If you’re wondering how often you should clean your upholstery, you’re definitely not alone. Sofas, sectionals, recliners, dining chairs, these pieces get more daily use than almost anything else in your home. Between movie nights, family hangouts, pets napping, and guests stopping by, upholstery absorbs a lot more than most people realize.
And while most homeowners stay on top of floors and kitchens, they often overlook upholstery until a stain, odor, or musty smell suddenly appears. Let’s walk through how often you should clean your upholstery and how to keep it fresh all year round.
Why Regular Upholstery Cleaning Matters
Upholstery isn’t just decor, it’s where you sit, relax, entertain, nap, and live. That means it collects:
Body oils and sweat
Dust and airborne pollutants
Pet hair, dander, and accidents
Crumbs and food residue
Allergens like pollen and dust mites
Even if your sofa looks clean, there’s usually plenty happening beneath the surface. Routine cleaning keeps your furniture looking great and prevents unwanted odors or bacteria from building up.
Consistent upholstery cleaning helps:
Maintain color, texture, and softness
Prevent permanent stains
Reduce allergens and bacteria
Remove hidden odors
Extend the overall lifespan of your furniture
So, How Often Should You Clean Your Upholstery?
The answer depends on your lifestyle, fabric type, and how heavily your furniture gets used.
General Upholstery Cleaning Guidelines
Vacuum weekly
Spot clean spills immediately
Deep clean every 6 months
Schedule professional upholstery cleaning once or twice a year
Homes with pets, kids, or frequent visitors may need deeper cleaning more often, every 3 to 6 months for high-use pieces like sofas and sectionals.
How to Vacuum Your Upholstery Properly
Vacuuming is the simplest way to maintain upholstery between deep cleans. It removes loose debris and keeps allergens from building up.
Steps for effective upholstery vacuuming:
Remove cushions and vacuum underneath.
Vacuum each cushion individually, including seams and stitching.
Use the upholstery attachment for stronger suction and better reach.
Clean between cracks and crevices, these trap crumbs and oils.
Give the entire piece one final pass before putting cushions back.
If you have allergies or pets, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles.
How to Spot Clean Upholstery Quickly and Safely
Stains settle fast, especially into absorbent fabrics, so treating them immediately is key.
Always check your upholstery care label first (W, S, SW, or X). These codes tell you whether to use water-based cleaners, solvent-based products, both, or neither.
For most fabric upholstery (W or SW cleaning codes):
Mix:
1 tsp dish soap
1 tbsp white vinegar
Warm water
Lightly mist the stained area, don’t soak it.
Blot gently with a clean microfiber cloth.
Use a damp cloth to rinse.
Blot again to remove excess moisture.
Never rub, it pushes stains deeper and can spread them.
For tough stains like red wine, ink, or pet accidents, a professional stain remover or enzyme treatment may be needed.
Deep Cleaning Your Upholstery: When and How to Do It
A deep clean is essential every 6 months to get rid of embedded soil, odors, and residue that regular vacuuming can’t remove.
How to deep clean upholstery safely:
Vacuum thoroughly first.
Check if cushion covers are machine washable.
Use a gentle upholstery-safe cleaner.
If the fabric allows it, use a handheld steam cleaner or hot water extraction machine.
Avoid overwetting, upholstery absorbs more moisture than carpet.
Allow furniture to dry completely before use.
For leather upholstery:
Skip water-based cleaning entirely.
Use an approved leather cleaner, then apply conditioner to prevent cracking.
Why Professional Upholstery Cleaning Makes a Big Difference
Even if you’re diligent with vacuuming and spot cleaning, some issues require professional tools and expertise.
Professional upholstery cleaners in Los Angeles use:
Low-moisture or steam extraction machines
Enzyme treatments for pet odors
Fabric-specific cleaning agents
Tools that extract dirt from deep within cushions
They can safely treat delicate fabrics, remove long-standing odors, and refresh furniture without risking shrinkage or discoloration.
Professional cleaning is especially helpful after:
Parties or hosting guests
Pet accidents
Seasonal allergies
Illness in the household
Excessive use of a specific sofa or sectional
Extra Tips to Keep Upholstery Fresh Year-Round
Keeping your upholstery clean doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small habits make a big difference:
Use throw blankets or slipcovers for high-traffic seating
Wash removable cushion covers monthly (if fabric-safe)
Keep pets off certain furniture pieces
Avoid eating on the couch
Vacuum weekly
Let fresh air circulate to reduce odors
Use an air purifier to minimize dust and allergens
What to Avoid When Cleaning Upholstery
Even with good intentions, a few mistakes can cause long-term damage.
Avoid:
Over-wetting the fabric
Using products not designed for upholstery
Skipping vacuuming before deep cleaning
Rubbing stains aggressively
Using hot steam on fabrics not labeled safe for water
In Summary: A Clean Couch Makes a Healthier Home
So… how often should you clean your upholstery?
Weekly vacuuming + fast spot cleaning + deep cleaning every 6 months + annual professional cleaning is the ideal routine for most homes.
In busy Los Angeles households, where couches get daily use and airborne dust is common, a consistent cleaning schedule makes a major difference in air quality, comfort, and your furniture’s lifespan.
Whether you choose a DIY approach or hire a professional upholstery cleaner, taking care of your furniture consistently will keep your home smelling fresher and your upholstery looking like new. Need help getting started? Keep reading for more easy cleaning tips, or reach out to trusted local upholstery cleaning pros for expert guidance.