TL;DR: To prepare for a professional upholstery cleaning, follow these steps: Identify and inform cleaners about any specific stains. Secure pets in a separate room. Clear pathways and remove clutter from furniture for easy access. Move furniture a few feet from walls for thorough cleaning. Create space for equipment and protect floors and electronics. Arrange safe parking for the crew. After cleaning, allow adequate drying time, consider applying fabric protection, and regularly vacuum the upholstery to maintain its condition. Consult Carpet Advisors for the best professional cleaners in your area.

What should you do if a professional upholstery cleaning crew is arriving at your home tomorrow morning? Naturally, you want everything to go smoothly and your furniture to look its best.

You take one look at your living room and see the kids’ toys across the floor, the family cat on the couch, and fragile decorations on the shelves. With a bit of preparation, you can ensure a seamless cleaning process.

But modern people are busy with findings suggesting that an average person has only 2 hours per day to spend on household activities. With this guide we will help you figure out what to focus on while preparing your house so you don’t have to waste any more of your time.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation Steps

First, you can take a few simple steps before the crew arrives. Walk around the house and decide what areas need some special attention.

Identify Key Areas that Need Attention

Before the professional upholstery cleaning team arrives, check your furniture. Look for problem areas or set-in stains that may need extra care. Lighting and shadows can sometimes hide blemishes, so making notes of these spots in advance can be helpful. 

When the cleaning technicians arrive, inform them about these areas so they get adequate treatment. It would also be helpful if you could remember where these stains came from. Was it makeup or food sauce?

Secure Pets and Ensure They Are Out of the Way

Pets can be curious about new visitors and equipment in your home, which can disrupt the cleaning process. To ensure efficiency and safety for both your pets and the cleaning crew, arrange for your pets to be in a separate room or consider pet daycare options for the day. This step helps in completing the cleaning task quickly and without interruptions.

Clear A Pathway For Easy Access to The Upholstery

The cleaning team will need to move their equipment close to the furniture being cleaned. Ensure a clear path from the front door to the room where the upholstery is located. This reduces the risk of accidents, such as tripping over objects, as the team moves their equipment in and out of your home.

Making Your Upholstered Furniture Accessible

One key thing you should focus on is furniture accessibility. You should clear pathways and move items to allow the cleaning crew to reach all areas.

Remove Clutter and Personal Items from Furniture

Toys, shoes, cushions, pillows, and blankets often accumulate on and around furniture, creating obstacles and tripping hazards. By setting these items aside, you enable the upholstery cleaner to access and clean your furniture more efficiently. A clutter-free environment ensures that every inch of your upholstered furniture receives the attention it deserves, leading to a more thorough cleaning.

Shift Furniture Away From Walls for Full Access

To help the cleaning process, move your upholstered furniture a few feet away from walls and other objects. This step is crucial for allowing professional cleaners to access all sides of your furniture, including the back, which might otherwise be overlooked if it’s against a wall.

Cleaning only one part of your furniture could lead to uneven wear and discoloration over time. Providing full access ensures that each section of your furniture is equally cleaned, maintaining its overall appearance and longevity.

Safety and Efficiency During the Cleaning Process

The most important thing in any procedure of this kind is for everyone to be safe. By following these guidelines, you can help the cleaning crew work effectively and protect family members in the process. 

Ensure Ample Space for Equipment and Movement

When preparing for upholstery cleaning, it’s important to create enough space for the cleaning team’s equipment and movement. The specialized tools and machines used in the cleaning process require sufficient room to operate efficiently. 

To help with this, you should rearrange furniture or remove any unnecessary items from the cleaning area. This ensures the safety of your belongings and allows the cleaning team to work more effectively, covering every inch of the upholstered furniture without restrictions.

Protect Floors and Electronics from Cleaning Solutions

Upholstery cleaning involves the use of various cleaning solutions that could potentially harm floors and electronics if not handled properly. To safeguard these items, cover your floors with plastic sheeting or drop cloths and remove or protect electronics in the vicinity. 

This precautionary measure prevents any accidental spills or splashes from damaging your valuable possessions and ensures that the cleaning process does not disrupt your home environment more than necessary.

Arrange for Safe Parking and Equipment Setup

Before the cleaning team arrives, arrange for a safe parking spot and a clear path for them to set up their equipment. This involves securing a parking space close to your home to minimize the distance the team needs to carry their heavy equipment. 

Additionally, establishing a clear and accessible route from their vehicle to the cleaning zone prevents delays and ensures a smooth start to the cleaning process. 

Post-Cleaning Care and Maintenance

If you give your furniture proper care after cleaning, it will stay looking great for a longer time. This is how you can protect your upholstery.

Allow Adequate Drying Time Before Use

It’s recommended to wait a full night after cleaning to ensure everything is thoroughly dry. Open the windows or turn on fans and heaters if you want to expedite the drying process.  

If you removed cushion covers for cleaning, opt for air drying rather than using a drying machine. For non-removable covers, position the cushion on its side to expose both surfaces to air, rotating it periodically to ensure even drying. Using the furniture before it’s fully dry can lead to dampness and potential mildew growth.

Consider Applying Fabric Protection for Longevity

Products for fabric protection create a barrier that repels spills and dirt, making future cleaning easier and preventing wear and tear. Before applying any protection, test it on a small, hidden area of your furniture to ensure compatibility. Professionally applied fabric protectors after cleaning can safeguard your furniture from everyday accidents and spills, ensuring it remains in good condition for longer.

Regularly Vacuum and Maintain Upholstery Post-Cleaning

Regular vacuuming, at least once a week, helps remove dust, dirt, and allergens, keeping the fabric fresh and extending the intervals between deep cleanings. 

Use the appropriate vacuum attachments to clean different areas effectively, and consider vacuuming more frequently in high-traffic areas. If you have pets, pay more attention to the areas where they spend more time. Also, address spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in, and consider light cleaning with a dustbuster or a damp cloth for daily upkeep.

Final Words: Call in the Professionals

By following these guidelines on how to prepare your home for professional upholstery cleaning, you can ensure a smooth cleaning process and maintain the beauty and longevity of your furniture.

If you need an upholstery cleaning service, consider Carpet Advisors. Our directory of companies includes only the best in the industry. They provide quality upholstery, tile and grout, and carpet cleaning services using advanced equipment and effective products. 

Our experienced team is dedicated to finding the best service providers in the region and ensuring your home looks and feels its best. Look for a service in your area and experience the difference expert care can make.