Upholstery Cleaning
Welcome to the upholstery section. Click on the links below to find out our procedures for providing you the most thorough upholstery cleaning possible. We have also made available a few self-help guides on properly maintaining your upholstery before and after our services. If you have any questions, please free to call us at 703-481-1261 and we would be happy to assist you.
Our 12 Step Upholstery Cleaning Program
Don't let just anyone clean your sensitive fabrics! Our company is experienced in cleaning the finest of upholstered fabrics. The following important steps will be taken in cleaning your upholstery.
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Step 1: Pre-Inspection
Our technician will perform special tests to determine the content of your fabric. The content will determine what type of cleaning solutions and techniques will be used. We will also point out any potential permanent stains or areas of concern.
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Step 2: Area Preparation
We will prepare the area where the upholstery will be cleaned to protect your surrounding furnishings.
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Step 3: Pre-Vacuuming
All textiles should be vacuumed thoroughly before cleaning. This step will remove dry soils and any loose particles from cracks and crevices.
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Step 4: Pre-Treatment
Depending on your fabric, a special solution designed for your fabric type and the soiling condition will be applied to emulsify the soil.
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Step 5: Pre-Spotting
Any potentially difficult spots will be pre-treated with special solutions to increase chances of removal.
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Step 6: Pre-Grooming
The fabric will then be gently groomed using soft brushes or towels to loosen the soil.
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Step 7: Soil Extraction and Rinse
The soil is then extracted from the fabric with a gentle, controlled rinse.
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Step 8: Neutralization
The fabric is then pH balanced to maintain it's soft, fresh feel.
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Step 9: Post-Spotting
Any remaining spots will be treated with special stain removal products. For longer fabric life and fewer permanent stains, have Fabric Protector applied!
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Step 10: Post-Grooming
Fabrics with a pile (such as velvet) will be gently combed with a special fabric brush.
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Step 11: Speed Drying
High velocity air movers will be placed on the upholstery to speed dry the fabric.
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Step 12: Post-Inspection
Our technician will review the cleaning results with you to insure that your expectations have been met or exceeded.
Upholstery Cleaning Overview

Because the fabric weaves, construction, soiling conditions, and the cleanability of upholstered furniture differs greatly from carpeting, we thoroughly inspect and test the fabric first to determine the safest and most effective way to clean it. Most upholstered furniture is not manufactured with the intention that it will need to be cleaned later. This means that on rare occasions, there are times when upholstery can be cleaned in accordance with generally accepted industry standards, with due diligence and care, yet the appearance of the fabric can be negatively affected.
Your upholstery fabrics will be tested for fiber content, construction, likelihood of texture change, shrinking tendencies, colorfastness, browning tendencies, and wet or dry cleaning capabilities. We then will carefully select the correct cleaning process for your upholstery, using either specialized low moisture extraction techniques or high performance hot water extraction tools. Only safe, effective cleaning solutions are applied. The very finest care will be provided, and any potential cleaning difficulties will be carefully explained.
Because of the variables involved in the blends of upholstery fabrics, soiling, and environmental conditions that may exist, we cannot be responsible for the following.
- Aging or deterioration
- Migrating marks from the back of fabric, cushion, or frame
- Unstable dyes/color bleeding
- Deteriorated foam cushions
- Fabric yellowing or restoring white fabric
- Urine contamination
- Finish or glaze loss
- Frayed piping or welting
- Broken zippers
- Breakdown of fabric back-coating
- Shrinkage
- Removal of stains
- Browning
- Fading
- Water marking on the fabric or platform
- Pre-existing wear and tears
- Loose frames, legs
- Nicked wood trim
- Loose or missing buttons
There may be other conditions and limitations that the cleaning technician will note on the work order and explain to you.
We will clean your upholstery in accordance with IICRC S300 Standard Reference Guide for Professional Upholstery Cleaning and using techniques and cleaning solutions developed by Bridgepoint Systems, a world leader in textile cleaning solutions. We will employ agitation and grooming tools as part of the cleaning process that are specifically designed for the delicate weave of upholstered fabrics. We will apply a rinse solution or topical spray that will stabilize color, pH neutralize your fabric, and leave your fabric feeling soft, smelling refreshed and looking great!
