Fabric and leather sofas need different processes. A fabric sofa is dry and steam vacuumed, then wet-extracted with a pre-treatment for stains and odours, with the method matched to the fabric. Leather goes through its own four-step service: clean, treat, condition and protect. At Cleancraft, leather sofa care is a separate paid service, not part of upholstery cleaning.
Why can’t leather go through the same process as fabric?
A fabric sofa is a woven covering over padding. Dust, shed skin and spills work their way down between the fibres, so cleaning has to reach into the weave and pull that material back out. Extraction is built for exactly that.
Leather is a hide with a finished surface. Dirt and body oils sit on the surface and in the grain rather than deep in a weave, and the leather relies on its own oils to stay supple. Soaking it and extracting it the way we would a fabric seat works against the material. That’s why we keep the two apart, and why leather has its own process and its own price.
How is a fabric sofa cleaned?
Our upholstery and sofa cleaning covers fabric sofas and sectionals, armchairs, dining chairs, ottomans and fabric stools. The process has two stages:
- Dry and steam vacuum. This lifts surface dust and allergens from the fabric, the cushions and the seams.
- Wet extraction with pre-treatment. A pre-treatment spray loosens stains and odours, then extraction draws the moisture back out along with the dirt.
We match the method to the fabric. Some pieces only need a steam clean. Others, with set-in stains or a lingering smell, need wet extraction. Either way the aim is a thorough clean without over-wetting the fabric, because a seat that stays damp for long is its own problem in Singapore’s humidity.
Customers often mention that our technicians show them the dirty water extracted during a job. It’s a plain way to see what came out of a seat that looked clean.
How is a leather sofa cleaned?
Leather sofa care is a dedicated service for leather sofas, armchairs and recliners. It has four steps:
- Clean to lift dirt and oils from the surface.
- Treat to address marks and dry patches.
- Condition to restore suppleness.
- Protect with a finish that slows future wear.
Conditioning and protecting are the steps a fabric process has no equivalent for. Cleaning removes what has built up on the leather. Conditioning puts back what everyday use takes out, so the piece stays soft rather than stiff or cracked.
What’s the difference between fabric and leather sofa cleaning, side by side?
| Fabric upholstery cleaning | Leather sofa care | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Fabric sofas and sectionals, armchairs, dining chairs, ottomans, fabric stools | Leather sofas, armchairs, recliners and dining chairs |
| Method | Dry and steam vacuum, then wet extraction with pre-treatment | Four steps: clean, treat, condition, protect |
| Main aim | Pull dust, allergens, stains and odours out of the weave | Clean the surface and keep the leather supple and protected |
| Pricing | By seat count, steam clean or wet extraction | Separate price, by seat count |
| For a quote, send | A photo of the piece and any problem spots | The size and condition of the leather piece |
| Solutions | Non-toxic, child- and pet-safe on both | |
Is leather sofa care included in upholstery cleaning?
No. Leather sofa care is a separate paid service with its own pricing. An upholstery cleaning booking covers fabric pieces only.
If your home has both, say a fabric sectional in the living room and a leather recliner in the study, we quote them as two services. We’d rather be clear about that up front than surprise you on the day. Indicative rates for each are on the upholstery cleaning and leather sofa care pages. Leather care can also be added to a Home Refresh+ whole-home clean.
How do we decide which method your sofa needs?
We check the material before we choose a method. Customers bring this up in reviews, and it matters most on pieces that aren’t obvious, like a fabric sofa with leather-look arms or an older piece whose covering you’re unsure of.
Send us a photo of the sofa, a close-up of the material and any problem spots. From that we can tell you which service applies and give an indicative quote. If a stain or mark is unlikely to come out, we’ll say so before we start rather than charge for work that won’t help.
Should you clean the sofa and the mattress together?
The sofa collects the same dust and allergens as the mattress, which is why many homes book both at once. Our mattress sanitisation uses dry vacuum extraction with UV-C sterilisation, plus wet extraction for stains and odours. Curtains, rugs and carpets in the same room hold the same allergens, so they are worth planning into the same visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is leather sofa cleaning included in upholstery cleaning?
No. Leather sofa care is a separate paid service with its own four-step process: clean, treat, condition and protect. Standard upholstery cleaning covers fabric sofas, armchairs, dining chairs and ottomans using dry, steam and wet extraction.
Will wet extraction leave my fabric sofa soaked?
We match the method to the fabric and aim to clean it thoroughly without over-wetting it. Extraction draws the moisture back out along with the dirt, and some pieces only need a steam clean.
Are the cleaning solutions safe for children and pets?
Yes. We use non-toxic, child- and pet-safe solutions on both fabric and leather. Cleancraft is an NEA-licensed cleaning and sanitisation specialist, licence NEA 200592/1584Z/N01.
How do I get a quote for sofa cleaning in Singapore?
Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of the piece, the material, the number of seats and any problem spots. We send an indicative quote and confirm the final price once we know the details.
Not sure whether your sofa is fabric or leather?
Send us a photo and we’ll tell you which service it needs. We’re an NEA-licensed specialist, owner-operated by Joel and Vanessa for around ten years. You can read more about us or browse the rest of the blog.