Almost every upholstered sofa, armchair and dining chair carries a cleaning code on a tag. That code is the maker's instruction for which cleaners are safe on the fabric. Skipping it is one of the quickest ways to shrink, fade or stain a good piece of furniture.
The four codes are W, S, WS and X, and each points to a different cleaning method. Once you know what each letter means, you can choose the right product and avoid costly damage. Treating every couch the same way is a common reason fabrics get damaged.
Check the tag under the cushions
The four codes
W Water-based cleaner
Code W means the fabric can take water-based cleaning, but only in careful amounts. Use a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner, and pretest first on a hidden area before you use only the foam, not the liquid, applied with a soft brush.
For a spot, dampen a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap solution, blot gently and let it air dry, then vacuum once it is dry. Never saturate the fabric, because water can reach the filling and cause shrinkage or color bleeding. Do not use solvents on W-coded fabric, and skip hot water extraction and steam cleaning, which are not recommended for this code.
S Solvent only
Code S means the fabric should be spot cleaned only with a water-free dry-cleaning solvent. Never use water on S-coded fabric, because it can damage the fabric or leave rings.
Ventilate the room when using solvents, and keep them away from an open flame, a pilot light or sparks. Never pour cleaner directly onto the fabric, and use only water-free solvent cleaners. Cushion covers on S-coded furniture should not be removed and dry cleaned.
WS Water or solvent
Code WS, which is sometimes written SW, means both water-based and solvent cleaners are safe to use. Test either method on a hidden area first.
Rub the soiled area gently with neutral soap and water, from side to center. Rinse with plain water to remove the soap, then buff or vacuum to keep the suede look and feel. Suede-look microfiber follows the same steps, but do not saturate the fabric, and heavier oil-based stains may need a solvent compound.
X Vacuum or brush only
Code X means the fabric should get no foam or liquid cleaner at all. Vacuum or brush lightly first to remove dust and grime, and keep doing it regularly, since frequent vacuuming or light brushing prevents soiling.
Any foam or liquid can cause shrinking, fading or pile distortion, so keep liquids away from the fabric entirely. Some manufacturers say X fabric should be left to professionals, while others say vacuuming or light brushing is all it needs. If the whole piece is soiled, a professional furniture cleaning service is the safer choice.
Tips
Finding the cleaning code
The cleaning code is printed on a tag attached to the furniture. Check under the cushions or at the base first, since that is where the tag is often found.
Look for W, S, WS or SW, or X, and read it before buying or using any product. The label letter code shows the proper cleaning method, so match your cleaner to that letter.
When the tag is missing
If the piece has no code, do not guess. Vacuum or lightly brush first to remove dust and grime before you try anything else.
Pretest any cleaning product on a hidden area first. If the dyes bleed or the fabric shrinks, stop and consult a professional.
Cushions and covers
Do not remove cushion covers to launder or dry clean them, and never do this on S-coded furniture. Rotate and flip cushions for even wear, and hand-fluff them to keep their shape.
Vacuum weekly with an upholstery attachment, because regular vacuuming stops dirt from embedding in the fabric. Brush off dirt before it embeds, and avoid a stiff brush for dusting.
Testing before you clean
Pretest any cleaner on a small, hidden area before you use it on the visible surface. Apply the cleaning solution with a misting spray bottle, and never pour cleaner directly onto the fabric.
Work the solution in lightly with a soft brush, then rinse and check the result. Let the test area dry completely before you judge it, and if the dye bleeds or the fabric shrinks, call a professional.
When to call a professional
Use a professional furniture cleaning service when the whole piece is soiled, rather than spot cleaning it. Consult a professional if a pretest shows bleeding dye or shrinkage.
Some manufacturers say X-coded fabric should be left to professionals. Some stains, such as permanent marker, lipstick and nail polish, may not fully come out even with careful cleaning.
Questions
Where do I find the cleaning code on my couch?
Look on the tag attached to the furniture, which is often under the cushions or at the base. The code will be W, S, WS or SW, or X. The letter tells you which cleaning method is safe for the fabric.
What does cleaning code W mean?
Code W means the fabric can be spot cleaned with a water-based shampoo or foam only, with no solvents. Dampen a soft cloth with mild soap solution, blot gently and let it air dry. Do not saturate the fabric, and avoid hot water extraction or steam cleaning.
What does cleaning code S mean?
Code S means only water-free dry-cleaning solvents are safe, and water should never touch the fabric. Water can damage S-coded fabric or leave rings. Work with good ventilation, and keep solvents away from open flames, pilot lights and sparks.
What does cleaning code WS or SW mean?
Code WS, also written SW, means both water-based and solvent cleaners are safe. Test the cleaner on a hidden area first, and do not saturate the fabric. Heavier oil-based stains may need a solvent compound.
Can I use bleach or household detergent on upholstery?
Bleach is not recommended on upholstery. Do not use automatic dishwasher detergent, heavy-duty household detergent or laundry detergent on upholstery stains, because they may contain alkalis that can set some stains. Stick to the cleaner that matches your fabric's code.
Can I clean a car seat with household cleaner?
Household cleaners and glass cleaners are not a good idea on car seats, since they can stain and discolor the fabric and affect its flame-retardant properties. Read the vehicle care section of your owner's manual before buying any product. Seats with side airbags have extra limits, so never spray cleaner on their sides.
Can I use a steam cleaner on upholstery?
Steam cleaning and hot water extraction are not recommended on W or WS fabrics. On car headliners, do not use steam or force-dry with heat or blowers. Moisture, pressure and heat can weaken the adhesive and cause sagging.
Will some stains never come out?
Some stains, such as permanent marker, lipstick and nail polish, may not fully come out. Blot spills right away. Brush off dried stains, then vacuum.