When you can do it yourself
- Light dust or crumbs: vacuum with a soft brush.
- Small recent drink or food stains, blotting without rubbing.
- Removable covers that are washable according to the label.
- Regular maintenance between professional cleans.
When a professional makes sense
- Old stains, grease or wine
- Urine or pets
- Delicate fabrics: velvet, linen, cotton, wool
- Label "S" or "X"
- Sofas with odour
- Built-up dirt from several years
- Furniture you have already treated with products that didn't work
Risks of doing it at home
- Rings: form if one area gets wet and dries unevenly.
- Residue: excess soap or detergent attracts dirt afterwards.
- Setting stains: heat or rubbing can set them.
- Colours that bleed: not testing a hidden spot can leave marks.
- Soaking the filling: takes long to dry and can cause a damp smell.
Comparison
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Products or rental | From €65 + €30 travel |
| Time | Several hours | 30–45 min for an average sofa |
| Effectiveness on deep dirt | Limited | Higher |
| Risk of damaging the fabric | Higher without experience | Lower |
| Drying | Variable | Usually 8–12 h |
What we would do
If your sofa only has dust, you don't need to call us. If it has stains, odour, or it hasn't been cleaned for years, send photos and we tell you honestly what to expect.
Related
Machine rental vs professional · Home remedies · Sofa cleaning