How to Be Upholstery Cleaner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 6, 2021   /   5 Minutes Read   /   By Albert
  • How to Become
  • Job Descriptions
  • Skill & Competencies
  • Interview Questions
  • Common Tools
  • Professional Organizations
  • FAQ
  • Links

    • Excess dirt, dust, and other debris can cause upholstery in a home or business to become worn and dingy over time. Regular maintenance, including vacuuming and spot cleaning, can help reduce these effects, but for a deep cleaning, an upholstery cleaner is necessary. Upholstery cleaners use specialized solutions that are designed to break down dirt and oils, making them easier to remove.

    This helps to restore the natural beauty of upholstery, providing a brighter, cleaner look. upholstery cleaners can help to extend the life of furniture, saving money in the long run.

    Steps How to Become

    1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers prefer to hire upholstery cleaners who have a high school diploma or GED.
    2. Obtain on the Job Training. Upholstery cleaners typically gain their skills and experience through on-the-job training, usually under the supervision of an experienced upholstery cleaner.
    3. Learn Safety Practices. Upholstery cleaners must learn and follow safety practices when using cleaning supplies and equipment.
    4. Learn Upholstery Cleaning Techniques. Upholstery cleaners must have a knowledge of fabric types and cleaning techniques in order to properly clean furniture and other items.
    5. Obtain Certification. Many employers prefer to hire upholstery cleaners who have obtained certification from an accredited organization.
    6. Build a Clientele. Many upholstery cleaners build their own client base and earn money by word-of-mouth referrals.

    The quality of an upholstery cleaner's work depends heavily on their reliability and competence. When selecting an upholstery cleaner, it is important to look for someone with a proven track record of success and expertise in the field. An experienced and trustworthy upholstery cleaner will be able to identify the right products and techniques to use to clean your furniture, resulting in a better cleaning job.

    Furthermore, they will be able to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the cleaning process is not damaging to the furniture or its fabric. Finally, a reliable and competent upholstery cleaner will ensure that the job is finished in a timely manner, leaving you with a clean and beautiful piece of furniture that looks like new again.

    You may want to check Commercial Cleaner, Janitorial Cleaner, and Pool Cleaner for alternative.

    Job Description

    1. Vacuum furniture to remove dust and dirt
    2. Pre-treat spots and stains
    3. Spray upholstery with cleaning solution
    4. Use appropriate brushes and cloths to scrub upholstery
    5. Extract dirt and debris from fabrics
    6. Rinse and dry upholstery
    7. Apply fabric protectant to preserve fabrics
    8. Remove and dispose of cleaning solutions
    9. Maintain cleaning equipment and supplies
    10. Record job progress and results

    Skills and Competencies to Have

    1. Knowledge of fabric types and cleaning methods.
    2. Ability to identify and remove stains from upholstery.
    3. Skill in using a variety of cleaning products and equipment.
    4. Ability to follow health and safety guidelines.
    5. Attention to detail and accuracy when cleaning furniture.
    6. Good customer service skills to deal with clients effectively.
    7. Knowledge of upholstery repair techniques.
    8. Ability to work independently and follow instructions.
    9. Physical strength and stamina to move furniture and clean for extended periods.
    10. Time management and organizational skills to complete tasks efficiently.

    Having an eye for detail and excellent organizational skills are essential for success when it comes to upholstery cleaning. Being able to properly assess the state of the furniture and determine the best course of action is key. Cleaners must also have a thorough understanding of different fabric types and the cleaning techniques that work best for each.

    They must be able to choose the perfect cleaning solutions and possess the skill to apply them correctly. upholstery cleaners must be able to identify any stains or damage and use the appropriate techniques for removal. It is important to use the right tools for the job, such as brushes, vacuums and extraction machines, as well as the right detergents and solvents.

    Lastly, upholstery cleaners must be able to identify any potential threats and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the furniture. With these skills, upholstery cleaners have the ability to restore furniture’s appearance and extend its useful life.

