You might have seen those couch and rug cleaning videos on TikTok or Instagram Reels. They’re so satisfying! But they do more than just tickle your brain in a good way. So, look at your upholstery: your curtains, couches, and mattresses. Do they need cleaning? And if so, here’s everything you need to know before hiring an upholstery steam cleaner.
What Happens When You Get Your Upholstery Steam-Cleaned?
Steam cleaning is an elaborate process. It might take a few hours till you’re able to use it again, especially in the case of couches.
Vacuuming
Your upholstery is first vacuumed to get rid of dust. And if you have the habit of eating on your choice, you might have left crumbs stuck between the cushions.
Pre-Treating Stains
Stains are then pre-treated with special chemicals. You can also prepare ‘home remedies’ for this, but professional chemicals are much stronger and will not damage the threading.
Pre-Conditioning the Fabric
Soil emulsifiers are used to further loosen dirt and oils. It is sprayed everywhere and then allowed to sit for a few minutes. And depending on how old and dirty your upholstery is, you might need to let it sit for longer.
Steam-Cleaning
Then the real treat begins. What you see in these satisfying viral videos is this special step. You will see your cushions and rugs begin to look brand new; all the crusty corners and weird-looking stains will be cleaned away.
Drying
Post-cleaning, everything is left out in the sun to dry. Letting your fabrics dry out in the sun is something you should be doing anyway. The heat and light from the sun make it hard for microorganisms to grow. And acting as a natural sanitiser, you rid your fabrics of germs and funky smells.
A Little Extra for Tough Stains
If, after this process, there are still some stains left (which is possible, as fabrics can absorb different liquids over time), you can tackle them with soap, vinegar, or heavy-duty cleaner. Using this concentrated approach is alright if you have only a few stubborn stains here and there.
Advantages of Getting an Upholstery Steam Cleaner
Get a Clean New Look
You’ve seen for yourself how satisfying cleaning can be, and steam cleaning is gentle on the fabric. It gets rid of dirt without being too harsh and ruining the material. As such, a steam cleaner will keep your upholstery looking new for longer. So, no worries about the colour fade or the thread damage; it’s forever new.
Prevent Mould
Regular ways of cleaning involve a lot of water. And even after days of drying in the sun, some furniture might not dry completely on the inside. Since moisture can remain on the inside for days, this humid condition is perfect for mould to thrive. You might not realise it, but this mould will grow from the inside over time. Even if it isn’t visible, it can cause many health issues. But with steam cleaning, you can rest assured that this won’t happen.
Stay Hygienic
Who doesn’t like a clean couch? Now, think about how much dust your curtains catch each day; they don’t even get washed as often, but you still touch them every day. This way, you introduce a lot of bacteria to your skin. That said, steam cleaning not only rids upholstery of bacteria but also prevents it.
Eco-Friendly Alternative
Other cleaning methods also use a lot of water. Meanwhile, an upholstery steam cleaner uses a comparatively minimal amount and is better for the environment. This way, you are also not releasing copious amounts of detergent into freshwater sources contributing to water pollution.
