Five photos to send with a sofa cleaning request

1. The full piece, including separate sections

Stand far enough back to show the whole sofa. For a sectional, include both ends and the chaise. Photograph an ottoman or matching chair separately if you want it included. A short description helps: sofa plus chaise, two armchairs, or a recliner with fabric arms.

Say how many pieces there are and whether they are all in the same room. Do not rely on the furniture’s advertised seat count to explain its size.

2. The surfaces you want cleaned

Show the seats, arms and backs in normal light. Tell us whether the request includes the outside back, sides, loose pillows or both faces of removable cushions. A sofa placed against a wall can have a very different scope from one visible from every side.

Ask what needs to be moved before the visit. Do not pull a heavy sofa away from the wall on your own simply to photograph a surface.

3. A cushion and any different materials

Take a close photo of the fabric texture and cushions. Mention contrasting trim, a different fabric on the back or any part that is leather or another material. A zip does not establish that a cover is washable or suitable for the same treatment as the rest of the sofa.

If you have removed or washed covers before, tell us how that went, including shrinkage, color changes or remaining marks.

4. The manufacturer’s care label

Look beneath a removable cushion or under the frame if it is safely accessible. Photograph the whole label so the instructions can be read. If it is missing, tell us instead of guessing what the fabric might be.

The label and the condition of the piece help decide the next step. Photos are a starting point; they do not guarantee that every material can be cleaned in the same way.

5. Stains, wear and the details that do not show

Take close-ups of problem spots and explain their cause and age if known. List products already used. Tell us about pet accidents or odors even when there is no visible stain. Worn fabric, fading and damage are different from dirt, and cleaning may not reverse them.

Finish with your city, building type and any parking, stairs or elevator rules. Before booking, confirm what the estimate covers, what may still need checking and how to plan for drying.

• Full sofa and every additional piece.
• Seats, arms, backs and cushion surfaces to include.
• Fabric close-up and the full care label.
• Problem spots, treatment history, location and access details.