It’s one of the most common problems we’re asked about—and often one of the trickiest to fix: head grease marks on upholstery. Over time, oils from our hair and skin can build up on sofas and chairs, especially in those spots we lean on most often—headrests, armrests, and cushions.

At Careclean Essex, we’ve seen all kinds of upholstery challenges, and head grease stains are right up there when it comes to stubborn marks. But with the right cleaning methods, it is possible to reduce or remove them and get your furniture looking fresh again.

Why Does Head Grease Build Up on Upholstery?

Our skin naturally produces oils, and when we sit or lie back on the same spot day after day, those oils gradually transfer onto the fabric. Over time, that creates darker patches that can be difficult to remove—especially if they’ve had a chance to build up over months or even years.

It’s more noticeable on lighter fabrics, but even darker tones can show dull patches or a greasy feel.

Can You Clean It Yourself?

We understand the temptation to try a quick fix, but unfortunately, head grease doesn’t usually respond well to DIY solutions. Most off-the-shelf upholstery cleaners are designed for general dirt and stains—not for breaking down body oils. In some cases, home attempts can push the grease deeper into the fibres, making the problem worse.

We always recommend speaking to a professional first—especially if your upholstery is delicate or made from natural materials like cotton or linen.

How We Tackle Head Grease at Careclean Essex

When we clean upholstery with visible head grease marks, we use a combination of:

• Specialist pre-treatment solutions that break down body oils
• Gentle agitation to lift the grease without damaging the fabric
• Professional rinse extraction to remove the residues completely

The exact approach depends on the type of fabric and how long the stain has been there. Some marks can be significantly reduced in a single clean; others may need more than one visit or ongoing maintenance.

How to Prevent Future Build-Up of Head Grease on You Upholstery

While no upholstery will stay perfect forever, there are a few things you can do to slow down head grease build-up:

• Use washable headrest covers or throws on the areas that get the most use
• Rotate cushions regularly if possible
• Book in regular professional cleaning—especially if your furniture sees daily use

You may also want to consider our Maintenance Plan, which spreads the cost of regular cleaning and helps keep your carpets, upholstery and rugs looking their best all year round.

📖 Learn more about our Maintenance Plan here

Need Help with Stains or Head Grease on Upholstery?

If your sofa or chairs are looking a bit tired and you’ve spotted dark patches where you rest your head, we’re happy to help.

📞 Call Careclean Essex today on 01245 323989 for friendly advice or to book a professional upholstery clean.

📍 Trusted since 1984 – Based at Highlands Farm, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford

Not in our catchment area, check out the NCCA website to find your local accredited cleaning company!