Neither water- nor solvent-based cleaning solutions are safe to use. Only vacuuming or professional cleaning is safe. Upholstery is trickier to clean than carpet because it can be made from a wide variety of fibers and fabrics. Some, like synthetic microfiber or cotton chenille, can be cleaned with most products. Silk damask, on the other hand, could be damaged when cleaned with a water-based method.

So before you grab any old cleaner from your cabinet and start spraying, it's a must to know what type of cleaning process is safest for the fabric covering your chair. Check the care tag on your upholstered furniture before you clean it so you know exactly how to clean your couch.