DIY vs Professional Upholstery Cleaning: What's Best for Your Home?

DIY vs Professional Upholstery Cleaning: What's Best for Your Home?

When cleaning your upholstery, is a DIY job good enough, or should you call the experts? Both options are great for various reasons. However, your choice determines how long your upholstery lasts and whether it loses its aesthetic only after a few years.

DIY upholstery cleaning may sound like a great financial win, especially if you're on a budget. Still, there are several key considerations to keep in mind before purchasing cleaning equipment. Do you have the skills, and is your equipment suitable for the job?

While professional upholstery cleaning can be costly, it offers several key benefits, including extending the lifespan and reducing the likelihood of damage.

While both methods have their pros and cons, understanding their differences is crucial in determining whether to opt for DIY or professional upholstery cleaning.

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Upholstery Cleaning

Upholstery cleaning involves using available cleaning products and tools, such as microfiber cloths, a vacuum cleaner with a brush, soft-bristled brushes, and a spray bottle for your cleaning products.

Store-bought upholstery cleaning shampoos, mild dish soap solutions, vinegar, and baking soda solutions are among the readily available cleaning products that homeowners prefer to use.

DIY upholstery cleaning is ideal when fixing light stains, surface dirt, and fresh spills.

While it's a great way to boost your mood with seasonal deep cleaning, be careful: excessive use or the wrong choice of cleaning products could damage the surface or exacerbate the stains.

Pros of DIY Upholstery Cleaning

Cheaper: DIY is budget-friendly since you're not paying the service fee. However, the upfront cost of the DIY machine is costly.

Good for regular cleaning: DIY upholstery cleaning helps to keep your furniture clean between professional cleaning services, preventing dirt and dust buildup. It can also be a great way to remove pet hair and odors from upholstered furniture.

Flexible: It allows you to clean as soon as possible or whenever you're available.

Cons of DIY Upholstery Cleaning

Time-consuming: DIY cleaning can be time-consuming and tiring, especially for busy mothers and those with young children. Cleaning large furniture might require several hours, which many moms don't have.

Risk of damage: Excessive use of cleaning products or water, or the wrong choice of tools, could damage the upholstery material. Some of the damage could be expensive to repair or irreversible.

Incompetency: A lack of proper cleaning tools could make accessing some areas, especially the crevices, impossible. Additionally, failing to rinse the furniture thoroughly could leave behind soap residue or water, potentially causing damage. Besides, domestic tools clean surface-level dirt; stubborn pet odors, embedded debris, and deep stains require professional steam upholstery cleaning services.

Professional Upholstery Cleaning

The professional upholstery cleaning team possesses the necessary training, expertise, commercial-grade cleaning products, and specialized tools to ensure effective cleaning.

The first step in professional cleaning is identifying the material used, such as microfiber, fabric, or leather. Based on the type of material, experts determine the appropriate method to use: dry cleaning, hot water extraction, or steam cleaning.

Pros of Professional Upholstery Furniture Cleaning

Extends furniture lifespan: Since experts know which products and tools are safe for each upholstery material, the technique and products used to clean the upholstery help preserve the color, texture, and overall condition, thereby extending its lifespan. Well-maintained upholstery furniture typically requires fewer repairs and replacements.

Thorough Cleaning: Professional upholstery furniture cleaning distinguishes itself from DIY methods because the team utilizes high-powered machines, possesses specialized knowledge, and performs the job with precision. The knowledge and tools experts use also help to remove pet odors and stubborn stains, restoring the furniture's newness and freshness.

Time-Saving and Convenience: Since professionals handle everything, from inspection to cleaning and drying, homeowners only need to worry about paying for the services and other matters that require their attention. This is a lifesaver for busy moms who don't have enough time to clean the furniture or rest.

Fast Drying Time: Experts utilize cleaning machines to extract excess moisture, thereby reducing drying time by several hours and preventing mold growth. At Zerorez, we use a wand, which shortens the drying time of the fabric.

Cons of Professional Upholstery Furniture Cleaning

Though the experts help extend the furniture's life, shorten the drying time, and offer exceptional services, there is a cost, especially if there are several pieces. The cost of deep upholstery cleaning services is even higher if the material is delicate or fragile.

Scheduling Requirements: Most cleaning companies require you to schedule an appointment, which can be inconvenient if you have guests coming or need cleaning services on the same day. Thankfully, some established companies like Zerorez offer flexible schedules.

DIY vs Professional Upholstery Cleaning: Which Is Better?

Choosing between upholstery and DIY professional cleaning isn't just about budget and convenience; several other factors must be considered, including the type of upholstery material and local weather conditions.

For example, if your furniture is made of suede, silk, linen, or vintage materials, DIY may do more harm than good. Vintage, for example, is a delicate material; harsh cleaning tools, like a cleaning brush, can cause irreversible damage.

DIY is great for low-maintenance rugged upholstery or routine maintenance between professional cleanings.

If you're unsure what material your upholstery is made of or don't have the necessary tools and cleaning products, don't risk it; let experts do their job.

If you are a homeowner living with small children, allergy sufferers, elderly individuals, or pets, consider hiring professional cleaners to help with your cleaning needs. Professionals have the equipment to remove dirt, grime and odor trapped deep into the upholstery fabric.

DIY could suffice if you're on a budget and have the necessary equipment and skills. Alternatively, be on the lookout for any offers, especially end-of-year holidays.

DIY can never replace professional cleaning, regardless of your budget limitations or preferences. You'll need professional cleaning occasionally, especially for deep treatment and removing stubborn stains or pet odors.

When to Call Upholstery Cleaning Professionals

Some upholstery issues, such as pet urine, deep embedded dirt, and other stubborn stains, are best left to professionals.

Experience the Difference With Zerorez Upholstery Professional Cleaning

While DIY is great for fixing fresh messes or performing routine maintenance between professional services, it can never match the depth of professional upholstery furniture cleaning.

Professional couch cleaning services refresh your furniture, extend its life, and protect it from damage.

Suppose your upholstery has odors, dirt and stubborn stains, and you lack the tools to do the job, or it's been months since your last professional cleaning. It's time to call Zerorez.

Call us at 866-937-6739 or schedule your upholstery cleaning service at your convenience for added flexibility.