Furniture cleaning codes are the letters on an upholstery tag that tell you what you can safely put on the fabric. W means water-based cleaners, S means water-free solvent only, WS (also written W/S or SW) means either, and X means no liquid at all, only vacuuming or light brushing. Get the code wrong and a simple spill can turn into a water ring, faded dye or shrunken fabric. Below is what each code allows, where the furniture makers’ own care guides disagree, and what to do when your couch has no code at all.
What furniture cleaning codes are
A cleaning code is a one- or two-letter instruction from the furniture or fabric manufacturer. La-Z-Boy’s care page says the code is on the tag attached to the furniture, so check under the seat cushions and on the deck. Keck Furniture also points to the fabric swatch and your sales order, and Guardsman, which sells furniture protection plans, says to contact the furniture manufacturer if you can’t find the tag.
If the piece has been reupholstered, the original tag no longer describes the fabric on it. Sailrite’s guide says to check with the manufacturer of the new fabric in that case. Sailrite itself lists the code (or other care instructions) on each fabric’s product page.
You’ll find the same four letters used by furniture makers (La-Z-Boy), retailers (Frontgate, Keck), fabric sellers (Sailrite) and protection-plan companies (Guardsman). Their definitions match on the basics but differ on a few details, such as whether you can use a machine on W fabric or spot clean S fabric yourself. We point those out under each code.
Cleaning code W: water-based cleaners
Code W fabric can be spot cleaned with a water-based upholstery shampoo or foam cleaner. Frontgate lists chenille and its InsideOut performance fabric as typical W fabrics, and Keck says many performance fabrics are W or W/S.
Keck’s method for a W spill:
- Blot right away with a clean white cloth.
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water.
- Dab the solution onto the spot without soaking it.
- Blot with clean water to rinse.
- Blot dry, let it air dry completely, and brush the nap if needed.
Three warnings come up across the guides:
- W does not mean machine washable. Frontgate and Sailrite both say this directly, and La-Z-Boy says cushion covers should not be removed and laundered.
- Don’t over-wet. Keck explains why: moisture trapped in the foam leads to mildew and rings.
- Use distilled water. Guardsman says never to use tap water on W or WS fabric, because the minerals in it can cause rings or fading.
The guides split on machines. Frontgate and Sailrite say you can use an upholstery attachment on a carpet cleaner for W fabric. La-Z-Boy says hot water extraction or steam cleaning is not recommended on its W fabrics. If your piece came from a specific maker, follow that maker’s instructions over a general guide. If it’s W and the maker allows machines, our guide to upholstery cleaner machines by cleaning code compares portable spot cleaners.
Cleaning code S: solvent only, no water
Code S fabric can only take a water-free cleaning solvent, often labeled “dry clean only”. La-Z-Boy, Guardsman, Frontgate and Keck all say not to use water, and Keck rules out steam and foam as well. La-Z-Boy adds that cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned. Frontgate lists velvet, woven patterns and textured fabrics as typical S fabrics.
Bane-Clene, which makes professional upholstery cleaning products, explains what goes wrong: on S fabric, water-based or detergent cleaners can cause excessive shrinkage, and water stains may become permanent and impossible to remove with solvent afterwards. So a quick dab of water on an S cushion can leave a mark that is harder to fix than the spill was.
The guides disagree on whether you should spot clean S fabric yourself:
- Sailrite and La-Z-Boy say you can spot clean with a water-free solvent or dry-cleaning product.
- Keck gives a home method: put a small amount of solvent on a clean white cloth (not on the fabric), dab from the outside in, and let it air dry.
- Frontgate’s care sheet says S fabric must be cleaned by a professional, and not to spot treat stains with a solvent or dry-cleaning product.
- Guardsman says not to dry clean in parts.
Bane-Clene’s professional directions help explain Guardsman’s warning: dry-cleaning solution rings are as hard to remove as water rings, and the directions say to feather wet areas out to the nearest seam or piping. For a small, fresh spot on a piece whose maker allows it, a careful solvent dab works. For a large stain, or a piece where a ring would ruin the look, a professional upholstery cleaner is the safer choice.
Cleaning code WS (or W/S): water or solvent
WS fabric can take either a water-based cleaner or a mild water-free solvent. Frontgate lists velvet, Sunbrella, woven patterns, textures and performance fabric under W/S. Sailrite says the spot test matters most for this code, and that you should call a professional for overall dirt rather than spot cleaning.
The choice between water and solvent depends on the stain. La-Z-Boy’s W-S instructions treat water-based stains (ketchup, mustard, wine, soft drinks, most food) with neutral soap and water, rinsed with plain water. Oil-based stains (ink, shoe polish, cosmetics) can often be handled the same way if they’re light. Heavier oil-based stains may need a solvent. La-Z-Boy names K2r upholstery cleaner or other non-bleaching household cleaners as examples, says to follow the cleaner’s label, and says to remove leftover cleaner with neutral soap and water afterwards. Keck’s chart follows the same logic: start with the water method, and step up to a solvent if the stain stays.
