Consider Your Situation

The frequency of upholstery cleaning will depend on your household’s needs. For example, if you have pets, children or heavy use of your furniture, you may have to clean your upholstery more often. Pet hair and dander, food and drink spills, and body oils can penetrate the fibers of your upholstery. They can lead to stains, discoloration, and bad odors. If you have a busy household, you should consider having your upholstery cleaned every six months.

Use Frequency as a Guide

Another way to determine how often you should clean upholstery is by its use. The more your furniture is used, the more often it needs cleaning. Typically, furniture in high-traffic areas like the living room, family room, and home theater require more frequent cleaning. If you live alone or have a ‘showroom’ where you don’t use some of the furniture, you could go up to two years without cleaning them.

Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

The frequency of upholstery cleaning may also depend on the type of material your furniture is made of, so it's important you check for the manufacturer's recommendation. Different materials require different cleaning methods, and some fabrics may be more delicate than others. If your furniture comes with manufacturer’s instructions, follow them to keep your furniture looking new.