Don’t Overlook the Soft Stuff: Why Upholstery Cleaning Matters for Health & Safety

When people think of cleaning in commercial spaces, they usually think of floors, restrooms, and high-touch surfaces. But there’s one often-overlooked area that quietly collects dust, bacteria, allergens, and even viruses: your upholstery.

From waiting rooms and employee lounges to restaurant booths and gaming chairs, upholstered furniture is everywhere— especially in offices, government buildings, restaurants, schools, and healthcare facilities, just to name a handful. Because it’s often soft and porous, upholstery traps more than just crumbs and coffee stains. It harbors pathogens that can contribute to allergies, respiratory issues, and the spread of illness.

Neglected upholstery doesn’t just impact appearance—it can compromise health and safety for guests and staff alike.

Simple Upholstery Cleaning Checklist

✅ Vacuum upholstery regularly to remove dust, skin cells, and allergens

✅ Spot-clean spills immediately using fabric-safe cleaners to extend lifespan of upholstery

✅ Disinfect high-touch areas like armrests regularly

✅ Rotate cushions (if removable) to even out wear and reduce buildup

✅ Schedule deep cleaning monthly or quarterly, depending on traffic and need

✅ Use upholstery protectant sprays to reduce future staining

✅ Replace severely worn or damaged fabric to prevent harboring bacteria

Healthcare facilities in particular should be aware of this safety necessity. In regard to the cleaning routine of such facilities, an ideal aim should be daily maintenance of all upholstered surfaces, as healthcare facilities deal with more bacteria and viruses than other types of spaces and are therefore more susceptible to harboring both. Here, as well, the deeper cleanings we mentioned should ideally be undertaken every week. Facilities should also prioritize products that are inherently antibacterial and antimicrobial in their selection, to minimize the risk of bacteria lingering on surfaces.

At PMM, we know clean seating is more than cosmetic. Our upholstery cleaning services help remove built-up debris, reduce germs, and extend the life of your furniture—keeping your space fresh and safe.

If people sit there, touch it, or lean on it, it should be cleaned regularly. Let PMM help you make upholstery part of your standard facility hygiene plan.