Currently, the majority of upholstery cleaners available on the market are wet solutions sprayed directly onto the upholstery. Most cleaners contain degreasers and soap to help loosen and lift oil and dirt. Another type is the kind used in upholstery cleaning equipment. As the upholstery is cleaned, the dirt and any solution in the upholstery are pumped into a different tank. Once the tank is full, it is emptied into the sink. Sorbent cleaners for dry cleaning can also be purchased. Spray them on, and then let them dry. Once dry, they can be vacuumed up.

There are so many ways to clean your upholstery, so here are some key points to keep in mind.

• The type of upholstery you will be cleaning
• The cost of the cleaner
• What type of stain is it and how old is it
• Personal preferences regarding environmental impact and sent

Make sure you use the right upholstery cleaner for the fabric you are cleaning. You can ask the manufacturer or a professional cleaner what type of fabric you want to clean if you aren't sure what it is. It is still recommended that you test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. This will allow you to determine whether it can be used on the upholstery and whether it is colourfast. The colourfastness of a fabric means that it won't fade or run.

Cotton and leather are two upholstery fabrics that are difficult to clean. It is best to use the cleaner designed specifically for these fabrics or hire a professional upholstery cleaning company. If you are not sure of the fibre content of any upholstery, are unsure of how to clean the upholstery, or are concerned about having undesirable results, consult a professional cleaner.

Clean your upholstery in a well-ventilated area if you use cleaning chemicals in your home. Be sure to wear goggles and gloves when using cleaning chemicals.