HOW TO HIRE · CLEANING · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire an upholstery cleaner in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
An upholstery cleaning in Ireland costs €40–€150 per item, typically around €80. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring an upholstery cleaner in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers upholstery cleaner work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — fabric Protection Application — after cleaning, some services offer fabric protection treatments to guard against future stains and prolong the life of the upholstery.
- How does type of fabric change the price?Materials are usually charged on top of the labour. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does size of the upholstery change the price?The area covered is what the day rate is set against. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does level of soiling change the price?A basic option and a premium one are different jobs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Deodorising Services — deodorising services are often included to eliminate unpleasant odours from upholstery — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a upholstery cleaner job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
No licence or register applies to cleaners in Ireland. Anyone may trade as one, so the checks that matter are trader status, insurance, references and what is written down.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
That they are a trader, not a favour — a business name, an invoice, a VAT or tax reference if registered; Public liability insurance, and who the insurer is; Whether the person who quoted is the person who comes; References from two current customers, not testimonials on a page; What is in scope in writing, because 'a clean' means different things.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability; an agency also carries employer's liability and covers sickness. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
VAT at 13.5%, the reduced rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers upholstery cleaner work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — fabric Protection Application — after cleaning, some services offer fabric protection treatments to guard against future stains and prolong the life of the upholstery.
A good answer: Materials are usually charged on top of the labour. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: The area covered is what the day rate is set against. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: A basic option and a premium one are different jobs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Deodorising Services — deodorising services are often included to eliminate unpleasant odours from upholstery — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a upholstery cleaner job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability; an agency also carries employer's liability and covers sickness — stain Removal Treatments — specialised stain removal techniques are employed to tackle tough stains such as wine, ink, or pet accidents.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the upholstery cleaner starts, and an itemised invoice after — basic Upholstery Cleaning — this includes the removal of dust, dirt, and allergens from fabric surfaces using vacuuming and steam cleaning methods.
Getting the quote right
- Type of fabric — materials are usually charged on top of the labour.
- Size of the upholstery — the area covered is what the day rate is set against.
- Level of soiling — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs.
- Any additional services like stain removal — it is the detail most people forget to mention when asking.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: type of fabric — materials are usually charged on top of the labour
- They will not talk about it: size of the upholstery — the area covered is what the day rate is set against
- They will not talk about it: level of soiling — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs
- A price for the upholstery cleaner before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the upholstery cleaner has begun
What an upholstery cleaner costs: €40–€150 per item
The figures are for the job, per item, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Sofa cleaning and Chair cleaning each carry their own band. Upholstery Cleaning price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Upholstery cleaners near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstType of fabric — materials are usually charged on top of the labour — that is what the upholstery cleaner is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneSize of the upholstery — the area covered is what the day rate is set against — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfLevel of soiling — a basic option and a premium one are different jobs — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherAny additional services like stain removal — it is the detail most people forget to mention when asking — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the upholstery cleaner is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, size of the furniture — double the area and you are close to double the time.
- Basic Upholstery Cleaning
- This includes the removal of dust, dirt, and allergens from fabric surfaces using vacuuming and steam cleaning methods.
- Stain Removal Treatments
- Specialised stain removal techniques are employed to tackle tough stains such as wine, ink, or pet accidents.
- Deodorising Services
- Deodorising services are often included to eliminate unpleasant odours from upholstery.
- Fabric Protection Application
- After cleaning, some services offer fabric protection treatments to guard against future stains and prolong the life of the upholstery.
- Sofa Cleaning
- Involves deep cleaning of fabric or leather sofas to remove stains and allergens.
- Chair Cleaning
- Focuses on cleaning dining or accent chairs, restoring their appearance and hygiene.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring an upholstery cleaner: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the type of fabric, the size of the upholstery, the level of soiling, and any additional services like stain removal. Larger pieces or heavily soiled items will typically incur higher charges.
The duration largely depends on the size and type of the upholstery being cleaned. Generally, a standard sofa can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to clean thoroughly.
While general cleaning professionals can handle upholstery cleaning, a qualified specialist may be beneficial for delicate fabrics or complex stains. They have the training and experience to use the right techniques and products.
Many cleaning companies offer emergency or same-day services, but availability may vary. It's advisable to call ahead and confirm if they can accommodate your urgent cleaning needs.
Yes, many cleaning services allow you to book multiple jobs, such as carpet and upholstery cleaning, which may even lead to discounts. Always inquire about package deals when scheduling your appointments.
Out of scope items usually include repairs to damaged upholstery, deep cleaning of extremely soiled items, or cleaning items that require specialised care beyond standard methods. It's best to discuss specific needs with your cleaner.
MORE GUIDES
More hiring guides in cleaning
Upholstery cleaners near you
Sources — checked October 2026
- CCPC — your rights when you buy a service
- Consumer Rights Act 2022
- Revenue — VAT rates
- Courts Service — small claims
- Revenue — CARPET CLEANING (Certain repair and related services) — Reduced rate
- Revenue — current VAT rates (effective 1 January 2026)
- Revenue — VAT thresholds: €42,500 for a person supplying services only