Expert Couch Care Tips: Sofa Shampoo vs. Steam Clean

Sofas have evolved. Changing from simply being a functional piece of furniture to sit and relax on into a statement element of a home’s interior design scheme. They play an integral role in creating the ambiance of a home while accommodating the needs of the household. Whether you live in a sprawling house or a more compact urban apartment, it’s important to keep your couch in top shape to ensure comfort and longevity is maintained. But when it comes to deep cleaning upholstery, which method is best: shampooing or steam cleaning?

Shampooing a sofa: a surface refresh

Shampooing involves applying a specialised foam or lather to the upholstery, which is then vacuumed or wiped off. While it’s often effective for surface-level cleaning, shampooing does not reach deep into the fibres like steam cleaning.

Pros of shampooing:

• Effective light stain removal: if you’re dealing with light stains, shampooing can successfully target and remove them effectively, leaving your couch looking fresher.

• Quick freshening: shampooing often leaves your couch smelling clean and looking rejuvenated.

• Low-cost sofa cleaning: if you’re on a budget and looking for a cheap way to clean your sofa, shampooing can be an affordable option.

Cons of shampooing:

• Residual build-up: some shampoos leave behind residues that attract more dirt over time if not thoroughly rinsed or vacuumed. The line between rinsing and soaking is thin, so care must be taken to not drench the sofa.

• Surface-level clean: unlike steam cleaning, shampooing does not deliver a deep clean. It is not effective for heavily soiled or allergen-prone fabrics. Sofa shampoos are poor detergents and bury dirt instead of removing it.

• Chemicals in sofa cleaners: upholstery shampoos contain a variety of chemicals: foaming agents including sodium lauryl sulphate, anti-resoiling additives, and optical brighteners to name a few. Always read the label and follow the manufacturers advice. You may need to keep pets and small children off the couch for a set period.



Steam cleaning: a deep clean powerhouse

Sofa cleaning with steam is comparable with professional carpet cleaning. It is a method that uses hot water extraction to deeply cleanse upholstery. It works by infusing hot water and cleaning agents into the fabric, followed by suction to remove dirt and moisture. Steam cleaning doesn’t just refresh your couch; it’s designed to penetrate deeply, making it ideal for heavily stained or allergen-prone fabrics.

Pros of steam cleaning upholstery:

• Thorough deep clean: steam cleaning penetrates deep into the fabric, pulling out any dirt, dust mites, and bacteria trapped in the fibres.

• Eco-friendly: as a professional couch cleaning service, Christchurch Carpet Cleaning only uses non-toxic cleaning agents, so it’s safe for the environment, pets and humans alike.

• Allergy control: the high temperatures of hot water extraction kill bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens, so if anyone in your household suffers from allergies, steam cleaning removes the triggers and alleviates symptoms.

Cons of steam cleaning your sofa:

• Drying time: after steam cleaning, your couch will likely remain damp up to 5 hours, meaning you’ll need to plan ahead if you need to use your couch soon after. However, this only applies to DIY sofa steam cleaning. Professional sofa cleaners in Christchurch only employ enough moisture to loosen dirt and stains so there is no water damage to the material or padding. Plus, they have the benefit of using professional steam cleaning equipment to speed up the drying process to touch dry.

• Fabric sensitivity: not all upholstery materials are suitable for steam cleaning. Wet cleaning can cause permanent damage to fabrics without proper training and experience, especially for delicate textiles. Always consult a professional upholstery cleaner or check the care tag on your sofa to avoid damage of the fabric.

Why a professional upholstery cleaner is best for you and your couch

While both steam cleaning and shampooing can be done with rental equipment or DIY methods, professional upholstery cleaners are qualified, experienced and have the specialist sofa cleaning equipment to deliver outstanding results. Professionals assess your couch’s fabric and recommend the best sofa cleaning method to achieve a deep, longer-lasting clean without risk to your sofa.



No matter which upholstery cleaning method you choose, regular maintenance, including vacuuming and cushion rotation, will keep your couch looking and feeling its best for years to come. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how Christchurch Carpet Cleaning contact us today or call 021 638 637.