Have ever wondered if your couches or sofas are swarming with bacteria and viruses? I’m sure those who are germ conscious may have asked this question and indeed, this is a good question to ask. Most homes aren’t exposed to a lot of people so the chances of your personal furniture being infested with bacteria are not the biggest worry. However for those public facilities there may be cause for concern. Places like hospitals, medical offices, health care facilities, and casinos etc. are exposed to high traffic and may be cause for concern. If you’re a small business owner or happen to entertain large numbers of guests, your soft surface upholstery may be at risk of holding harmful bacteria. Steam Masters will share will you some of the worse cases of bacteria found on upholstery and how to clean your furniture from those harmful bacteria.

How Long Do Germs & Viruses Live on Fabric Upholstery?

Exactly what kind of bacteria and viruses can live on soft surface upholstery? Many types of bacteria have been found on upholstery, such as MRSA or (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE or (Vancomycin-resistant enterococci), and influenza. Researchers have found many pathogens and viruses that survive on soft fabric, like upholstery, for several months. Other types will sometimes only last a few hours like the influenza virus. Studies to see if bacteria can be transferred has been done, but not with upholstery directly. Many studies were conducted on nurses clothing to see if they contained exposure from patients with the MRSA. It has been confirmed that the bacteria was transferred to 60 % of nurses. That leads many researchers to believe it can and often makes its way to peoples homes and businesses.

How to Clean, Disinfect & Sanitize a Used Fabric Sofa

So now that we know the threat of bringing home or coming in-contact with some of these harmful bacteria and viruses exist, the next step is to keep your environment free of those pathogens. Our focus today is on upholstery, but you will want to consider applying this as a cleaning method to all washable fabrics and clothes. You will want to invest in a disinfectant cleaner that is approved by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is a registered product to kill bacteria on soft surfaces. Many come in a spray bottle that can be applied with your regular cleaning. However you may want to do a deeper and more thorough cleaning. If so, you may want to use a steam cleaner with an attachment hose for upholstery. First do a quick surface cleaning with just water of your upholstery to lift dirt on the top. Then mix the disinfectant cleaner with water in the steamer. Go over the entire surface of the couch or sofa. Allow the disinfectant to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. Use straight water with the steamer and go over the entire surface of the upholstery. Note: do not over soak the upholstery. You will want to avoid pushing the bacteria deeper inside the furniture than what the steamer can remove. Allow the furniture to fully dry before use.

Professional Steam Upholstered Furniture Cleaning, Stain & Odor Removal & More in Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim & Huntington Beach California

You may think your home and business is safe from harmful bacteria, but that isn’t always the case. Steam Masters wants you to err on the side of caution and prevent you and your family from contracting a harmful illness. If you are in need of professional upholstery cleaning, Steam Master’s is here to help you. Call us today!