Cleaning Upholstered Furniture

(Warning: Check with the manufacturer about cleaning instructions for your product!)   The real tip is frequent vacuuming using an upholstery or brush attachment. But for more stubborn stains:

These Are Wash Codes – found on furniture tags: (usually tags are found under the furniture, or under one of the seat cushions stapled or sewn to the seat deck.)

W – Use a water-based or foam cleaning solvent.
S – Use a mild, water-free dry cleaning solvent.
WS – Use either a water-based cleaning solvent, a dry cleaning solvent or foam cleaner.
X – Vacuum or brush lightly to remove soil.

Clean washable fabrics after testing for color fastness in a hidden spot.

The tag may indicate “W’ for water cleaning or “S” for solvent cleaning. Do not use water on furniture that needs a solvent, and do not use solvent on furniture that needs to be water cleaned, unless the tag has a “WS” code.

For water-washable fabrics (Code “W”), use a solution of 1/4 cup of high-suds laundry detergent with one quart of warm water, mixed in a blender Apply just the suds with a medium-bristled brush and then use a wet towel to go over the whole upholstered surface. When the surface is dry, vacuum up any remaining dirt.

For solvent washable fabrics (Code “S”), purchase a mild, water free, dry cleaning solvent and rent the equipment from your local fabric, upholstery, manufacturer, or furniture store, and use according to the directions on the solvent.