    Floor Cleaner, Grounds Cleaner, and Laundry Cleaner are related jobs you may like.

    Frequent Interview Questions

    • What experience do you have in upholstery cleaning?
    • How familiar are you with different types of upholstery fabrics and finishes?
    • How do you identify the best cleaning method for various types of fabrics and finishes?
    • What safety protocols do you follow when cleaning upholstery?
    • What techniques do you use to remove stubborn stains from upholstery?
    • How do you determine how much cleaning solution to use on a particular piece of upholstery?
    • What type of cleaning equipment and supplies do you typically use?
    • How do you ensure that your upholstery cleaning services are effective and efficient?
    • What processes do you use to ensure customer satisfaction when providing upholstery cleaning services?
    • Do you have any experience dealing with customers who have allergies or sensitive skin?

    Common Tools in Industry

    1. Vacuum Cleaner. Used to remove dirt, dust and debris from upholstery fabric. (eg: Hoover WindTunnel Vacuum Cleaner)
    2. Steam Cleaner. Used to deep clean upholstery fabric, removing stubborn stains and odors. (eg: Bissell SpotClean Pro Portable Deep Cleaner)
    3. Upholstery Brush. Used to gently scrub fabric to remove dirt and debris. (eg: OXO Good Grips Upholstery Brush)
    4. Stain Remover. Used to treat specific stains, such as pet urine, grease and coffee. (eg: Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner Spray)
    5. Foam Cleaner. Used to create a foam that can be used to remove dirt and grime. (eg: Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Cleaner)
    6. Spot Cleaner. Used to target specific spots for cleaning. (eg: BISSELL SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot Cleaner)
    7. Shampooer. Used to shampoo upholstery fabric and effectively remove dirt and debris. (eg: Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner)

    Professional Organizations to Know

    1. Association of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners (ACUC)
    2. IICRC - The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
    3. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
    4. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
    5. The Carpet and Fabricare Institute (CFI)
    6. The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
    7. The Textile Producers Association (TPA)
    8. The National Cleaning Association (NCA)
    9. The National Association of Professional Carpet Cleaners (NAPCC)
    10. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA)

    We also have Pressure Cleaner, Industrial Cleaner, and Dishwasher Cleaner jobs reports.

    Common Important Terms

    1. Detergent. A substance used for washing or cleaning, typically made from synthetic or chemical ingredients.
    2. Pre-treatment. A process used before cleaning to remove stains and soils from fabrics.
    3. Spot Cleaning. A targeted cleaning process done to remove a single stain or spot on a piece of fabric.
    4. Hot Water Extraction. A deep cleaning process that uses hot water and cleaning solutions to remove dirt and other deposits from fabrics.
    5. Traffic Lane Cleaning. A process used to remove dirt and soil from areas of heavy foot traffic on carpets and upholstery.
    6. Dry Cleaning. A cleaning process that uses solvents instead of water to remove dirt and stains from fabrics.
    7. Stain Removal. Process used to remove spots or stains from fabrics.
    8. Fabric Protection. A process that helps to protect fabrics from dirt and stains by using a protective coating.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of fabric can I use Upholstery Cleaner on?

    Upholstery Cleaner is safe to use on most types of fabrics, including cottons, polyesters, and microfibers.

    Does Upholstery Cleaner contain any harsh chemicals?

    No, Upholstery Cleaner is made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are non-toxic and non-irritating.

    How often should I use Upholstery Cleaner?

    Upholstery Cleaner should be used as often as needed to keep your furniture looking and smelling fresh.

    Is Upholstery Cleaner safe for pets?

    Yes, Upholstery Cleaner is pet-friendly and is safe for use around children and pets.

    What is the shelf life of Upholstery Cleaner?

    Upholstery Cleaner has a shelf life of 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place.

    Web Resources

    Author Photo
    Reviewed & Published by Albert
    Submitted by our contributor
    Cleaner Category
    « Previous
    How to Be Floor Cleaner - Job Description and Skills
    Next »
    How to Be Pressure Cleaner - Job Description and Skills