Guardsman’s distilled-water rule applies here too, and Frontgate warns not to saturate. Frontgate also notes that pile fabrics may need brushing afterwards to restore their appearance.
Cleaning code X: vacuum or brush only
Code X fabric takes no cleaning liquid of any kind: no water, no solvent, no foam. You can only vacuum it or brush it lightly. Frontgate specifies a non-metallic stiff brush. Bane-Clene says water-based foam or solvents of any kind may cause excessive shrinking or fading on X fabric.
For a spill or set-in stain on X fabric, Keck’s advice is to contact a professional cleaner and not to use liquids. Keck also recommends professional help for silk, linen, rayon and specialty weaves in general. If an X piece is stained or worn beyond what cleaning can fix, replacing the fabric is the other option; see the last section below.
Quick reference: cleaning codes for fabrics
| Code | Allowed cleaner | Carpet cleaner / extractor OK? | Fabrics listed for this code |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner; mild dish soap and water (Keck); distilled water (Guardsman) | Upholstery attachment OK per Frontgate and Sailrite, without over-wetting. La-Z-Boy: hot water extraction and steam not recommended | Chenille, performance fabrics (Frontgate) |
| S | Mild water-free solvent / dry-cleaning solvent only; Frontgate: professional cleaning only | No. No water, steam or foam (Keck) | Velvet, woven patterns, textures (Frontgate) |
| WS, W/S, SW | Water-based cleaner or mild water-free solvent, depending on the stain | Water-based cleaning is allowed, but Frontgate says do not saturate; pre-test first | Velvet, Sunbrella, woven patterns, textures, performance fabrics (Frontgate) |
| X | None. Vacuum or light brushing only | No | Not listed in the guides we checked |
You may also see less common codes. Frontgate uses W/S/B for performance fabric that can be spot cleaned or machine washed with mild detergent or a diluted bleach solution. Bane-Clene lists D (dry cleaning by a professional, grouped with S) and F (foam clean). If your tag shows a code that isn’t covered here, check the furniture or fabric maker’s care page before cleaning.
Solvent-based (dry cleaning) upholstery cleaners: what they are and how to use them safely
A solvent-based upholstery cleaner is a water-free cleaning liquid. Bane-Clene describes its own as a blend of volatile dry solvents, made for upholstery where water-based or detergent cleaners may cause shrinkage, dye bleeding and water stains. That’s the job it does on S and WS fabric. Products range from household spot cleaners, like the K2r example La-Z-Boy names for oil-based stains on W-S fabric, to professional dry-cleaning solvents.
The professional products show why these cleaners need care. Bane-Clene’s Solv-A-Clene, a dry-cleaning solvent made for on-location cleaning of S-code upholstery, is labeled for professional use only and not for retail sale. It has a flash point of 129°F, its directions say to use it only in a well-ventilated area with no smoking and away from all open flames, and they warn that the evaporating solvent may set off a smoke alarm. It isn’t sold for home use, and the precautions show why.
Safety rules for any solvent cleaner, from the guides we checked:
- Ventilate and keep flames away. Sailrite and Frontgate both say to use solvent cleaners in a well-ventilated room away from open flames.
- Avoid carbon tetrachloride. Sailrite warns against cleaning products that contain it because it is highly toxic.
- Apply to a cloth, not to the fabric. Keck says to put a small amount on a clean white cloth and dab from the outside of the spot inward.
- Use white cloths only. Keck and Frontgate both warn that colored cloths can transfer dye, and Frontgate says never to reuse a rag that has had polish or cleaner on it.
- Don’t saturate, and don’t mix. La-Z-Boy says not to saturate S fabric. Keck says to stick to one method at a time and not mix chemicals.
- Test for dye bleed. Bane-Clene notes that some upholstery dyes dissolve in solvent, usually bright prints on a white background, so test before treating a visible area.
- Follow the label. La-Z-Boy says to follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label.
Solvent is not a fix for every stain. Keck’s stain chart says solvent is not effective on protein stains such as pet accidents on S fabric: blot only, and call a professional if the odor persists.
No cleaning code on your couch? How to spot-test
If you can’t find a tag, try to get the code another way before you clean anything: check under every cushion and on the deck, look for the sales order or a fabric swatch, or contact the furniture maker, which is what Guardsman recommends. For a reupholstered piece, the fabric maker is the one to ask, per Sailrite.
If you can’t find out, treat the fabric as if it can’t take cleaning liquids until a test proves otherwise. Put together from the guides, the test looks like this:
- Pick a hidden spot. Keck says an inconspicuous area. Bane-Clene suggests the skirt on the back of the piece.
- Start with the gentlest option. Keck’s advice for W/S fabric applies here as well: try the mildest cleaner first.
- Apply a little with a white cloth and rub lightly. Look for color on the cloth.
- Let it dry completely before judging. Keck says to let the test spot dry before treating the main spot. Bane-Clene’s method for professionals waits at least 5 minutes and retests.