How to Care about Upholstery
All things begin to show their wear over time, but you can take steps to slow down the aging and improve the appearance of your upholstery.
- Rotate all loose cushions frequently to assure even wear.
- Vacuum dust & dirt from all fabric, cracks & crevices frequently. This will reduce grit that can cause abrasion.
- Protect upholstery from the sun. Ultraviolet light can cause deterioration.
- Keep pets off of furniture. Pet body oils rub off and are very difficult to remove.
- Use caution with clothing such as Blue Jeans. Fabric dyes can transfer onto upholstered furniture.
- Get Fabric Protection when you have your upholstery cleaned. It is the best possible way to extend the life of your upholstery.
How to Remove Spots on Upholstery
All upholstered furniture will become soiled through use. Most spills & soil on fabric protection treated upholstery will clean easily and quickly provided that the proper cleaning procedures are followed. A fabric protection application is not an absolute impenetrable barrier and improper cleaning methods can damage both the fabric and the treatment.
- Blot (don't rub) spills immediately with a clean absorbent cloth while spill is still fresh. Dried spills are more difficult to remove.
- Identify the cleaning code for your type of fabric. This is very important to determine the type of cleaner to use.
- Always read & follow the instructions on the cleaning agent.
- Use distilled water with the cleaning agent if water is called for (W & WS Codes only).
- Pretest any cleaner on any fabric in a hidden area. Check for color fastness and fabric compatibility.
- Keep a small spill small. Work lightly, blotting from center to the edges. "Feather" the edges by dampening edges irregularly and blotting quickly to avoid rings.
- Quickly dry a cleaned spot using a small fan or blow dryer on low.
Fabric Protector

After your fabric is cleaned, it will need to be protected. Fabric Protector keeps your fabric cleaner longer and helps avoid permanent staining. Don't leave your fabric unprotected!
Tus Group uses carpet and upholstery protector. For natural fabrics and delicate weaves, we will apply fine fabric protector, a solvent-based protector specifically formulated for specialty fabrics. The protector will be sprayed evenly onto the fabric and brushed in. Your next cleaning will be more effective as the protector will "encapsulate" body oils and soils that accumulate on the fabric. When it is cleaned, more soil will be removed as a result of the treatment. It is not an absolute impenetrable barrier, but it is by far the best way to keep your upholstery in top condition.
Client Testimonials
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"I had the pleasure of doing business with The Tu's Group. Mr. Tu was extremely professional and knowledgeable. They cleaned my white sofa and informed me of everything they were going to do before they did it. He was exceptionally thorough and definitely exceeded my expectations. I will be using The Tu's Group on a yearly basis. Thank you so much for your outstanding work and friendly customer service!!!!"
~Nicole Thompson, Ashburn, VA
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"I was extremely pleased with the work completed by the Tu's Group. Two years ago, they cleaned my living room furniture that was badly stained by a dog. When they were finished, the furniture looked brand new. Just recently they cleaned my carpets and did a wonderful job. Mr. Tu was able to remove black shoe polish stains that were at least 4 years on the carpet. The Tu's Group is highly professional and their work is extremely high quality."
~Andrea Tassan, Herndon, VA
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"I have been referring clients to The Tu's Group for many years, as well as used their services personally. They are extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of their business, from carpet and hardwood flooring installation, carpet and upholstery cleaning (oriental carpets, too) to mold remediation. They are a trusted business partner for me and I highly recommend their services."
~Barbara Steiner, Associate Broker, ERA Teachers, Inc., Herndon, VA
Certification
Your home deserves the best care it can get, and you can rest assured that it will with Tus Group Our specialists are carefully trained and certified by the best organizations in the industry. The following are certifications obtained by Tus Group Owner and President, Peter Tu.
- Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC, The CleanTrust)
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning
- Journeyman Textile Cleaner
- Color Repair
Our Service Areas
Tus Group provides services in the following areas: Northern Virginia, Loudoun County VA, Prince William County VA, Fairfax County VA, Arlington County VA, Sterling VA, Ashburn VA, Vienna VA, Great Falls VA, McLean VA, Reston VA, Herndon VA, Fairfax VA.