A sofa is not cleaned the same way as a carpet. The fabric decides the method, the size and condition decide the price, and a quick look at the care label before you book saves surprises on the day. Here is what to check.
Start with the fabric
We clean fabric upholstery: couches and lounge suites, fabric dining and office chairs, ottomans and headboards.
Two things are outside the service:
- Leather and suede. Re-conditioning them is a specialist job. For leather we recommend a leather specialist.
- Fabrics marked dry-clean only. If that is what your label says, tell us and we will advise.
Find the care label
Most upholstered furniture has a label under a seat cushion or underneath the frame. Many furniture makers use a letter code to show which cleaning methods suit the fabric. Ashley Furniture’s published guide describes the common codes like this:
| Code | What the maker’s guide says |
|---|---|
| W | Clean with a water-based upholstery shampoo or foam; do not over-wet |
| S | Dry-cleaning solvent only; do not use water |
| WS or SW | Upholstery shampoo, mild detergent foam or a mild dry-cleaning solvent; do not saturate |
| X | No water- or solvent-based cleaners; vacuum or brush lightly only |
Codes and wording vary between makers — another furniture maker’s guide describes X as professional cleaning only — so your own label, or the instructions from the shop or maker, always come first. That second guide, from American Leather, also says to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before it is used on the visible fabric.
What the code means for your booking
Before cleaning, we check the fabric and its care code and choose the method that suits it: hot water extraction for most fabrics, and gentler treatment where the fabric needs it. If your label shows S or X, has no code at all, or you are not sure what it means, send a photo of it when you enquire so we can advise before anything is booked.
What the clean includes
- A fabric check before any cleaning starts
- Pre-treatment of marked areas
- Steam extraction of the seats, backs, arms and cushions
Marked areas are pre-treated, but not every mark will come out. Old stains, dyes and marks that have already been treated with household products may only lighten. What carpet stains professional cleaning can help with explains the factors, and most of them apply to upholstery fabric too.
How the price is worked out
Upholstery is quoted per piece once we know the size and fabric — a two-seater and a large modular corner lounge are very different jobs. As a guide, our calculator lists a sofa added to an end of lease clean at $96 plus GST, and a fabric chair at $21 plus GST. For a sofa on its own, or anything larger than a standard lounge, we confirm the price before booking.
To get an accurate price quickly, send:
- A photo of the whole piece, and close-ups of any marks you want looked at
- A photo of the care label
- The size: number of seats, and whether it is a modular, corner or chaise lounge
- Whether the cushions are loose or fixed
- What the marks are, if you know, and anything already used on them
- Anything else for the same visit, such as chairs, a mattress, rugs or carpet
You can email the photos to info@quickcleanservices.com.au with your suburb and preferred dates.
Before the visit
- Clear the sofa. Take off throws and decorative cushions, and check down the sides for coins, toys and remotes.
- Leave space around it so the seats, arms and back can be reached.
- Leave the cushion covers on. Ashley’s guide says covers should not be removed to be washed or dry-cleaned; only take them off if your own maker’s instructions say you can.
- Avoid trying strong products on marks in the days before. Some leave residue or set the stain.
- Pets and children are best kept in another room while the equipment is in use.
After the clean
Most fabrics are dry enough to use within a few hours, and good airflow speeds it up. Open windows if the weather allows, or run heating, air conditioning or a fan. Keep pets off until the fabric is dry, and put throws and cushions back once it feels dry to the touch.
Booking more than the sofa
Sofas are often booked with other items in the same visit. Mattresses, rugs and carpets can be added, so one visit covers the lot — what to expect from mattress steam cleaning explains how a mattress clean works.
See what our sofa and upholstery steam cleaning covers, then send us the photos and we will confirm the price.
Ready for a price?
See exactly what our sofa and upholstery cleaning includes, or go straight to the next step.
Or call 0466 699 276 · WhatsApp us
Sources
Rules change. Check the official source for your situation; this guide is general information, not legal advice.