Your upholstered furniture is more than just seating—it’s a centerpiece of comfort and style in your home. Over time, sofas, armchairs, and other upholstered pieces can accumulate dust, stains, and odors. Cleaning upholstery properly is crucial to maintaining its appearance and prolonging its lifespan. However, many homeowners unintentionally make mistakes that can cause more harm than good.

At Costikyan, we understand the art and science behind effective upholstery care. In this article, we’ll explore Common Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes you should avoid and how our expert Upholstery Cleaning services can help keep your furniture pristine and fresh.

Why Upholstery Cleaning Matters

Upholstery acts as a magnet for dirt, allergens, and spills. Unlike hard surfaces, fabric, and leather materials require specialized cleaning techniques to avoid damage. Improper cleaning can cause:

• Fabric discoloration or fading
• Shrinkage or stretching of the material
• Permanent stains or watermarks
• Fiber deterioration or pilling
• Odors that linger despite cleaning

Because upholstery varies widely in materials and construction—from delicate silks to sturdy microfibers—knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to clean.

Common Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

One of the most common mistakes is applying household cleaners or harsh chemicals to upholstery without verifying their compatibility.

• What Happens: Some detergents or solvents can strip dye, cause discoloration, or weaken fibers.
• Avoid This: Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning code (found on tags) and use recommended products. When in doubt, test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.

Pro Tip from Costikyan: Our Upholstery Cleaning services utilize specialized, fabric-safe cleaners tailored to each type of material, ensuring minimal damage and restoring the natural beauty of your furniture.

2. Over-Wetting the Fabric

Many people think that more water equals better cleaning. This is a misconception that often leads to more problems.

• What Happens: Excess moisture can soak into the padding, leading to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. It may also cause fabric shrinkage.
• Avoid This: Use minimal moisture and opt for professional steam cleaning or dry cleaning methods.

Costikyan’s Approach: Our technicians carefully control moisture levels to ensure deep cleaning without saturating your upholstery.

3. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Waiting until your upholstery looks dirty or smells bad before cleaning can shorten its lifespan.

• What Happens: Built-up grime is harder to remove, and stains may become permanent.
• Avoid This: Regular vacuuming and prompt spot cleaning extend the life and appearance of your furniture.

Advice from Costikyan: Schedule routine professional Upholstery Cleaning services to maintain freshness and prevent damage.

4. Rubbing Stains Aggressively

When spills happen, the instinct is to scrub hard to remove stains immediately.

• What Happens: Rubbing spreads the stain and can damage delicate fibers, causing pilling or fraying.
• Avoid This: Blot spills gently with a clean cloth, working from the outside inward.

Expert Tip: For stubborn stains, consult professional cleaners who have the right tools and chemicals to treat the problem safely.

5. Ignoring Upholstery Type

Different fabrics require different cleaning techniques—what works for microfiber may harm silk or velvet.

• What Happens: Using the wrong cleaning method can cause shrinkage, color fading, or texture changes.
• Avoid This: Identify your upholstery material and follow specific care instructions.

At Costikyan: Our team is trained to recognize various upholstery types and use appropriate methods that preserve the integrity of your furniture.

6. Not Protecting Upholstery After Cleaning

Once your upholstery is clean, it’s essential to protect it from future stains and wear.

• What Happens: Without protection, fabrics attract dirt and stains faster.
• Avoid This: Apply professional-grade fabric protectors or stain repellents.

Costikyan’s Advantage: We offer protective treatments that create a barrier, helping your furniture stay cleaner longer.

7. DIY Cleaning Without Proper Equipment

Many attempts at upholstery cleaning fail due to a lack of professional tools and products.

• What Happens: Ineffective cleaning, leaving residues that attract more dirt or cause sticky buildup.
• Avoid This: Invest in professional Upholstery Cleaning services that use industry-grade equipment for thorough and safe cleaning.

Why Choose Costikyan: Our advanced technology and expertise ensure a deeper clean than typical household tools can provide.

8. Forgetting to Dry Upholstery Properly

Improper drying can undo all reasonable cleaning efforts.

• What Happens: Damp upholstery invites mold growth and lingering odors.
• Avoid This: Use fans, open windows, or professional drying equipment.

Costikyan’s Process: We utilize drying methods that prevent moisture buildup and safely accelerate the drying time.

9. Overlooking Delicate or Antique Upholstery

Antique or specialty furniture requires extra care beyond basic cleaning.

• What Happens: Harsh treatments can ruin priceless heirlooms or fragile fabrics.
• Avoid This: Consult professionals with experience in handling delicate pieces.

Costikyan Expertise: We have a long history of caring for valuable and antique upholstery with gentle, custom solutions.

Why Professional Upholstery Cleaning is Worth It

Professional upholstery cleaning offers benefits that DIY methods cannot match:

• Deep Clean: Penetrates below the surface to remove allergens, dust mites, and embedded dirt.
• Extended Furniture Life: Prevents fiber breakdown and fabric wear.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality: Removes pollutants trapped in fabric.
• Stain Removal: Specialized treatments for tough stains.
• Restored Appearance: Revives colors and texture for a fresh look.

At Costikyan, our comprehensive Upholstery Cleaning services combine these benefits with expert care and attention to detail.

How Costikyan Helps You Avoid Common Mistakes

When you trust Costikyan with your upholstery cleaning needs, you gain:

• Expert Assessment: Tailored cleaning plans based on fabric type and condition.
• Safe, Effective Techniques: Advanced cleaning technology that respects delicate fibers.
• Experienced Technicians: Trained specialists who understand upholstery inside and out.
• Protective Treatments: Optional stain and fabric protectors to keep your furniture looking new longer.
• Customer Care: Clear communication, punctual service, and satisfaction guarantees.

Tips for Maintaining Upholstery Between Professional Cleanings

• Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment.
• Address spills promptly by blotting, not rubbing.
• Rotate cushions to ensure even wear.
• Keep pets off furniture if possible.
• Use throws or slipcovers to protect high-use areas.

For optimal results, schedule professional cleaning at least once a year, or more frequently for high-traffic areas.

Conclusion

Avoiding Common Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes is key to preserving your furniture’s beauty and comfort. From using the right cleaning products to ensuring proper drying, each step matters. When in doubt, professional Upholstery Cleaning services from Costikyan provide the expertise and care needed to keep your upholstered pieces in excellent condition for years.



For expert advice, trusted cleaning, and protective treatments, visit Costikyan and discover how our services can elevate your home’s comfort and style.