and help create a healthier environment in your home.

2. Protect Your Investment

If you’ve invested in high-quality furniture, you want to do everything you can to protect it. Upholstery cleaning will help extend the life of your furniture by removing dirt, dust, and stains that can cause irreversible damage. In addition, some upholstery fabrics are delicate and require special care when cleaning. A professional upholstery cleaning service will have the knowledge and experience to clean your furniture without damaging it.

3. Improve Your Home’s Appearance

Dirty and stained upholstery can make your whole home look messy and unkempt. Regular upholstery cleaning will help improve the appearance of your home and make it look its best. Your guests will also appreciate sitting on clean furniture when they come over!

Different types of upholstery fabrics

When it comes to upholstered furniture, the type of fabric you choose can make a big difference in both the look and feel of your furniture. There are many different types of upholstery fabrics to choose from, and each has its own pros and cons. 

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers include materials like cotton, wool, linen, and silk. Natural fibers are typically more durable than synthetic fibers, but they can be more expensive as well. Natural fibers are also susceptible to staining and soiling, so if you have small children or pets, you may want to consider a different type of fabric.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers include materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Synthetic fibers are typically less expensive than natural fibers, but they're also not as durable. Synthetic fibers are less likely to stain or soil than natural fibers, making them a good choice for families with small children or pets. However, synthetic fibers can be more difficult to clean than natural fibers.

Leather

Leather is a popular choice for upholstery because it's both stylish and durable. Leather is also easy to clean and maintain, although it can be more expensive than other types of fabrics. Leather is a good choice for families with small children or pets because it's resistant to staining and soiling. However, leather furniture can be susceptible to scratches from pets' claws or children's toys.

Choose the right upholstery cleaner!

Take into account any special considerations, such as whether your upholstery is colorfast or if it has any delicate detailing that could be damaged by cleaning. Once you've considered all of the factors, you should have a good idea of what kind of cleaner you need and how to use it without damaging your upholstery. 

Choosing the right upholstery cleaner doesn't have to be difficult. Just consider the fabric, the level of soil, and any special considerations, and you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect cleaner for your needs.