Guwahati, Oct. 14 -- In most Mumbai homes, the sofa is the busiest piece of furniture. It's where families watch cricket, kids do homework, guests sit during Ganpati and Diwali visits, and pets nap. With that much use, spills, sweat, skin cells and dust build up quickly, and the city's humidity makes it worse. Vacuuming helps, but sooner or later you'll need a sofa cleaning service to reach what you can't.

Before you call anyone, a few checks can help you avoid damaged fabric, lingering smells or a poor result.

Mumbai's coastal climate keeps indoor humidity high for much of the year, especially in the monsoon. Dust mites thrive in humid conditions, and damp fabric can develop mildew and a musty smell. A sofa that looks clean can still h...