Pet odors in furniture are stubborn for a reason
If you live with dogs or cats, you already know the smell. It is faint one moment and strong the next, especially after a humid day or when the heat kicks on. Pet accidents soak through fabric and into the cushion core. Dander, skin oils, and bacteria settle deep inside seams and folds. Over time, normal household cleaning cannot reach the source, so the odor returns. That is why expert upholstery cleaning Burlington homeowners trust goes beyond a quick spray and wipe. It targets the layers you cannot see, then removes them safely.
Marathon Carpet Cleaning helps Burlington families and businesses refresh sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans, and mattresses with true odor removal. We serve southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, and our certified team uses tested methods that deal with the cause, not just the smell in the air. If you want a home that feels clean, not perfumed, you are in the right place.
Masking smells does not work. Removing the source does
Why coverups fail
Most store-bought sprays and powders use heavy fragrance to overwhelm your nose. They might even claim to neutralize odors, but often they only coat fabric. When humidity rises or a cushion is compressed, the trapped odor molecules release again. Powders leave residue that attracts soil and can cause gray shading on armrests and headrests. Worse, some products lock in stains, which makes professional removal harder later.
The source-removal difference
Real deodorizing breaks down the chemistry of the odor where it lives. Pet urine contains uric acid crystals that bond to fibers. These crystals are not water soluble after they dry. That is why simple water or steam alone will not solve the problem. Our upholstery cleaning Burlington service uses targeted solutions that dissolve or oxidize those crystals. Then hot water extraction removes the residue from both fabric and cushion layers. The result is a fresh piece of furniture without heavy perfumes or sticky film.
Our upholstery cleaning Burlington process for pet odors
1. Detailed inspection and testing
Every fabric is different. We begin with an on-site consultation to check labels, identify fiber type, and test for colorfastness. We map the problem areas using a UV light to reveal invisible urine salts and a moisture meter to check how deep the contamination goes. For delicate pieces, we choose low-moisture methods. For durable fabrics, we plan a deeper flush. This step ensures your furniture is treated safely and effectively.
2. Dry soil removal
Dust and hair act like a sponge for oils and odors. We pre-vacuum with a commercial HEPA unit to remove dry soil from seams, buttons, and cushion edges. Taking this time upfront makes the cleaning agents work better because they can focus on sticky residues rather than loose debris.
3. Targeted pet treatments
We apply professional odor neutralizers and enzyme-based treatments to the affected zones and allow proper dwell time. For stubborn contamination, we use specialized oxidizers that are safe for colorfast fabrics and designed to break the odor at a molecular level. Our technicians work the solution into the fibers with gentle agitation to reach below the surface without damaging the weave.
4. Deep rinse and hot water extraction
Next we flush the fabric with controlled hot water extraction using upholstery-specific tools. This step rinses contaminants from the fibers and lifts them away. On sensitive materials, we reduce moisture, adjust temperature, and shorten passes to protect shape and texture. The goal is a thorough clean that does not overwet the cushion.
5. pH balancing and grooming
A balanced pH helps fabric feel soft and stay clean longer. We follow the rinse with a fiber-friendly rinsing agent that leaves no sticky residue. Then we groom the nap of the fabric so it dries evenly with a smooth finish.
6. Speed drying
Air movers and careful airflow make a big difference in dry times. Most upholstery is dry to the touch within a few hours. We recommend using ceiling fans and opening airflow in the room to speed up the process. Faster drying means less chance of wick-back stains and a fresher result.
7. Post-clean protection
If you choose, we can apply a fabric protector that helps repel spills and everyday soil. This makes future cleanups easier and keeps your pieces looking newer for longer. It is a smart add-on for busy households with kids and pets.
What we clean safely
From family sofas to office chairs, Marathon Carpet Cleaning brings careful technique and the right tools for each fabric. Our upholstery cleaning Burlington service covers a wide range of materials so you do not have to guess what is safe.
- Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool blends, and rayon with appropriate testing and method selection
- Synthetics like polyester, microfiber, olefin, and acrylic
- Specialty textiles including velvet, chenille, jacquard, and some delicate prints with low-moisture approaches
- Mattresses, headboards, ottomans, dining chairs, recliners, and sectionals
Safe for kids, pets, and indoor air
We select quality solutions with low odor that rinse clean. No heavy perfumes. No gritty residue. Our process improves your indoor environment by removing dander, oils, and the bacteria that feed odors. If you have sensitivities, tell us. We will tailor products to meet your needs.
Signs you need professional upholstery cleaning in Burlington
- Persistent pet smell that returns when humidity rises
- Yellow shading or rings after DIY spot cleaning
- Darkened armrests or headrests from oils and dander
- Recurring spots that wick back after drying
- Increased sneezing or itchy eyes while sitting on the sofa
- Mattress odors that linger despite fresh sheets
- General dinginess, matted nap, or dull appearance
Smart DIY steps before we arrive
- Blot accidents quickly with white towels. Press firmly. Do not rub.
