Should You Hire a Cleaner for Pet Vomit on Upholstered Chairs?
- Pet vomit on chairs is harder to clean than it looks. Find out why DIY often fails and when calling a professional upholstery cleaner is the smarter choice.
Should you get professional help for pet vomit on upholstered chairs?
Yes, hiring a professional is often the best solution for pet vomit on upholstered chairs. Vomit does not just stain the surface — it seeps deep into the fabric and padding, bringing with it stomach bile, enzymes and moisture that are difficult to fully remove without expert tools. Even if the stain looks clean, odours often return because residues remain hidden below the surface. A professional cleaner uses fabric safe methods and moisture extraction to fully neutralise smells and protect your furniture from long term damage.
Table of Contents
What makes pet vomit more challenging to clean than other household stains?
Pet stomach acid and upholstery problems
Vomit from pets contains acids that react with upholstery. The fabric draws in both liquid and enzymes, slowly weakening fibres and reaching deep into the chair. Early on, a stain might not look serious, but the smell tends to worsen with time.
With thick cushions or plush textures, vomit settles into deeper layers that regular products cannot reach. For pet owners, this can make cleaning feel endless and ineffective, especially when dealing with repeat accidents or dog sick on chair cushions.
Why surface cleaning often is not enough
Wiping a visible stain away might help the appearance, but it will not fix the underlying issue. Moisture and bacteria continue to release odours unless fully removed. Even strong cleaning sprays often underperform when they are not applied thoroughly.
Enzyme sprays need proper coverage and enough time to work. Without that, homeowners may find themselves cleaning again and again with no improvement. Deep clean chairs with fabric safe products to prevent recurring odour and potential fibre damage.
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How does fabric type affect the success of DIY pet stain cleaning?
Fabric cleaning codes explained
Check your upholstery label for cleaning guidance:
- W: Use water based cleaning solutions
- S: Use solvent based products only
- WS: Either option is allowed
- X: Professional cleaning only
Using an unsuitable cleaner can ruin delicate fabrics. Water on a solvent only surface might cause marks or damage that will not come out. For long lasting results, always follow the cleaning codes for chairs.
Dealing with water sensitive materials
Silk, velvet and wool hold on to liquid longer than synthetic materials. They take longer to dry and are more prone to musty smells and mould. They also stain more easily, and harsh cleaners can damage the fibres. These fabrics increase the risk of irreversible damage if incorrect techniques are used.
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester are more forgiving, but even they can suffer damage if soaked or treated with the wrong solution. Moisture extraction is key to maintaining structural integrity in both natural and synthetic upholstery.
Which DIY cleaning methods are most effective for pet vomit?
Homemade options that actually help
Many people start with basic fixes like bicarbonate of soda and vinegar or diluted washing up liquid. These methods can help with light stains or surface smells, but they rarely clean the area completely.
Enzyme based sprays such as Nature’s Miracle and Simple Solution are much more effective. They are designed to break down organic matter and remove pet related smells safely. These options are useful for home stain removal tips and fabric penetration issues.
When home remedies fall short
Even with the best products, home cleaning does not always go far enough. Enzymes need more than a quick spray. They often require repeat use and enough time to break down the residue.
If stains or smells return, it usually means the cleaning did not reach the padding. Without proper extraction tools, it is very difficult to remove all the moisture and waste. This is where rental machines or certified upholstery specialists become necessary.
More Helpful Reading:
British Institute of Cleaning Science – credibility source for cleaning standards.
RSPCA Pet Care Advice – advice on safe cleaning with pets in the home.
Pro Tip: Always check the fabric tag before cleaning — using the wrong method can set the stain permanently.

Kevin DeSousa
Director
How do you know it is time to call a professional cleaner?
Clear signs that DIY has failed
If the chair still smells or shows water rings after several attempts, it likely needs expert help. Ongoing odours or new stains after drying are signs the damage runs deeper than the surface. Professional steam cleaning services can eliminate embedded odour sources and improve drying time.
Professional cleaners use extraction machines and fabric safe odour neutralisers. These reach the core of the stain and leave the fabric clean, fresh and undamaged.
The cost of risking damage to expensive fabric
Some chairs should never be cleaned at home. High value pieces, delicate fabrics or anything labelled “X” require a professional touch. The cost of a mistake is often much higher than hiring a cleaner.
Professionals choose the right tools and solvents for every material. They also check for odour sources and use techniques that avoid over wetting or damage. With emergency cleaning and insured cleaning team support, the process is safer and more reliable.
If you are based in South West London, T and M Cleaning Services London provides expert upholstery help. Our local team is fully trained and works across Richmond, Wimbledon, Kingston and nearby areas.
Same day service across South West London. We bring everything needed to fix the mess.
See ServicesWhat should you expect to pay for professional upholstery cleaning?
What is included in the cost
Professional cleaning usually costs between £50 and £150 per chair. The price reflects stain inspection, safe cleaning, drying and odour treatment. Some services include optional extras like protective sprays.
These services not only clean more thoroughly, they also reduce the chance of damage or repeated cleaning. You will receive professional attention that protects against fabric wear and maintains long term freshness.
Pro Tip: Enzyme cleaners need to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes to work properly. Rushing this step often leads to returning odours.

Laura Higgins
Cleaning Manager
Comparing DIY costs with expert help
DIY cleaning might seem cheaper, but it often leads to frustration or further issues. If you end up replacing a stained chair, the cost can rise quickly. Hiring a certified upholstery cleaning company gives peace of mind with guaranteed results.
T and M Cleaning Services provides same day help in South West London. With over 10 years of experience, we offer practical solutions for any upholstery problem and help restore your furniture the right way.
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