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Upholstery Cleaning Codes

Upholstery and Furniture Cleaning Codes - What Do They Mean?

Upholstery Cleaning Code

Upholstery should be marked with a code that allows the you to know in what type of cleaning method is suggested by the manufacturer. Cleaning codes are typically found under the seat cushions or on the platform.

The four most common cleaning codes found on fabric furniture are W, S, WS and X. Simply put this means Wet, Solvent, Wet/Solvent, or X-Vacuum only.

Upholstery Cleaning Codes:

  • Cleaning Code S and Code D: Dry cleaning by a professional furniture service is recommended. Use a mild, water free dry cleaning solvent such as Solv-A-Clene™ Upholstery and Drapery Dry Cleaning Solvent. To remove spots and stains, only use solvent-based spotters such as Saf-T-Solv™. CAUTION: Use of water-based or detergent-based cleaners may cause excessive shrinkage. Water stains may become permanent and unable to be removed with solvent cleaning agents. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is suggested.
  • Cleaning Code F: Foam clean with shampoos such as Oriental Rug Shampoo.
  • Cleaning Code W: Clean this fabric with water-based cleaning agents, preferably near-neutral, such as LCA®-256 or water-based foam such as Oriental Rug Shampoo to remove overall soil. Many household cleaning agents are harmful to the color and life of the fabric. It also means that you can use water based spot and stain removers such as APS™ All Purpose Spotter or Perky® All-Purpose Carpet and Upholstery Spot and Stain Remover with a clean, white towel to dab out some spots. It is best to use plain white towels when cleaning so you do not transfer any color die onto the furniture.
  • Cleaning Code SW (W/S): Clean this fabric with water-based cleaning agents, foam, or pure solvents. Professional dry cleaning is recommended. To prevent overall soil, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is suggested.
  • Cleaning Code X: Clean this fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to prevent accumulation of dust or grime. Water-based foam or solvent-based cleaning agents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking, fading or dye bleeding. Such furniture should never be bought!
  • No Cleaning Code: For furniture that does not have a cleaning code marking, tag, or information always test cleaning agents before using. Contact the retailer or manufacturer.

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