Written by

Jennifer Carlson

November 9, 2023

Edited by

Sarah Noel

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average cost of upholstery cleaning

Professional upholstery cleaning costs $100 to $250 on average per service visit, depending on the furniture size, number of pieces, and cleaning method. Cleaning a single dining chair, office chair, or ottoman costs less than a sofa or sectional. Vinyl or leather furniture costs more to clean.

Upholstery steam cleaning

Steam cleaning furniture costs $20 to $300 per item. This method uses steam instead of chemicals to eliminate germs, grime, dust, and allergens from fabric. Then the technician uses a vacuum to remove excess moisture and contaminants.

Chemical upholstery cleaning

Chemical cleaning costs $20 to $400 per item and works well on fabrics. Chemical cleaning is more difficult and costly on older furniture. Use caution with chemical cleaning on delicate or antique furniture. Chem-dry cleaners use a special carbonated detergent to clean upholstery.

Upholstery stain cleaning

Stain cleaning costs $30 to $70 per item for extra pre-treatment work. Heavy or stubborn stains from children or pets require pre-treatment. Professionals select a specific type of stain cleaner depending on the type of stain and furniture material.

Upholstery cleaning cost by furniture

Each upholstery cleaning job begins with vacuuming to remove any dirt, hair, or debris. Then the technician uses steam, chemical cleaning, or both to clean the furniture. Large sofas and couches with more crevices take longer and cost more to clean.

Upholstery cleaning cost by material

Professional upholstery cleaning rates depend on the furniture material. Synthetic fabrics cost the least to clean, while leather is the most expensive.

Fabric upholstery cleaning

Cleaning fabric upholstery costs $20 to $400 per item, depending on the size and cleaning method. Most fabric furniture comes with a coded tag with specific directions for cleaning. If the furniture has wood detailing, the technician may use a special wood cleaner.

Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and microfiber cost less to clean. Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool cost more.

Vinyl upholstery cleaning

Vinyl upholstery cleaning costs $100 to $250 per item. Professionals need to use a specialized cleaner that’s meant for vinyl only. Never use oils to clean vinyl because they damage the material so that it becomes rough and hard.

Leather upholstery cleaning

Cleaning leather furniture costs $150 to $500 per item. Specially formulated cleaners break down dirt and stains on leather and make it look new again. These cleaners are more expensive than average and require expert techniques that increase the final cost.

Upholstery cleaning cost factors

The following factors affect the total cost:

• Company – Stanley Steemer upholstery cleaning costs $15 to $300 per item, depending on its size.

• Stain prevention – Professional stain prevention costs $20 to $100. Most companies offer an upholstery sealant after cleaning to help keep the furniture cleaner longer.

• Repair – Furniture repair costs $100 to $500 for chairs or $250 to $1,000 for couches. This service may include cleaning as well as spring replacement and frame refinishing.

• Reupholstering – Furniture reupholstery costs $200 to $1,500 on average for chairs and $600 to $2,000 for couches, depending on the size and material. If your furniture has a sturdy frame but damaged fabric, then reupholstery service is best.

• Slipcovers – Dry cleaning slipcovers costs $10 to $15 per piece on average. However, you can usually wash slipcovers in the washing machine as long as they’re not leather or silk.

• Furniture condition – Older fabrics may be too delicate for abrasive chemicals or methods. Gentler methods are more time-consuming and expensive. Deep cleaning heavy stains or strong odors also costs more.

DIY upholstery cleaning

You can clean upholstery yourself if you have the proper equipment. However, you risk damaging your furniture if you’re too rough or use the wrong cleaning products. You can remove light stains using household products like vinegar or baking soda. Renting a steam cleaner is best for heavier stains.

How to save money on upholstery cleaning

Follow these steps to save money on professional furniture cleaning:

• Choose to buy furniture made of easy-to-clean materials like cotton or polyester.

• Have multiple pieces of furniture cleaned at once to save on minimum service visit fees.

• If you spill something or stain fabric furniture, use warm water and blot the area right away. This immediate response reduces the severity of the stain and can lower the cost to remove it.

• When possible, protect your furniture with slipcovers that are cheaper to clean.

Upholstery cleaning FAQs

What is upholstery cleaning?

Upholstery cleaning is the process of cleaning furniture with steam or chemicals. This service removes dust, animal dander, stains, odors, and allergens from your furniture and helps the pieces last longer.

Is upholstery cleaning worth it?

Professional upholstery cleaning is worth it if you want to keep your furniture looking and smelling fresh. You should consider upholstery cleaning if your furniture has:

• Noticeable odors

• Visible stains

• Fading

• Pet hair

• Water or smoke damage

How often should I clean furniture?

You should clean your couch or chairs 1 to 2 times per year, depending on the usage and traffic in your home. If you have kids or pets, then you may need to clean your furniture 3 to 4 times per year or as needed.

How long does upholstery cleaning take?

Upholstery cleaning takes 30 to 60 minutes on average, depending on the furniture size, material type, and how much dirt or grime there is. Large sectionals, furniture with a lot of flaps or details, and heavy stains tend to take longer than average.

Getting estimates from upholstery cleaning companies

Before hiring a furniture and upholstery cleaner near you, follow these steps:

• Ask about their experience and qualifications.

• Request a list of references or pictures from past cleaning jobs.

• Read company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Compare 3+ quotes from different companies.

• Make sure they have 5+ years of experience.

• Don’t pay in full until the cleaning job is complete.

Questions to ask upholstery cleaners

Ask these questions to find an experienced cleaner:

• How long have you been in business?

• What equipment do you use for your upholstery cleaning services?

• Will you give me a free quote?

• Does your company have licenses and insurance?

• Can I see pictures from similar projects?

• Can you clean the furniture at my house or at an off-site location?

• Do you offer pickup or delivery? How much does that cost?

• How long will the furniture cleaning take?

• Do you have a satisfaction guarantee or warranty?