Understanding Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Codes

The first thing to do if you have a stain on your upholstery is to look for the fabric’s cleaning code. If the piece is store-bought, the code should be on the tag. If it’s been reupholstered, check with the fabric manufacturer. At Sailrite®, we list the fabric codes (or other care and cleaning instructions) on each fabric’s product page.

Once you’ve determined how to clean your fabric, it’s always a good idea to pre-test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous spot on the fabric. This way you can make sure the cleaner works and doesn’t leave a spot or cause the colors to bleed. If you’re in doubt about how to proceed, it’s usually best to call a professional upholstery cleaner.

“W” — Code W stands for ‘Water based cleaner’ and these are the easiest fabrics to clean. This is not the same as being machine washable, however. This code means that you can spot clean your fabric with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. You can use a brush to agitate the cleaner or even an upholstery attachment on a carpet cleaner. Be careful to avoid over-wetting the stain.

“S” — Fabrics that are Code S must be cleaned with solvents (dry clean only). You can spot treat stains with a water-free solvent or dry-cleaning product. Use solvent cleaners in a well-ventilated room and keep away from open flames. Avoid using cleaning products containing carbon tetrachloride, as it is highly toxic.

“W/S” — A W/S code, as you might expect, means that a combination of dry cleaning solvents and water-based cleaners may be used. These fabrics can be spot cleaned with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. This is a case where the pre-test is especially important. For overall dirt, call a professional to clean these fabrics.

“X” — If you have fabrics with Code X, they can only be cleaned by vacuuming or light brushing. A Code X means the fabric is not cleanable with water or solvent cleaners.

Now you’re equipped with a guide for cleaning upholstery fabrics, so you’ll know just how to handle that next stain on your sofa! For day-to-day care and cleaning, here are some basic tips on keeping your upholstery looking good for years to come.

Basic Upholstery Fabric Care Tips

• For everyday cleaning of your upholstered pieces, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum the surface of the furniture to remove any loose dirt.  It’s also a good idea to vacuum underneath the cushions as well.
• If you can, flip your cushions regularly to distribute the wear and to reduce soiling.
• Clean spills immediately by gently blotting with a clean, absorbent cloth. If a stain remains, then you’ll have to do some deeper cleaning according to the fabric’s code.

If your fabric is soiled beyond repair, maybe it’s time to reupholster. Shop Sailrite for new upholstery fabric and watch our free upholstery videos to learn step-by-step how to reupholster different furniture items.

Have you tried DIY upholstery cleaning? Share your tips and techniques in the comments!