Upholstery Cleaning Service

Purpose

Define the upholstery cleaning protocol for residential furniture - sofas, chairs, ottomans, etc. High-margin add-on to carpet cleaning routes. The risk is real: wrong chemistry on the wrong fabric causes permanent damage. Right approach: identify the fabric, test, treat appropriately.

Scope

Applies to:

• Residential upholstered furniture (sofas, loveseats, chairs)
• Removable + non-removable cushions
• Standard upholstery fabrics (most cotton, polyester, blends)

Excludes silk + delicate antique upholstery (specialty work), leather (separate process), and severely-stained or biohazard furniture (specialty cleanup).

Responsibilities

• Lead cleaner runs identification + treatment
• Customer is informed of realistic expectations + any treatment risks

Procedure

1. Customer briefing. "Upholstery cleaning improves significantly. Set realistic expectations: improvement, not new-looking."
2. Identify the fabric. Check tag (typically under cushion or on bottom of piece):

• W: water-safe cleaning (most common)
• S: solvent-only (NO water - dry-clean fabric)
• WS or W/S: either water or solvent OK
• X: vacuum only; no liquid cleaning
• No tag: test inconspicuous area carefully

1. Pre-treat known stains with appropriate spot cleaner. Allow dwell time per chemistry.
2. Pre-vacuum thoroughly. Loose debris embedded in fibers becomes embedded mud when wet.
3. Test cleaning method on hidden area (under cushion, behind back panel):

• Wet small area with intended cleaner
• Blot with white towel
• Check for color transfer (instability) or fiber damage
• Wait 10 - 15 minutes; verify no shrinkage or color change

1. For "W" or "WS" fabrics - hot water extraction approach:

• Apply alkaline cleaner with pump sprayer
• Agitate gently with soft brush
• Extract with upholstery wand
• Multiple passes; clean water rinse

1. For "S" fabrics - solvent-only approach:

• Apply solvent cleaner sparingly
• Use white cloths; rotate to clean surfaces
• Don't saturate - solvent cleaning is surface only

1. Special considerations:

• Cushion covers (removable): wash per care label
• Foam cushions: minimize water; can hold moisture + cause mildew
• Wood arms / legs: protect during cleaning

1. Final inspection. Customer should see + sign off.

Acceptance Criteria

• Visible improvement
• No color change or fabric damage
• Cushions repositioned correctly
• Air movers in place for dry-down (4 - 8 hours typical)
• Customer signs the field report

References

• IICRC S300 Upholstery + Fabric Cleaning Standard
• Manufacturer fabric care guides
• Manuall internal: Standard Hot Water Extraction Service, Pet Stain & Odor Remediation