But what happens when that stylish new furniture — bought with the best intentions during a costly refurbishment — starts looking tired before its time? That’s the moment many caretakers and site managers realise that longevity doesn’t just come from quality. It comes from care.
So lets get into “Why School Upholstery Needs Professional Cleaning”…
The Real Cost of Neglecting Upholstery
We visited a school in Cambridge with this exact situation. Less than two years earlier, they had invested in a suite of designer-style chairs and pouffes for their art room. These weren’t budget pieces — they were chosen carefully, with longevity in mind.
However, here’s the catch… although someone mopped the floors and emptied the bins daily, no one was responsible for cleaning the upholstery. Over time, stains and ink marks began to build up, especially in the creative space where children were encouraged to express themselves — not just on the specially painted walls, but on the chairs too.
By the time we were called in, heavy traffic had left visible marks on the pouffes and chairs, giving the room an unkempt feel. No one damaged furniture beyond repair, but it had deteriorated far faster than expected.
What We Did With The Upholstery (And What It Proved)
When Art of Clean arrived, we carried out a deep clean on all the upholstered items. Our team used specialist tools and fabric-safe products to lift out the ink marks, restore the vibrancy of the fabrics, and give the whole space a refresh. Nearly every stain came out. And just as importantly, the chairs looked cared for again.
The caretaker later told us how children were noticeably more respectful of the furniture after the clean. It turns out that when you show high standards, young people tend to meet them.
Why Regular Upholstery Cleaning Makes a Difference
Here are three reasons schools in Cambridge (and beyond) should build upholstery care into their cleaning plans:
1. Protects Your Investment
Modern school furniture isn’t cheap. Whether it’s ergonomic classroom chairs or bespoke reading pods in the library, it pays to maintain them properly. Regular professional cleaning could extend the usable life of soft furnishings by years… saving money in the long run.
2. Maintains a Respectful Learning Environment
Children and young people are quick to sense when a space is cared for. Clean, well-maintained furniture sends a quiet message about respect and responsibility… and that shapes behaviour.
3. Healthier Spaces for Everyone
Fabric chairs absorb more than marks. Dust, allergens, and unseen grime build up over time. A professional deep clean helps create cleaner, healthier spaces for both staff and pupils.
A Quiet Reminder: Maintenance Isn’t Optional
No matter how high-quality your furnishings are, they won’t last if they’re not cared for. Including soft furnishings in your regular cleaning schedule isn’t just good practice. It’s a smart decision that protects budgets raises standards and quietly teaches pupils the value of care.
Looking to refresh your school’s soft seating or want to know if you can restore a particular fabric? We’re happy to advise.
Need help deciding what’s right for your school? Let’s talk it through.
We might not be in your catchment, but you can find all UK-accredited companies at the NCCA website.
