Top 5 Upholstery Cleaning Myths You Need to Stop Believing
We all love a good home remedy, don’t we? A little baking soda here, a splash of vinegar there—it seems like every cleaning issue has a DIY solution. But when it comes to upholstery cleaning, not everything you hear is true. In fact, some myths can do more harm than good!
If you want to keep your furniture looking fresh and stain-free, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Let’s debunk the top five upholstery cleaning myths that too many people still believe.
Myth #1: “Baking Soda Fixes Everything”
Baking soda is a household favorite for eliminating odors, but it’s not the miracle solution many think it is.
✅ Truth: Baking soda can help neutralize smells temporarily, but it doesn’t actually remove the source of the odor. Worse, if it’s not fully extracted from upholstery, it can build up in fabric fibers, attracting dirt over time.
✔️ What to do instead: If you’re dealing with persistent smells, a professional extraction cleaning will remove the odor-causing bacteria—not just cover them up.
Myth #2: “Vinegar and Water Is the Best Upholstery Cleaner”
Many DIY guides swear by the power of vinegar for upholstery stains, but does it really work?
✅ Truth: Vinegar is acidic, which can damage delicate upholstery fabrics like velvet or microfiber. It can also set stains permanently instead of removing them, especially on protein-based stains like urine or blood.
✔️ What to do instead: Use fabric-safe, professional-grade cleaners or enzyme-based solutions that break down stains rather than locking them in.
Myth #3: “Steam Cleaning Is Always the Best Option”
When people hear “deep cleaning,” they often think of steam. After all, heat kills bacteria—so it must be great for furniture, right?
✅ Truth: Steam cleaning can be too aggressive for many upholstery fabrics. High heat and moisture can shrink certain materials, leave water stains, and even encourage mold growth if the fabric stays damp too long.
✔️ What to do instead: Extraction cleaning is the safest and most effective method—it deep-cleans fibers without over-wetting the fabric.
Myth #4: “More Soap = Cleaner Furniture”
Some people believe that using extra detergent will help break down dirt better. The more bubbles, the better, right?
✅ Truth: Using too much soap is a big mistake. If detergent isn’t fully rinsed out, it leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt—meaning your furniture actually gets dirtier faster.
✔️ What to do instead: Professional cleaning uses low-moisture extraction techniques that thoroughly rinse out all cleaning agents, leaving your upholstery residue-free.
Myth #5: “If It Looks Clean, It Is Clean”
Just because your couch looks fine, doesn’t mean it’s actually clean.
✅ Truth: Upholstery traps dust, allergens, pet dander, and bacteria deep within the fibers. Even if there aren’t visible stains, your furniture could be full of microscopic contaminants that affect air quality and trigger allergies.
✔️ What to do instead: Regular professional deep cleaning removes hidden dirt and allergens, making your home healthier and fresher.
The Best Way to Keep Your Upholstery Clean? Professional Extraction Cleaning
Forget the myths—when it comes to keeping your furniture truly fresh and stain-free, nothing beats professional upholstery cleaning. We specialize in deep extraction cleaning, safely removing dirt, allergens, and odors without harsh chemicals.
Book your visit today and give your furniture the care it deserves!