May 21, 2015
How to Clean Upholstery: A Complete Guide
From everyday spills to accumulated dirt and debris, your upholstered furniture deserves proper care to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. Whether you're dealing with stubborn stains or just need a thorough cleaning, this guide will help you achieve professional results at home.
Why regular upholstery cleaning matters
Regular upholstery cleaning does more than just keep your furniture looking good. It removes allergens, eliminates odours, and prevents the buildup of dirt that can damage fabric fibres over time. With proper care, your couches, chairs, curtains, and other upholstery will look and smell fresh for years.
Understanding your fabric type
Before you begin, check the manufacturer's tag on your furniture to determine the appropriate cleaning solution:
- W: Water-based cleaners are safe
- S: Solvent-based cleaners only (dry cleaning)
- WS: Either water or solvent cleaners are safe
- X: Vacuum only or professional cleaning recommended
If there's no tag, test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the fabric.
Upholstery care
Regular maintenance helps preserve your fabric upholstery:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush or crevice tool to remove any loose dirt weekly
- Vacuum underneath the cushions
- Pick up pet hair using a rubber glove or lint roller
- Promptly blot (don't rub) any spills with a clean, dry cloth
How to deep clean your upholstery
You might have considered DIY cleaning methods using household items like baking soda and white vinegar; however, over-cleaning runs the risk of turning a small stain into a permanent mark. The Rug Doctor is a tried and tested stain removal powerhouse, that uses a specialised formula pH-balanced to treat stains effectively.
The Rug Doctor method
For the most effective deep cleaning that rivals professional upholstery cleaning services, Rug Doctor's machines with the upholstery attachment deliver exceptional results:
- Connect the Hand Tool to your Rug Doctor machine
- Add Rug Doctor Upholstery Cleaner to the red tank according to instructions
- Working in sections, press the trigger to release the cleaning solution while pulling the tool across the fabric
- The powerful hot water extraction method will lift dirt, leaving minimal moisture behind
The upholstery cleaner machine from Rug Doctor cleans stains from sofas, chairs, car upholstery, boat interiors, campervans, rugs, and mattresses. For only $6.50, you can add the hand tool to your Rug Doctor hire in New Zealand.
Tips for cleaning different types of upholstered furniture
Fabric upholstery
For spot cleaning oil-based stains, use Rug Doctor Spot Remover or treat acidic stains with Stain Remover. Read our Stain Removal Guide for expert advice.
Delicate fabrics
For delicate fabrics, use minimal moisture and test all solutions in an inconspicuous area first. Use a spray bottle to apply cleaning solution lightly rather than saturating the fabric.
Leather upholstery
To clean leather furniture, wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then follow with a specialised leather cleaner. Never use water-based solutions on untreated leather.
Drying your upholstery properly
After cleaning upholstery, proper drying prevents mould and mildew:
- Position fans to increase airflow
- Keep pets and children off furniture until completely dry
- Allow to air dry but avoid direct sunlight, which can fade fabrics
Get professional-quality results at home with Rug Doctor
Why pay for expensive professional upholstery cleaning when you can achieve the same results yourself?
Rug Doctor's powerful extraction system removes more dirt and stains than conventional cleaning methods, leaving your upholstery fresh and rejuvenated. Our upholstery attachment lets you clean virtually any upholstered surface in your home or vehicle.
Hire a Rug Doctor machine today.
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Updated January 12, 2026
Author: Gina Gibbs
Gina is the Business Manager at Rug Doctor NZ. With over 20 years at Rug Doctor, she's dedicated to helping New Zealanders keep their homes clean and healthy. Outside of work, Gina enjoys hiking, reading, and enjoying Vietnamese and Asian fusion cuisine. Oh, and let's not forget her expertise in cleaning up after everyone, especially her two kids!