How Is Upholstery Cleaning Different From Carpet Cleaning?

Carpet and upholstery cleaning are two different processes that require different approaches. Both types of cleaning are vital to keeping your home or workplace free from dirt and stains. While for some people, the question is which one they should choose, there are some important differences that explain how each cleaning method works. In this post, we delve into deeper details of how upholstery cleaning differs from carpet cleaning.

What is Carpet Cleaning?

Carpet cleaning is the process of removing dirt and stains from carpets and fabric surfaces. While you can clean your own carpets, the task is usually physically demanding and can take several hours to complete. This is why hiring a carpet cleaning service is recommended.

What is Upholstery Cleaning?

Upholstery cleaning involves getting rid of dirt, stains and grime from the furniture.  Since most homeowners find cleaning upholstery daunting, hiring a professional upholstery cleaning service is recommended to make furniture look brand new again.

Upholstery Cleaning vs. Carpet Cleaning

So how exactly is upholstery cleaning different from carpet cleaning? Well, carpet cleaning involves cleaning carpets made of wool or another natural fiber, while upholstery cleaning refers to cleaning a piece of furniture’s fabric. Upholstery is primarily made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. It does not have a rug or floor covering attached like a home’s carpeting. Hot water extraction cleaning, steam cleaning, and dry foam shampooers are the main upholstery cleaning methods. On the other hand, carpets are made from natural materials such as wool or silk. The most common carpet cleaning techniques include wet-vacuuming, dry vacuuming and steam cleaning.

Key Cleaning Differences

Carpets can be cleaned without a vacuum: Carpets can be cleaned without a vacuum cleaner by using bleach. All you need is a bucket of water, some detergent, and bleach. Upholstery cannot be cleaned with a vacuum: Vacuums are ineffective for cleaning upholstery because they do not provide enough airflow to remove dirt and dust particles. The best way to clean upholstery is by using a vacuum cleaner that has a brush attachment or an upholstery attachment. Upholstery cannot be spot cleaned: Upholstery is one of the most difficult household items to clean, particularly when it has gotten dirty over time. The best way to clean upholstery is by using a professional cleaner.

Cleaning Process

The carpeting cleaning method is no different from upholstery cleaning, but there are some key differences. For instance, cleaning dirty carpets requires vacuuming to remove excess pet hair and debris before carpet shampooing begins. In contrast, upholstery cleaning requires more time than cleaning carpets, given that it focuses on removing dirt from fabric material instead of just the top layer of your floor rugs. The process is more complex. For example, sofas use a more delicate fabric than carpet, so it needs cautious treatment.

Equipment Used

Upholstered furniture requires specific cleaners and equipment for the best results compared to carpet cleaning. If not handled properly, the furniture gets exposed to dirt and grime that can cause permanent damage over time. Professional upholstery cleaning services can ensure that your furniture is clean, safe for use, and looking brand new again!

Cost

Upholstery cleaning prices vary depending on the service you’re looking for. Upholstered pieces can be cleaned as a stand-alone service or as part of your carpeting services too. Upholstery Cleaners usually offer competitive rates and excellent customer care. Because of the more thorough and careful process involved compared to carpet cleaning, the upholstery will typically attract a higher fee.

Contact Us Now!

At First Choice Janitorial, we offer competitive rates for professional upholstery cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, Rug Cleaning, and janitorial services. Our company has served the Vancouver, WA, area for over 15 years, so you can expect an experienced team of professional cleaners offering top-quality services at affordable prices for residential and commercial customers. Give us a call or visit our website for more information!

FAQ

Can I clean upholstery with a carpet cleaner?

Yes! You may use a carpet cleaner on upholstered furniture. Furniture stains resulting from pet accidents or snacks and bread crumbs can easily be removed using a carpet cleaner. However, you’ll need special upholstery attachments to get the best results.

Is upholstery cleaning worth it?

Upholstery Cleaning is worth it because upholstered pieces are susceptible to dirt and grime that can cause permanent damage over time. Upholstery cleaning services ensure that your furniture is clean, safe for use, and will look brand new again!

Is upholstery dry or wet cleaned?

Upholstery is dry cleaned first and then wet washed. Upholstery cleaning prices vary depending on the service you’re looking for. Upholstered pieces can be cleaned as a stand-alone service or as part of your carpeting services too. Remember, dry cleaning involves using a vacuum machine or hand brush to remove stains from the fabric’s surface before vacuuming again. Wet cleaning consists in washing the upholstery with water and soap in a machine specially designed for this purpose. The main advantage of wet over dry is that it removes stains better due to the higher level of agitation. If you have an allergy or asthma problem, you should go for wet as it’s less likely to trigger these conditions.