UPHOLSTERY · 4 MIN READ
Before You Clean a Sofa, Find Its Care Code
A sofa stain invites a quick spray. The better first move is to find the tag beneath a cushion or frame and check the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fabric and cushion.
What to look for
A spill on an unknown fabric, a pale water ring, or color transfer onto a white cloth.
A sensible first response
- 01
Look for the maker's care tag and any written cleaning directions. Common codes W, S, W/S, and X describe permitted cleaning approaches, but the label and manufacturer take priority.
- 02
Remove dry crumbs with the appropriate upholstery attachment without dragging grit across the fabric.
- 03
If a liquid spill is fresh, absorb it with a plain white cloth and work gently from the outside in. Test any permitted treatment out of sight before proceeding.
- 04
Allow the cushion and fabric to dry fully; check the area under the cushion as well as the visible face.
Where to stop
Do not assume a household carpet solution is safe for upholstery. Avoid steam or water on an S or X coded piece unless its manufacturer specifically permits it.
Professional judgment
If the code is missing, the fabric bleeds, or the upholstery is delicate, send photos of the tag and stain before requesting treatment. We evaluate suitability before quoting an extraction service.
Tell us what happened ↗Source & scope
This note draws on the linked care guidance and our editorial interpretation for a household decision. Follow the item's manufacturer label and any product directions. Results differ by material and condition.
La-Z-Boy: Fabric & Leather Care ↗