How much does upholstery cleaning cost? [May 2025]

How much does upholstery cleaning cost?

An upholstery cleaning service usually costs between £30 - £60 per item (including VAT).

The total cost will depend on where you live, how many upholstery items need cleaning, the fabric type, and the cleaning method used.

Most upholstery cleaners charge a flat rate per item - typically based on the size and type of furniture. For example, a dining chair will cost much less to clean than a large corner sofa. Some services charge by seat (e.g. £15 per seat on a sofa), while others will quote per item.

If you're moving out, you can usually add upholstery and carpet cleaning to your professional end of tenancy clean.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for upholstery cleaning, whether you're inside or outside of London:

How does the minimum charge work?

Most professional upholstery and fabric cleaning services have a minimum spend - usually between £50 and £100 (inc. VAT).

So if you’re just booking a single chair or mattress, you might still be asked to pay the minimum fee. Many customers add other items - like carpets, curtains or blinds - to meet this minimum and get the most value from their booking.

The minimum charge helps cover the cleaner’s travel, setup time and specialist equipment, which isn’t cost-effective for a very small job on its own.

Back to top

What other factors impact the cost of upholstery cleaning?

1. When you book

Most professional upholstery cleaners will charge extra for last-minute bookings or those out of socialable hours, such as at the weekends, evenings or bank holidays. 

2. Type of fabric or material

Delicate materials like silk, suede or velvet require extra care and different cleaning techniques - which can increase the price. We'll cover this in more detail further down. 

3. Who you book with

Independent upholstery cleaners and small agencies often charge less than larger cleaning companies. Despite the bigger cost, more establisted upholstery cleaning companies usually come with more perks, such as a better variety of slots (including on the day availability), backup cleaners to cover if there's any unforeseen sickness on the day, and a dedicated customer service team ready to help if anything goes wrong. 

Back to top

Which methods are used for professional upholstery cleaning?

Hot water extraction: Often referred to as “steam cleaning”, this method uses hot water and detergent to deep-clean the fabric, followed by powerful extraction to remove moisture and dirt. It’s the most effective option for deep cleaning most upholstered items, mattresses, and curtains.

Dry cleaning: Used for moisture-sensitive materials, dry cleaning involves applying a specialist solvent with minimal water. It’s gentler but less effective at stain removal. This method is typically used for delicate blinds, curtains and delicate fabrics that wouldn't be able to handle steam cleaning, such as suede, velvet and silk.

Back to top

Why should I get my upholstery professionally cleaned?

1. Removes stains, odours and allergens
 

Over time, soft furnishing like sofas, mattresses, curtains and blinds absorb dust, smells, pet hair, body oils and allergens. If you've got an open plan kitchen-diner, your upholstery can even absorb smells from cooking.

Professional upholstery cleaners use specialist cleaning equipment and products to deep clean your upholstery, lifting dirt from the fibres and eliminating bacteria, allergens and odours. 

2. Restores the look and feel of upholstery
 

After years of use, upholstery can start to look tired and feel worn - colours fade, fabrics lose their texture, and stains can leave your items looking grubby even after regular vacuuming.

A professional clean helps to revive faded colours, soften stiff or flattened fibres, and lift set-in marks or stains. Whether it’s a sagging sofa, dusty curtains, or a mattress that’s seen better days, a deep clean can help bring your items back to life.

3. Helps your upholstery last longer

Dirt, dust and oils don’t just look bad – over time, they also damage upholstery materials, breaking down fibres and foam from the inside out. This can cause fabric to thin, discolour, or tear, and shorten the lifespan of your furniture or soft furnishings.

Professional cleaning helps to preserve the condition of your items by removing the buildup that causes this wear and tear.

Back to top

How often should I get my upholstery cleaned?
 

The general rule is every 12 - 18 months, but this depends on how much use the item gets. You should clean more often if:

• You have pets or small children
• You smoke indoors 
• You suffer from allergies or asthma
• Your items are in high-traffic or shared spaces

Mattresses in particular benefit from a clean every 6 months to remove sweat, skin cells, and dust mites. ^[1]

Back to top

Is it better value to hire an upholstery cleaner machine than book a service?

You can rent upholstery or mattress cleaners from shops like B&Q or through RugDoctor  for around £20 - £35 per day, plus cleaning solutions.

But here’s the catch:

• You’ll need to transport and return the machine
• DIY machines are less powerful than professional ones
• Cleaning delicate fabrics without training can lead to damage or watermarks
• The process takes time and effort, especially if you’re cleaning multiple items

If you’ve only got one small item, this may be worthwhile. But for sofas, beds, and curtains, it’s often better to leave it to the pros.
 

Back to top

Where can I find an upholstery cleaning service?

There's plenty of ways to find a professional upholstery cleaner, from reccomondations from family and friends, to local groups on social media. 

It's also worth checking out the The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) as they have a directory of certified carpet and upholstery cleaning specialists. You can find their online directory here: Find an NCCA upholstery cleaner. 

Or you could book through a professional cleaning service - like Housekeep. You can get an instant quote and book online through the Housekeep website - we’ll match you with a top-rated local cleaner who can take care of your all your upholstery, including your sofa, chairs, mattress, curtains and blinds.
 

Sources
 

1. Sleep Foundation: How to clean a mattress

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.