We clean our floors, wash our sheets, and vacuum the car, but when was the last time you had your couch or armchairs professionally cleaned?
Upholstery tends to fly under the radar when it comes to household cleaning routines. It’s easy to forget that your furniture collects just as much dirt, dust, and bacteria as the carpet underfoot, sometimes more.
Whether you live in a busy Auckland household or a quieter space, professional upholstery cleaning plays a bigger role than most people realise. Let’s take a look at how often you should get it done, why it matters, and what happens if you leave it too long.
Why Upholstery Needs Regular Cleaning
Every time you sit on the couch, you’re leaving behind skin oils, sweat, dust, pet hair, and more, even if the furniture looks perfectly clean. Over time, this builds up inside the fabric and cushions, resulting in:
- Dull-looking fabric
- Musty odours
- Allergen build-up
- Bacteria or mould in humid areas
- Wear and fabric breakdown
Upholstery acts like a giant filter, trapping airborne particles — just like carpet does. But unlike carpet, it’s easy to overlook because you’re not walking on it daily.
Regular vacuuming helps with surface dust, but it doesn’t reach the deeper layers where contaminants build up. That’s where professional upholstery services come in.
How Often Should Upholstery Be Cleaned?
The general rule of thumb is every 12 to 24 months, but that can vary depending on your lifestyle, household, and the type of furniture you own.
Here’s a breakdown to help guide you:
Every 6–12 Months:
- Households with pets or young children
- People with asthma, allergies or eczema
- Upholstered furniture in high-use rooms like the lounge or family area
- Light-coloured or delicate fabrics that show dirt easily
Every 12–24 Months:
- Moderate-use furniture in low-traffic areas
- Households without pets or allergy concerns
- Well-maintained upholstery with no visible soiling
If your furniture is looking tired, smelling musty, or hasn’t been cleaned in years, it’s time, even if the calendar says otherwise.
Signs It’s Time for a Professional Clean
- The fabric looks dull, worn, or uneven in colour
- There’s a noticeable odour, especially around the headrest or armrests
- Cushions feel dusty or “flat” when compressed
- You’re sneezing more than usual while relaxing on the couch
- You’ve recently had renovations or dust-heavy work in the home
- You can see stains from food, drink, pets, or body oils
Even one of these signs is a good reason to call in the professionals — especially if the fabric hasn’t been cleaned in over a year.
Why Not Just Clean It Yourself?
DIY upholstery sprays and rented steam cleaners can help in a pinch, but they come with risks:
- Over-wetting the fabric can lead to mould or mildew
- Using the wrong cleaner can permanently stain or bleach fabric
- Leaving behind residue can attract more dirt in the long run
- Lack of drying equipment increases the risk of slow drying and musty smells
At Carpet Surgeon, our team uses controlled-moisture techniques, low-tox products, and targeted stain treatments to clean your upholstery safely and effectively, without soaking it.
How We Clean Upholstery
Every fabric is different, so we start with a close inspection. Then we tailor the cleaning method to the fabric type and condition.
Our approach typically includes:
- Pre-treatment for stains and oils
- Fibre-safe detergent application
- Gentle agitation and deep extraction
- Controlled drying to prevent shrinkage or over-saturation
For tougher jobs (like pet smells or smoke exposure), we may also recommend fabric cleaning or a follow-up sanitisation treatment to eliminate bacteria and allergens.
We also offer leather couch cleaning for clients with delicate leather lounge suites, a completely different process designed to preserve softness and prevent cracking.
What About Furniture in Commercial Spaces?
If you run a business, like a café, office, or waiting room — the furniture sees far more use than anything at home. In these settings, we recommend quarterly or six-monthly cleaning to maintain hygiene and appearance.
It’s not just about presentation, keeping soft furnishings clean can also help protect your brand and reduce wear.
Final Thoughts
Upholstery doesn’t have to look dirty to need a clean. In most cases, the grime builds up slowly, until one day you realise your once-lovely couch smells a little stale and looks a little sad.
With regular professional cleaning, your furniture stays fresh, lasts longer, and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
At Carpet Surgeon, we make it easy to look after your favourite chairs, sofas, and lounge suites. Whether it’s a once-off refresh or a regular routine, we’ll take care of your upholstery with the same attention we give to your carpets.
Book your upholstery cleaning today and breathe new life into your furniture.
