Understanding Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Codes

Do you have a stain on your sofa? A dirt spot on your chair? It can be tricky to figure out the best course of action for dirt and stains on upholstery. Luckily, most decorator fabrics and upholstery pieces are labeled with a cleaning code and, once you understand the codes, you can tackle most mild cleaning jobs yourself. We’re going to take a look at those cleaning codes as well as some best practices for great looking, long-lasting upholstery.

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. 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.

• 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.

Upholstery cleaning codes help explain which cleaning methods are safe for a specific fabric. Before using any cleaner on a sofa, sectional, chair, or upholstered furniture piece, check the fabric tag or manufacturer’s instructions. Using the wrong cleaning method can leave water marks, damage the fabric, cause color bleeding, or make the stain worse.

Even when a fabric has a cleaning code that allows spot cleaning, it is still best to test the cleaner on a small, hidden area first. This helps confirm that the cleaner will not discolor the upholstery, leave a ring, or affect the texture.

The first step before cleaning upholstery is finding the fabric cleaning code. On many sofas and chairs, the code is listed on a tag attached underneath the seat cushions, along the deck of the sofa, or on the underside of the furniture. If the cushions are removable, check the cushion tag as well as the main frame.

If the furniture was custom-made, reupholstered, or purchased without a visible tag, check with the store, manufacturer, or fabric supplier before cleaning. They may be able to confirm the correct cleaning code based on the fabric name or order details.

If you cannot find the code, avoid guessing. A fabric that looks durable may still require solvent cleaning, while another fabric may be safe for water-based spot cleaning. When in doubt, contact a professional upholstery cleaner before using any cleaning product.

Before cleaning a stain, remove loose dirt and debris with a vacuum and upholstery attachment. This helps prevent dust or crumbs from spreading into the fabric once moisture or cleaning product is applied. If the stain is fresh, gently blot it with a clean, absorbent cloth instead of rubbing it.

Next, check the cleaning code and choose a cleaner that matches the fabric instructions. Always pre-test the cleaner in a hidden area before applying it to the visible stain. This is especially important for darker fabrics, delicate materials, patterned upholstery, and any fabric with a W/S code.

Avoid soaking the fabric, scrubbing aggressively, or using multiple cleaning products at once. Too much moisture can create water rings, affect the cushion underneath, or make the stain spread. If the stain is large, old, oily, or difficult to identify, professional cleaning may be the safer option.

One of the most common mistakes is using water on a fabric that requires solvent cleaning. This can leave rings, discoloration, or texture changes. Another mistake is assuming that a water-safe fabric can be soaked. Even with Code W fabrics, too much moisture can damage the upholstery or cushion materials underneath.

Rubbing a stain too hard can also make the problem worse. Scrubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibers or damage the surface of the fabric. Blotting is usually safer, especially when dealing with fresh spills.

It is also important to avoid using harsh cleaners, bleach, or all-purpose household sprays unless the manufacturer specifically says they are safe for that fabric. Upholstery fabrics are not all cleaned the same way, so the cleaning code should guide the process.