Upholstery needs to be regularly cleaned just as carpets and rugs do. In fact, the cleaning techniques used to clean upholstery are very similar to carpet cleaning, however upholstery often comes in organic and synthetic fibers not found in carpet and additional considerations must be taken.

Linen, for example, is a very handsome fabric choice for chairs and sofas, however it is not as resistant to soiling as cotton and cotton blends. Cotton, on the other hand, is more durable than linen but more susceptible to color fading and blending. Silk, one of the more luxurious upholstery fabrics, has no commercial cleaning agents available for public use. These and other factors must be considered when attempting to clean or remove stains from upholstery.