Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (2024)

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Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (1)By

Dacey Orr

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (2)

Dacey Orr

Dacey Orr is a writer and editor of music, lifestyle, and culture stories who's based in Charleston, South Carolina. She edits and produces content for the "Good Dogs" section of Garden & Gun. Her articles have appeared on sites such as The Spruce Pets, Byrdie, PasteMagazine.com, Stereogum, and Consequence of Sound.

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Updated on 03/04/22

Reviewed by

Katie Berry

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (3)

Reviewed byKatie Berry

Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.

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Fact checked by

Charles Heller

Fact checked byCharles Heller

Charles Heller has been a journalist for 15+ years, writing, editing, researching, and fact checking for both print and digital media, on a wide variety of subjects. His time evaluating (mostly false) medical and diet claims as as a Staff Writer at Food & Wine lead to a drive for Fact Checking more generally. He holds a BA in Written Arts from Bard College.

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Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (5)

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022

Living room furniture can be a big purchase. For the cost of a decent couch or loveseat, consumers generally expect to be able to use a piece for years—sometimes even decades. But as much as we use these comfortable sitting areas in our homes, cleaning the upholstery is often put off or forgotten—especially when it is difficult to do it yourself.

Fortunately, many carpet and upholstery cleaning companies offer couch cleaning services to remove the pet dander, dirt, and stains that can accumulate on a well-loved sofa. Here, read about the best couch cleaning services.

Best Overall: Stanley Steemer

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (6)

Why We Chose It: This trusted brand in upholstery and carpet cleaning has solutions for many different kinds of fabrics, with couch cleaning methods that dry in less than six hours.

What We Like

  • 24/7 scheduling available by phone or online

  • Longstanding and trusted brand

  • Cleans leather, polyester, linen, cotton, wool, and microfiber sofas

  • Offers upholstery protector to guard against future spills

What We Don’t Like

  • Often more expensive than competitors

With more than 70 years in the carpet and upholstery cleaning business, Stanley Steemer boasts franchises in all 50 states and a whole host of services to keep your textiles looking and feeling fresh. For furniture and upholstery cleaning, the company offers services for leather, polyester, linen, cotton, wool, and microfiber couches, with experts on call to determine the correct course of treatment for even “dry-clean only” fabrics and unusual textures.

Setting up an appointment with Stanley Steemer is easy, with around-the-clock scheduling by phone or online and more than 300 local franchises. Each cleaning appointment begins with an inspection of the couch, checking for age, color, and fabric type to ensure that the best approach is taken. Next, Stanley Steemer uses a spot-treatment for any problem areas or stains before moving on to deep cleaning. Stanley Steemer doesn’t use steam cleaning on the upholstery—the company’s method is considered “water extraction,” during which the company uses hot water and a special solution to loosen dirt, allergens, and odors from within the couch before drawing them out with the water. Once the process is finished, Stanley Steemer will again inspect the couch to confirm you’re happy with the results, and the furniture should be dry within six hours.

For more delicate fabrics, Stanley Steemer has solutions beyond water extraction, so confirm with a representative if you have worries about the compatibility of your couch with the company’s methods. To keep your couch clean long after your appointment, consider adding on some of the company’s other offerings, from the SuperShield Plus protector treatment, which guards against stains and spills, to deodorizer application, which can neutralize smells from pets, food, and more.

Best for Quick Service: Zerorez

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (8)

Why We Chose It: Zerorez’s cleaning process is safe on even the most delicate fabrics, with a 30-day “Gotta Love It Guarantee” on all services and immediate online estimates to get the job done quickly.

What We Like

  • 30-day “Gotta Love It Guarantee”

  • Emphasis on leaving no soap residue during the cleaning process

  • Instant online estimates

What We Don’t Like

  • Extra cost for pet stains

Zerorez is the brainchild of co-founders Gaylord Karren and John Hopkins, who came up with the business idea while managing thousands of rental properties in Texas. When they realized that their largest expense was carpet replacement, they wondered if the method for cleaning textiles could be improved—and so the “zr process” was born.

