How Does Steam Cleaning Upholstery Work?

Are you looking for the best way to clean upholstery? Whether it’s your everyday couch or a family heirloom, you need a cleaning option that can remove stains without damaging the fabric. Professional steam cleaning is the best option for upholstery for best results. You could use a steam cleaner and attempt to do it yourself, but there is a lot of room for error with rented or purchased steamers, especially if you don’t have experience using them. Don’t risk damaging your valuable furniture pieces; hire a professional to steam clean 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. The steamer applies just enough moisture to loosen dirt and stains from the fabric without soaking the padding underneath. Too much moisture can cause damage to the material and padding and cause mold or mildew growth inside. It can also leave unsightly lines where the moisture pooled with dirt that was pulled from the material and concentrated into one area. Steam moisture prevents these issues from ruining your upholstery. 
• Heat. The other benefit to steam cleaning is the heat that mixes with the water to form steam. Heat helps to loosen and lift stains from fabric without causing damage to the material. It also accelerates drying time so that moisture doesn’t settle in and cause mold or mildew growth. 
• Cleaner. Steam cleaners can also use a cleaning agent or detergent to accelerate the removal of stains. Professional cleaners use a mild detergent that will not typically damage or take the color out of upholstery. It can be tested on a less noticeable part of the material just in case. Many different types of fabric are used in upholstery, and not all of them will have the same reaction to cleaners.
• Suction. Steam cleaners also use powerful suction to pull the moisture back out of the fabric and the dirt and stains with it. It is still gentle enough to prevent snagging or other damage to the material.

After you’ve had your upholstery steam cleaned and it looks fresh and new, how do you keep it that way? Your furniture needs to be able to withstand everyday life. You don’t want to have to put a plastic cover over it like your grandmother did in the 60s. 

Scotchgard can make your upholstery resistant to spills and stains. It goes on clear and dries clear, providing an invisible barrier that repels stains. But applying scotchgard should also be done by a professional to ensure it is applied properly and that there is no damage to the upholstery in the process. Scotchgard can be applied once the upholstery is dry from the steam cleaning. It can also be applied to an already clean or new couch to preserve the upholstery and keep it looking new for longer.

Do you need your upholstery cleaned on a couch, recliner, dining room chairs, or other upholstered furniture? Professional upholstery cleaning can remove years of dirt and stains from all kinds of fabrics, even fine fabrics like satin and silk. First Class Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning has the equipment and expertise necessary to safely clean your upholstered furniture. Our services also include scotchgard application. 

Call 845-224-5651 or contact us today to schedule your free estimate. We look forward to saving your upholstery with our steam cleaning services.