Your upholstery cleaner is a valuable tool, whether you use it for professional cleaning jobs or keeping furniture spotless at home. Like any piece of equipment, it performs best when properly maintained. Regular upkeep doesn’t just keep it running smoothly—it also saves you money, reduces downtime, and helps extend its lifespan.
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In this post, we’ll go through practical, straightforward tips on how to care for and maintain your upholstery cleaner. These steps are easy to follow and can make a big difference over time.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
A well-maintained upholstery cleaner delivers consistent results and runs more efficiently. Dirt, hair, and residue can build up in filters, hoses, and tanks, which affects performance. Over time, neglecting maintenance can lead to clogged parts, poor suction, and even long-term damage.
Whether you use your cleaner daily, weekly or less frequently, a simple routine can prevent most common issues. Let’s take a closer look at how to keep your machine in top condition.
1. Empty and Rinse the Tank After Every Use
After each cleaning session, always empty both the clean and dirty water tanks. Leaving water sitting in the tanks, especially dirty water, can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odours.
Once emptied, rinse both tanks thoroughly with warm water. If any residue is left behind, especially from cleaning solutions, it can affect performance the next time you use the machine.
2. Clean the Filters
Most upholstery cleaners come with one or more filters to trap debris. Over time, these get clogged and reduce airflow. This can put extra strain on the motor and lower suction power.
Check your user manual to locate the filters. Once found, remove them and rinse with warm water (no soap, unless the manual recommends it). Let them dry fully before putting them back in. Aim to do this at least once a month or more often if the machine sees heavy use.
3. Wipe Down Nozzles and Attachments
Nozzles, brushes, and other attachments often come into direct contact with dirt, grime, and cleaning products. After each use, rinse or wipe these parts with warm water and a soft cloth.
Look for any blockages in the spray tips or suction pathways, and remove any buildup. Keeping these parts clear helps maintain consistent pressure and avoids uneven cleaning.
4. Check for Hose Blockages
If your machine has a hose, it’s worth inspecting it now and again. Hairs, threads, or other small particles can build up inside. To check, detach the hose (if possible) and shine a torch through it to see if anything’s stuck.
For light blockages, flushing it with warm water can help. For more stubborn issues, use a flexible cleaning brush or pipe cleaner to gently dislodge debris.
5. Use the Right Cleaning Solution
Always use the cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. Some products contain ingredients that may clog parts or wear down seals. Using the right product keeps your machine working as it should and avoids avoidable damage.
If you’re working with different fabric types, make sure your solution is safe for the materials you’re treating—and that it won’t leave residue in your machine.
6. Store the Machine Correctly
Storage conditions matter. Keep your upholstery cleaner in a dry area, away from extreme temperatures. Never leave water or cleaning solution inside the tanks during storage.
Before storing it for longer periods, give it a full clean—rinse the tanks, filters, and hose, and let everything dry properly to prevent mould or mildew.
7. Schedule Deep Cleaning and Servicing
Every few months, give your cleaner a more thorough inspection. That includes checking internal parts (if accessible), tightening loose fittings, and cleaning components you may not tackle in regular use.
For professionals or heavy users, it’s also wise to have the machine serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician. Regular servicing can catch issues early and help avoid costly repairs.
8. Replace Worn Parts Promptly
Brush heads, seals, hoses and other parts can wear down over time. If a part looks damaged or isn’t working as it should, replace it quickly. Continuing to use worn parts can reduce cleaning performance and risk further damage.
Most manufacturers sell replacement parts online, and swapping out basic components is often easier than you might think.
9. Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Every model is slightly different. The best way to avoid mistakes is to follow the advice in the instruction manual. That includes using the right products, performing regular checks, and carrying out maintenance as recommended.
If you’ve lost the manual, many are available to download online from the manufacturer’s website.
10. Stay Consistent
It’s easy to forget routine care when things get busy. But a simple checklist or reminder system can help keep you on track. Consistency is what really makes the difference—most cleaning machines fail due to avoidable neglect.
Even five to ten minutes of attention after each use can go a long way in keeping your upholstery cleaner running like new.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your upholstery cleaner doesn’t require much time, but it does require a bit of consistency. A few small steps after each use, along with regular deep cleans and proper storage, will help your equipment last longer and perform better.
At Cleancare, we understand how important it is to get the best out of your tools. Whether you’re cleaning soft furnishings in a home or tackling commercial spaces, maintaining your upholstery cleaner helps you achieve better results with less effort.
If you need advice on choosing the right machine or keeping yours in good condition, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re always here to help.
