When you own a home or workplace where there are furniture items with upholstery, it makes sense to get confused when it comes to upholstery cleaning. The reason here is that there are two popular options for the cleaning process: steam cleaning and dry cleaning. While both the methods have their own benefits and limitations, it is very important to understand that choosing between them can be really a tricky choice. For the best decision, it is very important to know everything about the steam cleaning and dry cleaning methods for upholstered furniture. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of both methods to choose the best approach for your upholstery.

What Is Steam Cleaning?

Also known as the hot water extraction cleaning method, steam cleaning is a deep-cleaning cleaning method that involves the use of high-temperature steam to break down dirt, grime, etc. that may be trapped within upholstery fibres, carpets and other surfaces. What’s more important to keep in mind about this method is that it involves a specialized machine that sprays hot water mixed with a cleaning solution onto the fabric. Once the step is complete, the machine also performs a powerful suction that extracts the dirt along with the moisture, leaving the material clean and refreshed.

The biggest advantage of this method is that it has the ability to penetrate deep into the fibers, which means it can easily and effectively remove bacteria, dust mites and stubborn stains from the upholstery. Since this method primarily relies on heat and water, it is also known as an eco-friendly option that minimizes the need for harsh chemicals. This makes it a safe choice for people having kids and pets at home.

Pros of Steam Cleaning:

• This method is known to have the ability to penetrate deep into the fibers, thus effectively removing dirt, bacteria, and allergens.
• This method uses hot water which makes it a completely safe and eco-friendly method for upholstery cleaning Dublin.
• This cleaning method involves the use of heat and steam, which helps break down tough stains like coffee, wine and pet accidents.
• Once the cleaning process is complete, there are going to be no odors as this method also helps remove trapped odors by breaking down the bacteria causing them.
• The steam cleaning method helps eliminate dust mites, mold, etc., making it an effective choice for people having breathing issues.

Cons of Steam Cleaning:

• During the method of cleaning, your upholstery absorbs moisture, which may take several hours to dry completely.
• It is not suitable for all kinds of fabrics, especially the delicate ones like silk or wool.
• Steam cleaning requires professional equipment for the best results as it is likely to be more effective and safer for delicate fabrics.

What Is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning, as the name suggests, is a low-moisture upholstery cleaning method that is aimed at cleaning solvents instead of water. Unlike steam cleaning, this method involves the use of solvents that are aimed to help break down dirt and grime. A professional will apply these solvents on the fabric, which helps gently dissolve stains and lift debris before being vacuumed or wiped away.

One of the biggest advances of investing in dry cleaning for upholstery cleaning is that it is a quick method and can be completed on time. The reason is that it doesn’t involve water, which means there is no need to dry the material before use. This is also a very helpful choice when it comes to cleaning delicate materials like silk, velvet and wool, which can be damaged by excessive moisture.

Pros of Dry Cleaning:

• One of the prime reasons for dry cleaning is that it requires little to no water, your upholstery is usually dry within an hour.
• This method is very useful for delicate materials like silk, wool as there is very little use of water.
• Dry cleaning helps prevent mold and mildew growth as this doesn’t leave excess moisture behind.
• Using this method can be the right choice when it comes to routine cleaning and touch-ups between deep cleans.

Cons of Dry Cleaning:

• The prime disadvantage of dry cleaning is that it is not as effective and reliable as steam cleaning. This method mainly removes surface dirt and may not be as effective for deep-set stains and allergens.
• Since the process of dry cleaning involves the use of chemicals, it can cause irritation or leave a lingering odor.
• Dry cleaning can be used for general maintenance, this involves harsh materials that can cause damage to your material.

Whether you are looking for dry cleaning or steam cleaning for upholstery, we hope this blog will help you make the final right choice and pick the right one according to your needs.