Upholstery Cleaning for Homes with Pets and Kids
If you have kids or pets, your couch has probably seen it all—spilled juice, muddy paw prints, and even a surprise crayon masterpiece. Upholstery takes a beating, but with the right cleaning routine, you can keep it fresh and inviting. This guide will show you simple and effective ways to maintain clean, odour-free furniture, even in the busiest households.
Why Upholstery Gets Dirty Fast
Pets shed fur, track in dirt, and sometimes have accidents. Kids spill food, drop crumbs, and leave sticky handprints everywhere. Over time, these messes soak into fabric, leading to stains, odours, and allergen buildup. Regular cleaning prevents this and keeps your furniture fresh and safe for the whole family.
How Often Should You Clean Upholstery?
Task How Often?
Daily Remove pet hair and crumbs with a lint roller or vacuum.
Weekly Vacuum cushions, armrests, and under furniture.
Monthly Use a fabric-safe cleaner to remove stains and odours.
Every 6 Months Deep clean with steam or professional services.
Tools You Need
Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
Lint roller or rubber gloves
Mild dish soap or fabric cleaner
Baking soda
White vinegar
Soft brush or microfiber cloth
Spray bottle
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Tips
Vacuum Regularly
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove pet hair, dirt, and dust.
Use a Lint Roller
Quickly pick up loose fur and crumbs from cushions and armrests.
Flip and Rotate Cushions
This prevents uneven wear and deep-set stains.
Brush Off Loose Dirt
A soft brush helps remove dry debris before it settles into fabric.
Removing Stains
Accidents happen!
Here’s how to tackle common upholstery stains:
Mess Type Quick Fix
Food & Drink Blot with a dry cloth. Dab with mild soap + warm water. Avoid scrubbing.
Pet Accidents Absorb moisture with paper towels. Spray with equal parts water + vinegar, blot dry.
Sprinkle baking soda, vacuum after 15 minutes.
Ink Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Avoid rubbing.
Crayon Scrape off excess wax, apply dish soap, and wipe clean.
Mud & Dirt Let dry, brush off debris, then vacuum and wipe with a damp cloth.
Pro Tip: Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage or discolour your fabric.
DIY Upholstery Cleaner Recipe
For a gentle, all-purpose cleaner, mix:
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon dish soap
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pour into a spray bottle.
Lightly mist stains, blot with a cloth, and let air dry.
This is safe for most fabrics but must be tested on a hidden spot first.
Controlling Odours
Baking Soda Treatment
Sprinkle baking soda over upholstery, let sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum. This neutralizes pet and food odours.
Vinegar Spray
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist fabric and allow to air dry. The vinegar smell fades as it dries, leaving your upholstery fresh.
Use Fabric Fresheners
Choose pet- and kid-safe options, such as enzyme-based sprays that break down odours instead of masking them.
Preventing Future Messes
Use Slipcovers – Machine-washable covers protect furniture from spills and fur.
Train Pets – Encourage pets to stay off furniture or create designated pet-friendly areas.
Set Rules for Kids – A “no food or drinks on the couch” rule can save a lot of scrubbing! Choose Stain-Resistant Fabrics – Leather and microfiber are easier to clean.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy – Quick action prevents stains from setting.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, home cleaning methods just aren’t enough. If you notice these issues, it may be time for expert help:
Deep Odours – Persistent smells (like pet urine) may require professional enzyme treatments.
Set-In Stains – Old stains that won’t budge with home cleaning might need steam extraction.
Delicate Fabrics – Silk, antique upholstery, or specialty fabrics require expert care. Heavy Soiling – If your couch has years of built-up dirt, a pro cleaning can bring it back to life.
What to Expect: Professional upholstery cleaning typically costs between $200-$500, depending on the size of the furniture and fabric type. Services may include steam cleaning, deep extraction, or fabric protection treatments.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it—life with pets and kids is messy. But with a few simple cleaning habits, you can keep your furniture looking great without constantly stressing over stains. A little effort today can save you from a full-blown couch rescue mission later.
Plus, your home will always be ready for guests—or a surprise nap with your four-legged friend!
Keep your home clean and your family healthy with expert upholstery cleaning from Nice N Clean Carpet Cleaning. Our professional team removes dirt, allergens, and odours, leaving your furniture fresh and sanitized. We also offer high-quality fabric protection to help keep your upholstery looking and smelling great. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning!
