Short answer: The cleaning code on your couch tag tells you what can safely touch the fabric. W means water-based cleaners, S means water-free solvent only, W-S means either, and X means no liquid at all, only vacuuming or light brushing. Using the wrong one can leave rings, shrink fabric or bleed dye, which is why the code is the first thing to check.
Most people never look at the tag under their sofa cushions until something spills. It is worth a look now, before you reach for a spray bottle.
Where Is the Cleaning Code on Furniture?
- Under a seat cushion, on the deck of the sofa
- On a tag along the bottom edge or the back of the frame
- Sewn into the zipper side of a cushion cover
- In the paperwork or product page from when you bought it
If there is no tag at all, treat the fabric as the most delicate case and do not use liquid until it has been tested.
What Do Upholstery Cleaning Codes W, S, W-S and X Mean?
| Code | What it means | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| W | Spot clean only with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner | Solvents. La-Z-Boy also says not to remove and launder cushion covers |
| S | Spot clean only with a water-free dry cleaning solvent | Water of any kind, which can leave rings or shrink the fabric |
| W-S | Water-based stains can take mild soap and water; oil-based stains may need a solvent | Skipping the spot test on a hidden area |
| X | No foam or liquid cleaner of any type. Vacuum or brush lightly only | Any spray, foam or shampoo |
La-Z-Boy notes that for W-coded fabric, hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not recommended, and that for S-coded fabric, cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned. Rules like these are why a careful upholstery cleaner reads the tag before touching the fabric.
How Should You Treat a Spill on Your Couch?
- Blot right away with a white towel. Do not rub.
- Check the code before using anything wetter than a dry towel.
- Test first on a hidden spot, like the back or underside, and wait for it to dry.
- Work from the edge toward the center so the spot does not spread.
- Use as little product as possible. Over-wetting is the most common cause of water rings.
- Stop if color transfers to your towel. That fabric needs a professional.
How Do You Keep Upholstery Clean Between Cleanings?
Dust is the main enemy in San Angelo, where wind keeps fine soil moving through every house. La-Z-Boy recommends frequent vacuuming or light brushing with a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush to remove dust and grime, and hiring a professional once the whole piece is heavily soiled.
- Vacuum cushions, arms and the crevices every week or two with the upholstery tool
- Flip and rotate cushions so they wear evenly
- Keep furniture out of direct afternoon sun, which fades fabric and dries out leather
- Keep pets on a washable throw rather than the fabric itself
- Wipe body oils off the arms and headrests before they build up into dark spots
If someone in your house has allergies, upholstery holds dust and dander the same way carpet does. The guide on carpet and allergies in San Angelo covers what helps.
When Should You Hire a Professional Upholstery Cleaner?
- The tag says X, S or there is no tag at all
- The whole piece looks dull or gray, not just one spot
- There is a water ring from an earlier cleaning attempt
- Pet urine has soaked into the cushion
- The fabric is silk, velvet, linen or another delicate weave
The upholstery cleaning page explains how a cleaner checks the fabric code and picks the method. Rugs have their own rules too; see area rug cleaning. Every job follows the same San Angelo carpet cleaning process, and why you should get a written price before work starts.
What does W mean on a couch tag?
W means the fabric can be spot cleaned with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not use solvents. La-Z-Boy also advises against removing and laundering W-coded cushion covers.
What does S mean on upholstery?
S means spot clean only with a water-free dry cleaning solvent. Do not use water, which can leave rings or shrink the fabric.
Can you clean an X-coded couch?
Only by vacuuming or brushing lightly. Code X means no foam or liquid cleaner of any type. For anything more, call a professional who can work with the fabric safely.
What if my couch has no cleaning code?
Treat it as delicate. Do not use liquid until a hidden spot has been tested, and consider having a professional identify the fabric before cleaning it.
How often should upholstery be cleaned?
Vacuum it every week or two, and have it professionally cleaned when the whole piece looks dull or soiled. Homes with pets, kids or allergies usually need it more often.
Not sure what your couch can handle? Get a free quote and a local cleaner can check the tag first. You can also read the carpet cleaning FAQ.
