The Real Clean: How to Get the Most Out of Your Upholstery – Expert Advice from Sharon Best of Spruced Up
When was the last time you really looked at your sofa? Not just sat on it, but looked at it? Over time, our upholstery takes on everyday wear—crumbs, spills, pet hair, and the gradual dulling of fabric from regular use. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or the best investment you made when furnishing your home, keeping upholstery clean not only extends its life but also ensures a fresher, healthier home.
We sat down with Sharon Best, owner and lead upholstery technician at Spruced Up, to get her expert take on the dos and don’ts of upholstery care, and when to call in the professionals. With specialist training in fine fabrics and years of hands-on experience, Sharon has encountered just about every type of fabric under the sun.
First Things First: What’s It Made Of?
One of the biggest misconceptions about upholstery cleaning is the idea that a fabric’s appearance determines how it should be cleaned. A recent customer told Sharon that her sofa was ‘velvet’—which sounds straightforward until you consider that velvet isn’t actually a fibre. It can be made from cotton, viscose, silk, or synthetic blends, and each of these materials reacts very differently to cleaning!
Sharon explains, “Before we even think about cleaning, the first step is identifying what we’re dealing with. Most furniture has a care label, but over time these can fade or become unreadable. That’s where our on-site testing comes in—we look at the fibre content, how it reacts to moisture, and whether specialist techniques are required. Some fabrics, like wool or linen, can handle water-based cleaning, while others, like viscose or silk, need an entirely different approach.”
For customers looking for a free online estimate, Sharon suggests sending clear photos of the furniture, including any care labels if available, via WhatsApp to 07843 292986. This allows Spruced Up to assess the material and provide a quote before even stepping through the door.
A Guide to Upholstery Fabrics & Their Cleaning Needs
Fibre Type Source Characteristics Cleaning Considerations
Wool Animal (Sheep) Soft, durable, naturally stain-resistant Can shrink if over-wetted; best cleaned with low-moisture methods
Cotton Plant Breathable, comfortable, but absorbs stains easily Prone to shrinking; benefits from controlled moisture cleaning
Linen Plant (Flax) Strong, breathable, prone to creasing Can water mark easily; best cleaned with low-moisture methods
Silk Animal (Silkworm) Luxurious, smooth, delicate Extremely sensitive to moisture and high pH cleaners; requires specialist care
Sisal Plant (Agave) Strong, coarse, often used in rugs and textured upholstery Very sensitive to water; best cleaned with dry or low-moisture methods
Viscose/Rayon Wood pulp Soft, silk-like texture but weak when wet Water-sensitive; prone to shrinking and fiber distortion
Acrylic Synthetic Lightweight, wool-like texture, resists moisture Prone to pilling; can be heat-sensitive and attract oil-based stains
Polyester Synthetic (Oil-based) Durable, stain-resistant, found in many modern sofas Generally easy to clean but attracts oil-based stains
Nylon Synthetic Strong, resistant to wear and tear Can be heat-sensitive; responds well to professional deep cleaning
Polypropylene Synthetic Highly stain-resistant, repels moisture Can trap oils and require professional extraction cleaning
When to Call in the Professionals
While regular vacuuming and surface cleaning go a long way in maintaining your furniture, there are times when expert intervention is necessary. Sharon explains, “Some stains—especially pet urine or oils—don’t just sit on the surface; they soak into the fibres and even into the padding underneath. That’s when you need professional tools and techniques to extract them properly.”
Spruced Up is known for its expertise in high-end upholstery cleaning, often receiving referrals from other carpet and upholstery cleaners who lack the specialist training in fine fabrics. Sharon and her team have invested in advanced training with the NCCA (National Carpet Cleaners Association), including additional qualifications in delicate and high-risk fabric cleaning.
Their professional insurance reflects this level of expertise, as Sharon explains: “We don’t just have general liability insurance—our professional insurance is specifically designed for fine fabric cleaning, marking us out as specialists in the field.”
Spruced Up also prides itself on staying up to date with the latest techniques and industry best practices.
Final Thoughts from Sharon
At the end of the day, care of your upholstery is about knowing when to DIY and when to bring in an expert. Regular vacuuming, cleaning filters, and using the right products all help keep your furniture fresh—but when deeper stains, delicate fabrics, or specialist care is needed, it’s best to trust the professionals.
Sharon invites you to send in your photos and questions via WhatsApp at 07843 292986, and Spruced Up will be happy to provide advice or a free estimate.
The Real Clean thanks Sharon Best for sharing her expert knowledge. To book a consultation or learn more, visit Spruced Up today!
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