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Sit on the end of your couch and look at the armrest. Is it a shade darker than the cushion next to it? That's years of hands, skin oil and the odd spilled coffee, and it's usually the moment people start googling cleaning prices.
The trouble is, the numbers online are all over the place. So instead of vague averages, here's how much upholstery cleaning costs with us in San Francisco, what can push the price up, and when cleaning honestly isn't worth your money.
Upholstery Cleaning Prices by Furniture Type
For our upholstery and furniture cleaning in San Francisco, we never charge by the hour. Sofas and loveseats are priced by length, at $37 per linear foot. Chairs and ottomans have set starting prices. No clock-watching, and no surprise bill because the job ran long.
How to measure your couch: Run a tape measure across the back, from the outside edge of one arm to the outside edge of the other. Multiply the length in feet by $37 and you have your price. For example, a 7 ft sofa is $259.
The price covers the whole process:
- We check your fabric and its cleaning code.
- We test a hidden spot when needed.
- We pre-treat stains.
- We deep clean with hot water extraction, or a low-moisture method for delicate pieces.
Cushions are included, and you don't have to unzip anything.
Leather furniture is a separate service. See our leather cleaning and restoration page.
What a typical booking costs
The $210 minimum covers travel and setup. So if you're only booking one chair, throw in the ottoman or a couple of dining chairs. You're paying for the trip anyway.
What Makes Upholstery Cleaning Cost More?
Is Upholstery Cleaning Worth It?
Usually, yes. Cleaning costs a fraction of reupholstering or buying new. But it can't fix everything, and we'd rather tell you before you book.
Beverly, one of our customers, had her 15-year-old sofa cleaned and told us it looks like new. Fifteen years! If the fabric and frame are sound, a lot of "old" furniture is really just dirty furniture.
One more thing: if a quote is far lower than everyone else's, ask what it includes. Skipping the fabric test or pre-treatment is exactly how a cheap clean ends in a shrunken cushion or a brown ring.
Our IICRC-certified technicians test first and use plant-based, low-VOC products, so there's no chemical smell hanging around afterward.
5 Ways to Save on Upholstery Cleaning
- Book several pieces at once so the minimum fee covers more furniture.
- Don't wait years between cleanings. Light dirt comes out faster than heavy buildup. Every 12 to 24 months works for most homes.
- Skip store-bought spot cleaners. Blot fresh spills with a clean, dry white cloth and don't rub. Water scrubbed into one spot can leave rings, especially on cotton and linen.
- Only add protector if it's worth it. Ask whether your fabric benefits from our green fabric protector before paying for it.
- Send your couch's length for an exact quote. Add a few photos if you're not sure a piece is worth cleaning at all.
Not Sure If Your Couch Is Worth Cleaning?
Measure your couch from one arm to the other and send us the length. We'll give you an exact price. If you're not sure cleaning will help, add a few photos of the armrests and any stains or pet spots, and we'll tell you honestly what it can improve.
Want to compare other services too? Check our pricing page, or read how carpet and upholstery cleaning costs differ.
