Sofa so good: DIY upholstery cleaning and maintenance tips

Your upholstered furniture is a hub of daily life – a place for relaxation, family bonding, and even the occasional spill. But with pets, kids, and life's unpredictable moments, keeping it in top condition can feel like a challenge. With proper care, sofas can last up to 15 years, even in the busiest households. Here’s how you can protect your investment and maintain a fresh, clean home environment.

Why upholstery care matters

At Christchurch Carpet Cleaning, we go beyond carpets, offering professional upholstery cleaning to restore and protect your furniture. Upholstered pieces are exposed to dust, dirt, and wear every day, which can degrade their appearance and durability over time. Regular maintenance ensures your furniture stays comfortable, hygienic, and visually appealing.

Essential Upholstery Maintenance Tips

1. Preserve Cushion Shape

Daily use can flatten cushions and stretch fabric. Rotate and flip cushions regularly to distribute wear evenly. Swap frequently used cushions with less-used ones to avoid permanent indentations.

2. Vacuum Regularly

Dust, debris, and microbes accumulate just like on carpets. Vacuum upholstery weekly using a dedicated attachment to prevent dirt from embedding into fabric fibres, reducing wear and tear.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Prolonged sun exposure can fade and weaken upholstery. Keep furniture out of direct sunlight or rotate its position regularly to minimise damage.

4. Spot Clean Immediately

Accidents happen! For spills, blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth to absorb moisture. If needed, use a fabric-safe cleaning solution, but always test it on a hidden area first. Apply the cleaner gently in circular motions and vacuum when dry.

When to call the professionals

Sometimes, DIY efforts aren't enough. Stubborn stains, unidentified marks, or delicate fabrics require a professional touch. At Christchurch Carpet Cleaning, our team uses advanced techniques and eco-friendly products to rejuvenate your furniture, extending its lifespan and restoring its beauty.

Benefits of professional upholstery cleaning

Deep Clean: Removes ingrained dirt, allergens, and bacteria.

Fabric Protection: Safeguards against future stains and damage.

Enhanced Appearance: Revives colours and textures, leaving furniture looking like new.

Hygienic Environment: Ensures a cleaner, healthier living space for your family.

Book your upholstery refresh today

Don’t let spills or stains diminish your furniture’s charm. Contact Christchurch Carpet Cleaning for expert upholstery cleaning that transforms your sofas and couches. Call us on 021 638 637 and enjoy a fresher, more inviting home.

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Floor-play: hot water extraction, the ultimate way to clean commercial carpet

30 March 2025

Commercial carpets are the unsung heroes of a huge range of spaces: essential for creating a positive impression and ensuring a healthy working environment. From offices and shops, hospitality suites to schools and healthcare centres, the diversity of placement means there are a wide range of ways in which carpets become stained and grubby, attracting dirt and debris (and often of unknown origin). While regular vacuuming helps with day-to-day maintenance, professional commercial carpet cleaning in Christchurch is necessary for deep cleaning. Among various cleaning methods, hot water extraction or steam cleaning stands out as the gold standard for commercial spaces: Deep and thorough cleaning : penetrates deep into carpet fibres, effectively removing embedded dirt, allergens, and bacteria. Superior stain removal : the high temperature and pressure break downs and lifts stubborn stains , leaving carpets looking refreshed and revitalized. Extends carpet lifespan : removes abrasive debris that wears down fibres, preserving carpet quality and extending its lifespan. Convenient and affordable carpet cleaning : modern hot water extraction systems efficiently extract moisture, reducing drying times and minimising disruption to business operations. Contact Christchurch Carpet Cleaning to arrange a free no-obligation quote to learn how affordable our tailored services are – you will be pleasantly surprised. Eco-friendly and safe : relies on hot water, making it a safer, eco-friendly option for commercial spaces. The hot water extraction process: industry's premier choice This specialised technique employs powerful equipment to inject heated water and cleaning solution deep into carpet fibres. The solution dissolves dirt and contaminants before being extracted - along with the dissolved debris, allergens, and bacteria. Unlike other methods, steam cleaning leaves no dirt-attracting residue behind, ensuring carpets stay cleaner longer