Zerorez abandons the soaps and detergents long favored by other cleaning companies; those materials rarely wash all the way out, and once they’re dried into a surface, dirt and residue can stick to them, making stains harder to remove. Instead, Zerorez’s “Powered Water” is safe enough to drink, so its water extraction method—which loosens dirt and grime before pulling it out along with the water—leaves nothing behind. Skeptical? If you use Zerorez and are unhappy with your service, the company will return to your home for another cleaning as a part of its 30-Day “Gotta Love It Guarantee.”

Every sofa cleaning appointment features a three-step process. First, the company pre-sprays the couch surface; many locations use a natural orange peel extract* to neutralize odors. Next, the representative will “agitate” the surface with a brush, allowing packed-in grime or particles to loosen. The final step is water extraction. In addition to the standard cleaning, Zerorez customers can opt to add a special protectant to guard against future spills. Note that there may be additional charges for pet stains or residue.

*Cat owners beware, as oranges are toxic for cats and orange-scented sprays are used as cat repellents.

Best for Allergies: Chem-Dry

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (10)

Why We Chose It: With more than 3,000 locations worldwide, Chem-Dry’s “green-certified” cleaning method claims to eliminate almost all allergens from upholstery and carpets.

What We Like

  • Removes 98 percent of allergens from upholstery

  • ”Green-certified” carbonated cleaning solution

What We Don’t Like

  • Additional cost for pet stains

Chem-Dry explains that many of the textiles and fabrics in our home act as defacto air filters, catching bacteria, grime, and allergens that might otherwise remain floating in the air. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but without cleaning your upholstery, couches can accumulate a lot of residue over time—and become less effective at helping clear the air.

Chem-Dry uses an eco-friendly carbonated cleaning solution—its own “green-certified” product, dubbed “The Natural”—to wash away buildup in your furniture without leaving behind any stickiness. And it’s effective: Independent labs deduce that the company’s process eliminates 98 percent of allergens (dust mites and pet dander, specifically) from upholstery and carpets.

Customers can opt for additional services with Chem-Dry’s Healthy Home package, which offers additional sanitizing with antibacterial disinfectant. The package also includes the application of a special protectant, which can make your couch more resistant to stains, odors, and other irritants over time. To make an appointment, enter your ZIP code to find a nearby franchise with one of its more than 3,000 locations worldwide, and book online or by phone.

Best for Leather: COIT Cleaning and Restoration

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (12)

Why We Chose It: While this cleaning and restoration company can handle just about any kind of couch, it offers special attention to leather upholstery, with pH-balanced cleaning solutions and conditioners to help extend the life of your furniture.

What We Like

  • 100 percent satisfaction guarantee

  • Certified and background-checked cleaning technicians

  • Specialty cleaning method for leather upholstery

What We Don’t Like

  • Not as widely available as many competitors

COIT Cleaning and Restoration stands out for its top-rated customer service, generous satisfaction guarantee, and a wide range of services. But what sets it apart most among its competitors is its attention to detail on leather upholstery. The San Francisco-based company, which was founded in 1950, employs certified and background-checked technicians to inspect your upholstery before deciding on a cleaning method.

COIT’s cleaning products are pH-balanced especially for use on leather, and once the solution has worked its magic and the technician has rubbed off dirt and grime, your couch will be treated with a conditioner to extend the life of the leather and keep the texture smooth over time. Leather or not, couches can also be treated with a special protectant after each cleaning, ensuring that your sofa will be more resistant to stains and buildup in the future.

If you are unsatisfied with COIT’s cleaning, contact the company immediately: Its satisfaction guarantee offers a reclean or refund for customers who don’t feel they’ve gotten their money’s worth.

Final Verdict

Most couch cleaning services are offered by carpet cleaning and upholstery restoration companies, so the top options were all businesses that handle many different types of cleaning jobs. Stanley Steemer, a trusted name in textile cleaning for more than 70 years, got top marks for its availability nationwide, its wide range of services, and its relatively quick drying time.


Zerorez, a Texas-born company that uses zero detergents, offers instant online quotes and appointments, making it a top choice for consumers who are looking to set up a cleaning appointment quickly. Chem-Dry, which uses a “green-certified” solution for all of its upholstery cleanings, removes most allergens from couches. And COIT, a San Francisco-based operation, is an especially sound choice for consumers looking to clean leather couches, with special pH-balanced cleaning materials and conditioners to keep the material looking its best long after your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions


What Is a Couch Cleaning Service?

