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Start with the care label or the furniture maker’s instructions—not a generic cleaner. The upholstery code tells you whether water-based cleaner, solvent, both, or neither is allowed. For routine care, vacuum gently; for spills, blot promptly and use only a method approved for that fabric or leather finish.
Find the care code before cleaning
Look for the care tag on the furniture or check the maker’s instructions for the specific model and material. Codes are useful shorthand, but follow the furniture’s own directions: brands may describe permitted methods differently, and a cleaner that is suitable for one fabric may damage another. See the guidance from Arhaus and La-Z-Boy.
| Code | General meaning in cited maker guidance | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner is permitted for spot cleaning. | Use only as directed and avoid saturating the fabric. La-Z-Boy says not to use solvents on W fabrics. |
| S | Use a water-free dry-cleaning solvent. | Do not use water. Test discreetly and follow both the furniture maker’s guidance and the solvent label. |
| SW / W-S | The cited maker permits specified water-based and/or solvent methods. | Check the exact instructions; the methods and products are not automatically interchangeable. |
| X | Vacuum or light brush only. | Under the cited Arhaus and La-Z-Boy guidance, do not apply water, foam, or solvent cleaner. |
These descriptions summarize the cited makers’ guidance; the tag or instructions for your own furniture take priority.
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Vacuum regularly to remove dust and grime, using an upholstery attachment where appropriate. Some makers also recommend light brushing. Keep the motion gentle and use only a brush the furniture’s instructions permit. Guidance from Vitra and Bernhardt also recommends regular vacuuming or light brushing for upholstery.
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Handle spills without spreading damage
- Blot promptly. Use an absorbent, undyed or lint-free cloth. Do not rub the spill into the fabric.
- Work from the outside toward the center. Arhaus recommends this approach to help reduce rings.
- Check the code. Choose a treatment only if it is allowed for the furniture’s fabric and code; do not assume water, solvent, steam, or a household cleaner is safe.
- Test first. Apply any compatible cleaner to an inconspicuous area and check for color or surface changes before treating the stain.
- Use a light touch. Avoid oversaturating, aggressive rubbing, and hard-bristled brushes. Arhaus states: “Never use a hard-bristled brush on your upholstery and avoid scrubbing or over-rubbing fabrics, as this could damage fibers.”
Cleaner suitability depends on the furniture’s instructions as well as the stain and material. Do not proceed with a product if the code or directions do not clearly permit it.
Do not assume removable covers are machine washable
A removable cushion cover is not automatically safe to wash. La-Z-Boy advises against removing and laundering covers under its W-fabric instructions, and Lexington Home Brands says not to remove or machine-wash covers under its listed guidance. Check the instructions for your particular piece before taking off a cover or washing it.
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Care for leather according to its finish
Leather needs finish-specific care rather than fabric-code cleaning. Follow the maker’s directions, avoid excess moisture and abrasive rubbing, and consider the maker’s advice about heat and direct sunlight. Arhaus warns that upholstery or leather cleaners and conditioners may harm suede, nubuck, and other napped leathers; Vitra also gives leather-specific care guidance and advises avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not apply a leather product unless it is suitable for that exact finish.
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Know when to call a professional
Contact the furniture maker or a qualified upholstery cleaner if the whole piece is soiled, a stain remains after an approved treatment, or you are unsure which method is safe. For overall soiling that needs professional care, Bernhardt advises contacting an IICRC Certified Firm specializing in upholstery cleaning.
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