Upholstered furniture adds comfort and style to any home, but like any fabric, it accumulates dust, dirt, and allergens over time. Cleaning your upholstery regularly not only ensures it looks its best but also helps maintain a healthy living environment. However, determining how often to clean your upholstery can be tricky. Different factors, such as the type of fabric, usage, and the presence of pets or children, all influence the cleaning frequency. In this blog, we’ll explore how often you should clean your upholstery and provide tips on proper care to extend its lifespan.

For most upholstery, it is recommended to clean it at least once every 12 to 18 months. This routine cleaning helps prevent the build-up of dust, allergens, and oils from your skin, which can cause the fabric to look dull and feel less comfortable. Additionally, regular cleaning ensures that stains and dirt don’t become embedded in the fibers, making them harder to remove. If your furniture is lightly used and you don’t have pets, this general guideline should suffice.

If your upholstery is subjected to frequent use, such as on a sofa in a living room that sees a lot of family activity, it may require cleaning more often. High-traffic areas accumulate dirt faster, and the fabric can begin to look worn much sooner. In such cases, consider cleaning your upholstery every 6 to 12 months. Regular maintenance prevents dirt from settling deep into the fibers and helps maintain the texture and appearance of the fabric.

For households with pets or young children, upholstery may require more frequent cleaning. Pets shed hair, bring in dirt from outside, and can even have accidents on furniture. Similarly, children often spill food and drinks or track in dirt. If you have pets or children, you should clean your upholstery every 6 months or even sooner if needed. Regular vacuuming is also important to keep pet hair and dirt at bay between cleanings.

Beyond regular deep cleaning, it’s essential to clean any stains or spills as soon as they occur to prevent permanent damage. If you notice a spill, blot it gently with a clean cloth instead of scrubbing it, which could spread the stain. Depending on the fabric and the type of stain, you may need to perform spot cleaning more frequently between professional cleanings. For stubborn stains, it’s advisable to seek professional help to avoid damaging the upholstery.

In summary, the cleaning frequency for upholstery depends on how much it’s used and the conditions in your home. High-traffic areas, homes with pets, and homes with children require more frequent cleaning to maintain the upholstery's beauty and longevity. By following the proper care guidelines, you can keep your upholstery looking fresh and extend its life for years to come.

Sevenoaks Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery Cleaning has over 25 years of experience in the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry. We specialize in the thorough cleaning and maintenance of upholstered furniture, offering both routine and deep cleaning services to ensure your furniture stays looking its best. Trust us to care for your upholstery with our professional services in Sevenoaks, UK.