Couch cleaning services, which are generally offered by carpet and upholstery cleaning companies, remove the dirt, odor, pet dander, and other residue that can build up in old or highly-used upholstered furniture. They employ special solutions and tools to extract any unwanted buildup from deep within the upholstered surface, leaving behind a fresh, clean, odor-free sofa—and, in many cases, apply a protectant to ensure that the couch remains stain-free for as long as possible.


Why Use a Couch Cleaning Service?

Couch cleaning services are a great addition to your regular home maintenance routine: Cleaning your couches regularly lengthens the lifespan of even delicate or easily stained materials, and can even refresh old or worn pieces. Couch cleaning services can also help eliminate allergens for those who are sensitive to pet dander or dust mites and can be a helpful one-time resource to remove pesky stains or unusual odors.


How Much Do Couch Cleaning Services Charge?

The cost to use a couch cleaning service varies depending on your location and the job; franchise locations in larger cities tend to charge more, and the price per job can grow quickly if your couch requires a lot of spot cleaning for pet stains or other similar issues. For a basic couch cleaning service, expect to pay between $120 and $220, but check with the company to confirm any extra charges you might incur for stains or problem areas.


How We Chose the Best Couch Cleaning Services

To select the best couch cleaning services, we looked for national companies with easy-to-find information about their upholstery cleaning services. While these companies focused primarily on carpet cleaning, we specifically considered what methods they use to clean upholstery, and looked at local reviews across the country to ensure that the businesses were trustworthy and consistent.

Stanley Steemer was our best overall pick for its well-roundedness, with many different offerings and the ability to clean almost any kind of couch fabric. COIT, on the other hand, stood out for the care it takes with leather upholstery.

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Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to clean my fabric sofa? ›

Vacuum your couch so you're not rubbing in dirt or debris while cleaning. In the bucket, mix about 2 cups of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Dampen a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution. Gently blot any stained areas with the cloth.

Is professional couch cleaning worth it? ›

At least once per year you should be having a professional come to do upholstery cleaning to make sure that your furniture will last as long as possible. The longer that dirt, stains and debris sits on upholstery, the worse damage it does and the more difficult it will be to clean.

How much does it cost to get couches cleaned? ›

Couch Cleaning Cost

Cleaning a standard-size upholstered sofa costs around $100 to $300, with specialty fabrics like leather and wool costing extra. Hiring a pro to steam clean a couch costs about $100 to $200, but you can buy your own machine for about $40 to $500 or rent one for around $40 to $60 per day.

How do I give feedback to a cleaner? ›

To recap, how to give your cleaner feedback:
  1. Clarify your expectations with them first.
  2. If you are still not happy, have a face-to-face chat.
  3. Clearly and calmly explain your complaint.
  4. State your expectations – what you want to see happening from now on.
  5. Invite the cleaner to respond with any feedback for you.

What do the professionals use to clean a sofa? ›

5 Professional Cleaning Methods for Your Sofa
  1. Steam heat extraction. Steam heat extraction utilizes high temperature steam heat extraction technology to remove dust and all other unhealthy particles from the surface of the sofa. ...
  2. Carbonation cleaning. ...
  3. Chemical cleaning. ...
  4. Foam cleaning. ...
  5. Dry cleaning.

Is it worth it to steam clean a couch? ›

Steam cleaning removes stubborn tough stains, dirt, grease and more while also sanitizing surfaces by removing allergens and pathogens. One of the most useful applications of steam cleaning units is to clean upholstery, fabric furniture and mattresses.

How long does it take for a couch to dry after being professionally cleaned? ›

Upholstery will take 4 - 5 hours to dry on average. Curtains, leather and mattresses can be ready for use almost immediately following the cleaning. Drying times can vary due to soling and staining levels, humidity, ventilation and temperature.

How often should a couch be deep cleaned? ›

In order to maintain a truly healthy home, your upholstery should be professionally cleaned once or twice a year. If you have pets or children, we recommend cleaning your upholstery every 3-4 months.

How often should you professionally clean your couch? ›

Regular upholstery cleaning

So, how often should you have your couch, sofas and upholstery professionally cleaned? Well re recommend that its ideal to have your couch professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months. This interval of cleaning means your couch will be fresh, clean and durable.