- Stop if anything changes. Guardsman says not to use a cleaner if you see any undesirable change in color or appearance.
A test that dries clean only tells you that one cleaner is safe on that fabric. It doesn’t tell you the code. If the stain is large, the piece is valuable, or the fabric looks like silk, linen or rayon, Keck recommends a professional over trial and error. Sailrite says the same for anyone unsure how to proceed.
One thing to know before you assume your couch is fragile: Bane-Clene says many manufacturers tag furniture as solvent-clean-only when it can be wet cleaned if done carefully, and the Solv-A-Clene page says makers often recommend dry cleaning because it limits their liability. That is a cleaning-product maker’s view, and it’s a reason a professional cleaner may test an S piece with water. It isn’t a reason to ignore the tag yourself.
When to call a professional or reupholster instead
Keck’s list of when to call a professional cleaner covers code X fabrics, large or set-in stains, odor from pet accidents, and silk, linen, rayon or specialty weaves. La-Z-Boy recommends a professional furniture cleaning service once the whole piece is soiled rather than a few spots, and Sailrite says the same for overall dirt on W/S fabric.
Cleaning stops being the answer when the fabric itself is the problem: it’s worn through, faded, or stained in a way that won’t lift. Sailrite’s suggestion for fabric that is soiled beyond repair is to reupholster. That also lets you choose the next fabric’s code on purpose. For a sofa that gets daily use, a W or WS fabric leaves you more cleaning options than an X, which can only be vacuumed.
When we reupholster a piece, we strip it down to the frame, make any frame repairs needed, can replace the cushion fill, and cut and sew the new fabric you or your designer selected. If the fabric is fine but the cushions have gone flat, cushion refilling replaces the fill (down and feather blends, foam, high-resilience foam, down envelopes or fiber) or makes new covers. If you’d rather fix the seat yourself, our guides to high density foam for couch cushions and sagging couch cushion support cover the two most common fixes under the fabric.
FAQ
What does cleaning code S mean on a couch?
Solvent only. Clean it with a mild, water-free dry-cleaning solvent and never with water, steam or foam. Frontgate goes further and says S fabric should be cleaned only by a professional.
What does cleaning code W mean?
The fabric can be spot cleaned with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. It doesn’t mean the covers are machine washable. Use distilled water and don’t soak the fabric.
Is WS the same as W/S or SW?
Yes. Guardsman writes it WS, Frontgate and Keck write W/S, La-Z-Boy writes W-S, and Bane-Clene writes SW (W/S). All mean that either a water-based cleaner or a mild water-free solvent may be used.
Can I steam clean a couch?
Not if it’s coded S or X; Keck says not to steam clean either. La-Z-Boy also says steam cleaning and hot water extraction are not recommended on its W fabrics. Check your maker’s care instructions before using steam on any code.
Where is the cleaning code on a couch?
On the tag attached to the furniture, per La-Z-Boy. Keck also suggests the fabric swatch or your sales order. If the piece was reupholstered, ask the maker of the new fabric.
Sources
All checked October 25, 2026.
- Frontgate, Upholstery Cleaning & Care Codes (PDF): frontgate.com – W, S, W/S, X and W/S/B definitions, fabric types per code, carpet cleaner attachment on W, not machine washable, S professional only and no solvent spot treatment, ventilation and open flames, no saturating, non-metallic brush, white cloths, no reused rags
- La-Z-Boy, Fabric and Leather Care: la-z-boy.com – code on the furniture tag, W/S/W-S/X instructions, no hot water extraction or steam on W, don’t launder or dry clean cushion covers, water- vs oil-based stains, K2r example, follow label, professional service for overall soil
- Keck Furniture, Upholstery Cleaning Codes Explained: keckfurniture.com – where to find the code, W method, S method, no water/steam/foam on S, no steam on S or X, moisture in foam, white cloths, don’t mix chemicals, test and let dry, stain chart (solvent not effective on protein stains), performance fabrics, when to call a professional
- Sailrite, Understanding Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Codes: sailrite.com – reupholstered pieces (ask the fabric maker), W not machine washable, S spot treatment, ventilation, carbon tetrachloride warning, W/S pre-test and professional for overall dirt, X vacuum or brush only, reupholster when soiled beyond repair
- Guardsman, Cleaning Codes: guardsman.com – test on a hidden area, check tags or contact the manufacturer, distilled water instead of tap water, do not dry clean in parts, X never water, foam or liquid
- Bane-Clene Solv-A-Clene product page and “Upholstery Cleaning, Care and Protection the Bane-Clene Way” (via TMF Store): shop.truckmountforums.com – professional use only, not for retail sale, flash point 129°F, ventilation/no smoking/no flames, smoke alarm warning, solvent-soluble dyes, solvent rings, codes D/F/S/SW/W/X, S tagging and liability, pre-test method
- Alana Alegra Interiors service pages: re-upholstery and cushion refilling – services described