Maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your furniture is crucial, and professional upholstery cleaning is an essential part of this process. The cost of upholstery cleaning can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of furniture, its size, the material used, and the cleaning method employed. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the costs associated with upholstery cleaning, helping homeowners make informed decisions when seeking professional cleaning services.
Factors Influencing Upholstery Cleaning Costs
- Sofas and Sectionals: These larger pieces are more expensive to clean, with costs ranging from $100 to $400 for a standard sofa and up to $600 for a large sectional leather sofa.
- Armchairs and Office Chairs: Smaller items like armchairs cost $40 to $80 to clean, and office chairs can range from $20 to $40.
- Fabric: The cost to clean fabric upholstery varies from $20 to $400 per item, depending on the size and type of fabric. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are less expensive to clean than natural fabrics like cotton and silk.
- Vinyl: Vinyl upholstery cleaning costs between $100 and $250 per item, requiring specialized cleaners to prevent damage.
- Leather: Leather is the most expensive material to clean, with costs ranging from $150 to $500 per item due to the need for special solvents and cleaning techniques.
- Steam Cleaning: This method costs $15 to $300 per item and is suitable for most fabric types.
- Chemical Cleaning: Chemical cleaning ranges from $15 to $400 per item and is often used for tougher stains and specific materials.
- Stain Removal: Stain removal services can cost between $25 and $80 per item, depending on the size and intensity of the stain.
- Companies like Stanley Steemer and Coit Cleaners offer professional cleaning services with costs ranging from $15 to $400 per item. Minimum service fees often apply, making it more cost-effective to clean multiple items at once
Are there any additional services typically included in upholstery cleaning
Additional services that are typically included in upholstery cleaning, or offered as extras, include:
Pre-treatment and Stain Removal: Pre-treatment involves applying a solution to loosen soil and prepare the fabric for deeper cleaning. Stain removal services can cost between $30 and $70 per item and are used to address specific, stubborn stains.
Fabric Protection: After cleaning, a protective layer can be applied to the fabric to prevent dirt from embedding and prolong the life of the textile. This service is often an additional cost and can range from $20 to $100.
Vacuuming and Pre-spraying: Thorough vacuuming is a standard step in the cleaning process to remove loose debris and prepare the fabric for cleaning. Pre-spraying involves using a mild soapy solution to initially wet the item and begin breaking down dirt.
Agitation/Scrubbing and Hot Water Extraction: Agitation involves using a brush to break up dirt and oil particles, followed by hot water extraction to rinse and clean the fabric. This process is part of the standard cleaning service but may require additional steps or specialized equipment for heavily soiled or delicate materials.
Inspection and Repeat Cleaning: A thorough inspection is conducted before and after cleaning to identify any remaining stains or areas that need extra attention. If necessary, the cleaning process may be repeated on specific sections to ensure a thorough clean.
Moving Furniture and Protecting Surrounding Areas: Moving furniture away from walls and protecting floors and nearby furniture from water or steam is a preparatory step that may be included in the service or charged extra.
Repair and Reupholstery: Some companies offer repair services, including spring replacement and frame refinishing, which can cost $100 to $500 for chairs and $250 to $1,000 for couches. Reupholstery services, which involve replacing the fabric entirely, can cost $200 to $1,500 for chairs and $600 to $2,000 for couches.
What are the benefits of using eco-friendly cleaning products for upholstery?
The benefits of using eco-friendly cleaning products for upholstery include:
Reduced Chemical Exposure: Eco-friendly cleaning products use natural and non-toxic ingredients, reducing exposure to harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, especially for children, pets, and those with allergies or sensitivities.
Minimized Environmental Impact: These cleaning methods use less water and energy, produce fewer harmful byproducts, and are less likely to pollute the water supply and damage ecosystems.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: The cleaning products release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier environment for families and pets.
Effective Cleaning Power: Methods, such as steam cleaning, are just as effective at removing dirt, stains, and odors as traditional cleaning products, without causing damage to the fabric.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Eco-friendly products are often more concentrated, requiring less product for the same level of cleaning effectiveness, and can help extend the lifespan of upholstery by avoiding damage from harsh chemicals.
Healthier Living Spaces: By avoiding exposure to VOCs and harmful chemicals, eco-friendly cleaning methods create a healthier indoor environment, particularly important for households with children, pets, or individuals with sensitivities.
Supporting Sustainable Practices: Choosing eco-friendly cleaning methods supports sustainable brands and contributes to reducing the environmental impact, aligning with the goal of sustainability.
Summary
The cost of upholstery cleaning ranges from $100 to $250 on average per service visit, with specific costs varying by item and material. Here are some key points to consider:
Larger pieces like sofas and sectionals cost more to clean than smaller items like armchairs and office chairs. For example, cleaning a sofa can cost between $100 and $400, while an armchair might cost $40 to $80.
The cost also depends on the material of the upholstery. Fabric upholstery cleaning costs between $20 and $400 per item, vinyl costs $100 to $250, and leather is the most expensive, ranging from $150 to $500.
Different cleaning methods have different price points. Steam cleaning costs $15 to $300 per item, chemical cleaning ranges from $15 to $400, and stain removal can cost between $25 and $80.
