How to Clean Upholstery: Sofa, Chair & Fabric Care
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsUsing the wrong cleaning method on upholstery can cause permanent damage. Here's how to decode fabric care codes and clean every type of upholstered furniture safely.
Understanding Fabric Care Codes
Before you clean any upholstered furniture, you must find and read the manufacturer's care tag. This tag contains a letter code that tells you exactly what cleaning methods are safe for your fabric.
Look for the tag under seat cushions, on the underside of the furniture, or attached to the frame. The code will be one of these four letters:
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Vacuum Thoroughly First
Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire piece of furniture. This removes loose dirt, dust, pet hair, and crumbs that would otherwise turn into mud when wet. Pay special attention to crevices between cushions and frame, under and behind removable cushions, along seams and piping, and the back and sides (often forgotten).
Treat Stains First
Address any visible stains before general cleaning. See the stain removal section below for specific treatments. The key rule: blot, never rub. Rubbing pushes stains deeper and can damage fabric fibers.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
For "W" or "WS" fabrics: Mix 1 tablespoon clear dish soap with 2 cups distilled water, or use a commercial upholstery cleaner labeled for water-safe fabrics. For "S" fabrics: Use dry cleaning solvent as directed on the product. Work in a well-ventilated area—solvents have strong fumes.
Spot Test in a Hidden Area
Even with the correct cleaning code, test your solution on a hidden spot first. Apply a small amount, wait 10 minutes, then check for color fading or bleeding, water marks or rings, and texture changes (stiffening, shrinking). If any issues appear, stop and consult a professional.
Clean in Sections
Work on one section at a time to prevent over-wetting. Lightly mist (don't soak) the fabric with your solution, gently agitate with a soft brush in circular motions, blot with a clean white cloth to lift dirt, and repeat with fresh cloths until no more dirt transfers. Use as little moisture as possible—you want the fabric damp, not wet.
Rinse (If Using Water-Based Cleaner)
For "W" code fabrics, do a final pass with plain distilled water to remove soap residue. Soap left in the fabric attracts dirt faster. Skip this step for "S" code fabrics—solvents evaporate without rinsing.
Dry Thoroughly
Proper drying prevents water marks and mold growth. Open windows and turn on fans to increase airflow, point a fan directly at the furniture if possible, don't sit on it until completely dry (typically 4-8 hours), and in humid weather, use a dehumidifier to speed drying.
Vacuum Again When Dry
Once fully dry, vacuum the furniture again to restore the fabric nap and remove any dried cleaning residue. Use a soft brush attachment and gentle strokes in the direction of the fabric grain.
Removing Common Upholstery Stains
Food & Drink Stains
Coffee, tea, wine, soda: Blot immediately with cold water (for "W" fabrics). Mix 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tbsp white vinegar + 2 cups water. Apply, blot, repeat. For wine, sprinkle with salt first to absorb excess.
Grease & Oil
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain. Let sit 15 minutes to absorb oil. Vacuum up. For remaining stain, apply dry cleaning solvent (safe for all fabric codes) and blot.
Ink
Dab (don't rub) with rubbing alcohol on a white cloth. The ink will transfer to the cloth. Use fresh cloth sections frequently. May require multiple treatments.
Pet Accidents
Blot up as much as possible. Apply enzyme cleaner (essential for breaking down proteins and eliminating odor). Let sit 10-15 minutes. Blot dry. Repeat if needed.
Blood
Always use cold water—hot water sets protein stains permanently. Blot with cold water and dish soap. For dried blood on "W" fabrics, try hydrogen peroxide (test first as it can bleach some fabrics).
Care by Material Type
Microfiber
One of the most durable and stain-resistant fabrics. Usually "S" or "WS" code. Clean with rubbing alcohol for best results—spray lightly, scrub with soft brush, wipe clean. Buff with a dry brush after cleaning to restore the soft texture.
Cotton & Linen
Natural fibers that are usually "W" code but can water-spot. Use distilled water only. These fabrics wrinkle easily when wet, so let dry naturally without heat.
Velvet
Delicate and easily damaged. Usually "S" code. Steam clean for best results, or use dry cleaning solvent. Always brush in the direction of the nap. Avoid water—it crushes the pile permanently.
Leather & Faux Leather
Not technically upholstery fabric, but common on furniture. Wipe with damp cloth and mild soap. Condition real leather every 6-12 months to prevent cracking.
Silk
Extremely delicate—usually "X" code. Vacuum only with a screen over the nozzle. Any stains require professional treatment. Many pros won't even guarantee results on silk.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Weekly: Vacuum high-use surfaces to remove dust and prevent dirt from grinding into fibers
- Monthly: Flip and rotate cushions for even wear
- Quarterly: Deep clean or professional cleaning for heavy-use pieces
- Immediately: Blot spills and treat stains—fresh stains are much easier to remove
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my sofa?
Vacuum weekly to remove surface debris. Deep clean every 6-12 months for normal use, or quarterly if you have pets, kids, or allergies. Spot-clean spills immediately to prevent permanent staining.
Can I use a steam cleaner on upholstery?
Only on "W" or "WS" code fabrics, and only if your furniture has synthetic fill (not down or cotton batting, which can mold). Test in a hidden area first. Keep the steamer moving to avoid over-wetting any one spot.
Why does my sofa smell worse after cleaning?
This usually means the padding got too wet and didn't dry properly, allowing mold or mildew to grow. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry thoroughly. If odor persists, you may need professional extraction to remove moisture from the padding.
How do I remove pet hair from upholstery?
Vacuum first with an upholstery attachment. For stubborn hair, dampen a rubber glove and run your hand over the fabric—hair will ball up for easy removal. Lint rollers work on smooth fabrics. For textured fabrics, a pumice stone rubbed gently is surprisingly effective.
What do the fabric care codes mean?
W means water-based cleaners are safe. S means solvent-only (water will damage). WS means either water or solvent works. X means vacuum only—no DIY cleaning, call professionals. Using the wrong method can cause permanent damage, so always check the tag first.
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