- Avoid steam over pet accidents. Heat can set uric acid crystals.
- Skip powder deodorizers. They can embed in fibers and attract soil.
- Test any cleaner on a hidden area first. Look for color transfer.
- Vacuum weekly with an upholstery tool to reduce dust and hair buildup.
- Keep pets off freshly cleaned areas until they are fully dry.
Why Burlington chooses Marathon Carpet Cleaning
Marathon Carpet Cleaning is a certified cleaning company based in Racine with an additional location in Union Grove. We serve homeowners and businesses across Burlington and the surrounding communities with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Our team brings the experience, equipment, and friendly service you expect from a local pro.
- Certified technicians who specialize in upholstery and pet odor treatments
- Industry-leading hot water extraction tools and low-moisture equipment
- Pro-grade enzymes and oxidizers that neutralize odors at the source
- Clear, honest pricing and on-site consultations
- Fast response times and convenient scheduling
- Care for delicate fabrics and complex sectionals
- Satisfaction guarantee on every service
More than upholstery: complete cleaning for homes and businesses
Fresh upholstery is only part of a clean space. Marathon Carpet Cleaning also provides carpet cleaning for wall-to-wall and area rugs, hard surface cleaning for tile, grout, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood floors, and tailored commercial cleaning for offices and apartment buildings. If you manage a lobby, waiting area, or model unit, our team can handle carpets, floors, and furniture in one visit. For homes, we can schedule upholstery and carpet cleaning together to save time and help you get back to normal faster.
Serving Burlington and the surrounding area
We are proud to offer upholstery cleaning Burlington residents trust, along with nearby communities across southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. Our service area includes Racine, Union Grove, Waterford, Sturtevant, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, and Kenosha. We also travel across the border to Antioch, Gurnee, Waukegan, and other parts of northeast Illinois. If you are unsure whether we come to your neighborhood, just reach out. We are happy to help.
FAQs about upholstery cleaning Burlington
How long does the process take, and when will my furniture be dry?
Most standard sofas or sectionals take one to three hours to clean depending on soil level and fabric type. Dry times range from two to six hours in most homes. Delicate fabrics and deep cushion flushes can take longer. We use air movers to speed drying where needed and share tips to keep airflow moving after we leave.
Can you remove old pet odors?
Many old odors can be removed or greatly reduced. The key is reaching the source. If contamination has reached the cushion core or decking, we may recommend a deeper decontamination process or cushion replacement. We give honest guidance after inspection so you can choose the best value option for your piece.
Will the smell come back?
When odor sources are neutralized and rinsed away, they do not return. Lingering odors usually mean there is still contamination in a hidden layer or nearby textiles like throw blankets or area rugs. We inspect the entire seating area and recommend a plan to address all contributors, which helps keep your furniture smelling fresh.
How much does professional upholstery cleaning cost?
Pricing depends on size, fabric type, and the level of pet treatment needed. We offer free on-site or virtual quotes, and we keep our pricing simple. Marathon Carpet Cleaning believes in clear expectations and no surprises. Reach out for a custom estimate for your sofa, sectional, chairs, or mattress.
How often should I clean my upholstery?
For most homes, a professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months keeps fabrics looking great. Homes with pets, kids, or allergy concerns benefit from cleaning every 6 to 12 months. Spot care in between can extend the time between deep cleanings.
Is your process safe for delicate fabrics?
Yes. We test every piece and choose the safest method for the fabric. Many delicate textiles are cleaned with low-moisture techniques and precise temperature control. Our goal is to preserve color, texture, and shape while removing soils and odors.
What makes our pet-odor treatment different
Marathon Carpet Cleaning focuses on real solutions. We do not rely on perfumes. We combine careful inspection with fabric-safe chemistry, controlled rinsing, and fast drying. This approach removes the food source for bacteria and breaks down the odor compounds for good. It is the same level of detail we bring to our carpet, hard surface, and commercial cleaning services, backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Your next step to a fresher home
If your sofa smells clean for a day then reverts to pet odor, it is time for a smarter plan. Choose upholstery cleaning Burlington homeowners count on to remove odors at the source. Marathon Carpet Cleaning offers friendly service, quality results, and flexible scheduling. Call now or book your free quote online. We will inspect your furniture, explain your options, and make a plan that fits your home, your pets, and your budget. Enjoy a living room that looks great and smells truly fresh again.
Marathon Carpet Cleaning is ready to help you refresh your upholstered furniture and more. Ask about bundle pricing for carpets, floors, and upholstery, and let us take the hassle out of deep cleaning. When you want results that last, choose the local team that treats your home like their own.