How do you write a good feedback for a service? ›

“Thank you so much for helping out with my customers while I've been away. It's such a good feeling to know that we can take time out when needed and the team are here to not just support our customers but support each other too. “

What are some good feedback answers? ›

Positive feedback you can give

"I'm really happy with your determination to finish this project. I know it wasn't easy, but I knew you could do it. Your helpful attitude makes it clear that you can continue to take on new challenges and grow with the company. Thank you for your extra effort."

Is professional upholstery cleaning better than doing it yourself? ›

A professional has the tools, supplies, and know-how to have your couch looking good as new. No matter the material, they understand how to lift dust, debris, stains, and more. A deep, intense clean by a professional will reap better results than a DIY job.

How can I deep clean my couch without a machine? ›

As soon as foods, drinks, and oil spills on your upholstery, get them cleaned at once using a microfiber cloth in a club soda solution. Sprinkle baking soda on the furniture and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes. That will help remove those harsh and extreme odours from your upholstery, giving it a fresh smell.

Do steam cleaners work on upholstery? ›

Steam cleaning is one of the best ways to clean upholstery because the warm moisture lifts stains without releasing too much moisture into the fabric and padding. The main elements of steam cleaning that make it so effective are: Moisture.

Is upholstery cleaning Effective? ›

Upholstery Cleaning Tested and Proven Results

We commissioned a leading independent laboratory to test the performance and healthfulness of our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) cleaning process. The lab concluded that our HCE cleaning process removes an average of 98.1% of common household allergens from upholstery*.

How long does it take to deep clean a couch? ›

Not taking enough time to clean – A couch can take a minimum of 3.5 hours to finish in making sure everything is vacuumed, cleaned and dried properly. Concentrating on the stain but not the rest – If only the spots are cleaned and the rest of the cushion is ignored, that can cause that one area to stand out.

How do you dry a couch after steam cleaning? ›

If your carpet cleaner doesn't carry fans into your house, by bringing in your fans, you can help speed your couch drying. Small box fans, oscillating fans, and ceiling fans all help bring the airflow to ahead. Further ventilation into the sofa = less drying time.

Is steam cleaning better than dry cleaning? ›

Steam Cleaning. Both systems can be effective; however, steam cleaning will have a much longer drying time and may not be as effective as dry cleaning with stain removal. Carpet Dry Cleaning uses minimal moisture, so your floors will be ready to walk on straight away and totally dry in 1 to 2 hours.

Where does the dirt go when you steam clean? ›

So, where does the dirt go when you steam clean? Actually, it doesn't go anywhere. Instead, the heat and vapour of steam cleaning ensure that all the unwanted substances or stains are fully broken down and easy to get rid of.

How do you dry a couch after cleaning it? ›

The easiest, fastest way to dry couch after cleaning is with fans and dehumidifiers. You can use both of these tools together or separately. An alternative method is using large plastic containers placed under or next to your sofas with airtight lids.

Why is my couch stiff after cleaning? ›

After cleaning microfiber, the fabric may feel stiff to the touch after it dries. But it's easy to soften it back up, and you only need a soft scrub brush to do it. Rub the fibers gently with a soft brush to fluff up the fibers of the fabric. This simple step will leave your microfiber feeling soft and plush again!

Can I use a carpet shampooer on my couch? ›

Yes, a carpet cleaner can be used to clean your couch! To use one, you first have to get the excess dirt off your couch using other methods. Couches are made of many kinds of material, so you should check the tag and spot test before cleaning. You will also need an upholstery attachment for your cleaner.

What color couch shows less dirt? ›

Browns, grays and dark colors will hide dirt and stains easily, extending your sofa's new and tidy look.

Should you vacuum your sofa? ›

No matter what your couch is made of, you should be vacuuming it regularly. (Every week or two is ideal.) Use your vacuum cleaner's crevice tool to get into tight corners, and the upholstery attachment or soft brush attachment for the couch's surfaces. Lift each cushion up to reveal the dust and crumbs underneath.

How dirty is the average couch? ›

In another recent study, Express found that the average couch contains more dust than a toilet seat. Yikes. Pretty gross to think that your favorite place to take naps and watch movies is more of a hazard than where you use the bathroom. dust and allergens thrive and spread on soft upholstery fibers.

