Most fabric sofas and armchairs carry a small cleaning code: W, S, WS or X. It’s the manufacturer’s instruction for what the fabric can safely be cleaned with. Reading it before you tackle a spill, or before you book a clean, is the easiest way to avoid watermarks, shrinkage or colour loss.
What do upholstery cleaning codes mean?
The code tells you which type of cleaner the fabric can handle. W means water-based, S means solvent-based, WS means either, and X means vacuum or light brushing only, with no liquid at all.
| Code | What it means | What it means for cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaning | Water-based cleaners and careful wet cleaning are suitable. Avoid solvents. |
| S | Solvent-based only | Water can cause shrinking, watermarks or rings. Keep water away from it. |
| WS (sometimes SW) | Water or solvent | Either type can be used, so there is more flexibility. Still test first. |
| X | No liquid cleaning | Vacuum or brush lightly only. No water, no solvent, no spot cleaners. |
The codes are an industry convention used by many furniture makers. They can’t tell you exactly how every fabric will behave, so a hidden-spot test is still the sensible first step.
Where do you find the cleaning code on a sofa?
Look under the seat cushions first. The code is usually on a sewn-in label on the platform under the cushions, on the underside of the frame, or on the cushion itself. If there’s no label, check the paperwork or the retailer’s product page.
Some places to check:
- The deck or platform under the seat cushions.
- Underneath the sofa or chair, on the base cloth.
- Inside a cushion zip (look, but don’t unzip and wash covers unless the label says you can).
- The care card, receipt or online listing from the shop you bought it from.
Older or second-hand furniture often has no label at all. In that case treat the fabric as unknown and test before using anything wet.
What does a W code mean for cleaning?
A W code means the fabric tolerates water-based cleaning. Most everyday polyester and many blended sofa fabrics fall into this group, and they are usually the most straightforward to refresh.
Even with W, less is more at home. Blot spills with a clean white cloth, use a small amount of water or a mild, fabric-safe cleaner, and avoid soaking. Overwetting can push a spill deeper into the padding and bring it back as a ring as it dries.
What does an S code mean?
An S code means the fabric should only be cleaned with a solvent-based product, not water. Water can leave watermarks, shrink the fabric or cause dye to move. Some viscose, rayon and natural-fibre blends carry this code.
For S fabrics, don’t use water-based sprays or a damp cloth on a spill. Blot dry, then get advice. Send me photos of the fabric and the label and I’ll tell you honestly whether it’s a job I should take on, or one better suited to a specialist.
What does WS or SW mean?
WS (also written SW) means the fabric can be cleaned with either a water-based or solvent-based product. It gives the cleaner more options, which helps with mixed spills like food and grease.
The order of the letters doesn’t change the meaning. It is still worth testing a hidden area first, because dyes and finishes vary even within the same code.
What does an X code mean?
An X code means no liquid cleaning of any kind. Vacuum it with a soft brush attachment, or brush it lightly, and that’s all. Wet cleaning or spot cleaners can permanently mark it.
I don’t take on X-coded fabrics. The label says no liquid cleaning, and I follow that. Vacuuming with a soft brush is the safe option.
What upholstery does J.S. Carpet Cleaning clean?
I clean fabric sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, headboards, mattresses and rugs. Most of what I clean is synthetic fabric. Natural fabrics such as wool or linen can be done with extra care. Before I start I look at the fabric and any care label, and test a hidden spot. I don’t clean X-coded fabrics.
I use the same approach as with carpet: honest about stains, careful with moisture, and wool-safe products that are safe around children and pets. You can see more on the upholstery, mattress and rug cleaning page. For specific marks, the stain treatment page explains what I can usually shift. For pet accidents on fabric, see pet urine and odour treatment.
What should you do about a spill before the cleaner arrives?
Blot, don’t rub, and check the code before you use anything. Rubbing spreads the spill and can roughen the pile, and the wrong product can set a stain or leave a ring that’s harder to deal with than the original spill.
- Lift off any solids with a spoon or blunt knife.
- Blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel, working from the outside in.
- Check the code. If it’s W or WS, a little cool water on the cloth is usually fine. If it’s S or X, stop and keep it dry.
- Avoid household stain removers and bleach-based products on upholstery.
- Take a photo and send it to me with a photo of the label.
If you’ve already tried a product, that’s fine. Just tell me what you used so I can plan around it.
How often should upholstery be cleaned?
There’s no fixed rule. It depends on how much the furniture is used, whether you have kids or pets, and whether you can see soiling on the arms, headrest and seat fronts. Regular vacuuming with a brush attachment helps in between.
Many people book a sofa clean at the same time as their carpets, which makes sense when everything is being moved anyway. My carpet cleaning methods compared guide and the guides page have more on keeping things in good shape.
Sources: Upholstery cleaning code definitions (W, S, WS, X) as published by furniture and fabric manufacturers and textile care guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is the cleaning code the same as a clothing care label?
No. Clothing labels use washing symbols. Upholstery codes are letters (W, S, WS, X) that describe what cleaning products the fabric can handle.
My sofa has no cleaning code. Can it still be cleaned?
Often, yes. I’ll look at the fabric, check photos and test a hidden spot before anything else. If I’m not confident it will clean safely, I’ll tell you.
Can I use a carpet spot cleaner on my couch?
Only if the code allows water-based cleaning and you’ve tested a hidden area. Many carpet products are too strong for upholstery, and on S or X fabrics they can leave permanent marks.
Do you clean mattresses and headboards?
Yes. Mattresses and fabric headboards are cleaned on site. Send a photo and I’ll quote it with your carpets or on its own.
Will cleaning remove every mark from my sofa?
Not always. Many marks come out well, some can only be lightened, and some old stains are permanent. I’ll tell you what’s realistic from your photos before you book.
About the author
Jin quotes and cleans every job himself, using a Hydramaster Boxxer 318 truck-mount hot water extraction system and wool-safe products that are safe around children and pets. J.S. Carpet Cleaning covers Christchurch, Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton, West Melton, Kaiapoi and Rangiora, and carries $1M public liability insurance.
Not sure what your sofa can handle?
Send me a photo of the fabric and the label. I’ll tell you honestly what can be done and confirm your price before work starts.