How long should you keep your couches? ›

Sofas: Consider replacing your sofa before the seats start sagging to the point of not supporting you, the fabric has become stained and worn, and the frame is breaking down or squeaking. How long should a couch last? On average, a typical sofa lasts between 7 and 15 years.

How can I get my couch clean faster? ›

For fabric upholstery: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts.

What is the best cleaning schedule? ›

A Room (or Two) a Day: Decide how many days you'll clean. Then, assign specific areas to specific days. For example, Monday: clean the kitchen, entry, and laundry room; Tuesday: living room and dining room; Wednesday: bathrooms; and Thursday: hallway and bedrooms.

What should a 5 star review say? ›

Generic 5-star positive review response examples

Thanks for sharing your rating with us and the community.” “Many thanks for the 5-star rating. If there's anything we can do to improve our offering, please let us know!” “Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star rating – it's much appreciated!”

What are two positive feedback examples? ›

Some examples of positive feedback are contractions in child birth and the ripening of fruit; negative feedback examples include the regulation of blood glucose levels and osmoregulation.

How do I give feedback gracefully? ›

It's not enough to say there is an issue and then leave it.
...
This will also help build trust and a stronger relationship for future feedback.
  1. Be honest and sincere. We are often aware of our underperformance, so the feedback should not be a surprise. ...
  2. Be direct and clear. ...
  3. Encourage self-reflection. ...
  4. Stop and listen.
20 Oct 2020

What is excellent customer service examples? ›

12 examples of good customer service
  • Add a personal touch.
  • Be transparent and educate customers.
  • Respond quickly to all customer feedback.
  • Use creative and unexpected return policies.
  • Find a workaround when items are out of stock.
  • Build a connection with local shoppers.
  • Remember and reward repeat customers.
4 Jun 2021

What is the most powerful form of feedback? ›

Impact feedback is the most effective type of feedback to start with because it informs a person about the results of their behavior without dissecting the details, assuming motivation, or placing blame.

How do you clean a couch without damaging it? ›

You can make a mixture of white vinegar and water, equal parts to clean your couch. Avoid wetting the material when spot cleaning since excess moisture can damage the fibers. Instead, simply dampen a clean, microfiber cloth, a white cloth works best for this, with your chosen cleaner and gently rub at the stain.

How do you clean and deodorize a fabric couch? ›

To get rid of smell in couch, sprinkle baking soda generously on cushions, in crevices, and especially on areas with a stain. Give the baking soda some time to work –about an hour or so — then vacuum up the remains.

How long does it take for sofa to dry after cleaning? ›

Once you're done sofa cleaning, you will need to let it dry. There are a few factors that speed up or slow down dry time, so each case is different, but we recommend waiting 4-6 hours before sitting on your couch.

Can I steam clean my couch? ›

Steam cleaning removes stubborn tough stains, dirt, grease and more while also sanitizing surfaces by removing allergens and pathogens. One of the most useful applications of steam cleaning units is to clean upholstery, fabric furniture and mattresses.

How do I deep clean my couch that smells like dog? ›

Baking soda is an extremely effective natural odor remover, and you can use it to get lingering bad dog smell out of your sofa. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and let it sit overnight. In the morning, vacuum your couch thoroughly. The odors should be significantly lessened, if not gone completely.

How do you get smells out of couches? ›

A sprinkle of baking soda

Before you go to bed, just sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the sofa. Then, in the morning, once the powder has had time to work its magic, you simply vacuum up the residue. The baking soda will neutralise the smell, leaving your sofa fresh and odour-free.

Can I use Dawn to clean my couch? ›

Dish soap + water

If your couch has a W or W/S tag, you can simply scrub it with dish soap (we like Dawn) and water. First, conduct the quick clean. Dry brush and vacuum loose debris.

How can I clean my fabric sofa without removable covers? ›

Take a teaspoon of washing-up liquid, white vinegar, baking soda and warm water and mix together into a lather (the mixture should froth up as the baking soda and vinegar react with one another). Then, apply directly to any stains or smudges that you can spot on your fabric sofa. Leave to dry out for around 10 minutes.

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