By Owen PalmerThe small tag on a sofa or chair usually carries a one- or two-letter cleaning code. This guide explains the four common codes as one furniture maker, American Leather, describes them, and what one carpet and upholstery cleaner’s manual says to check before you use its hose tool on furniture.
What upholstery cleaning codes are and why they matter
Every piece of upholstered furniture comes with a small tag, often tucked under a cushion or attached to the base. According to American Leather’s fabric care guide, that tag carries a specific cleaning code. The code is the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning the fabric without harming its texture, color or longevity. The whole point is to prevent the kind of damage that happens when someone uses the wrong cleaning method on an expensive sofa or chair.
American Leather notes, for example, that water can damage S-coded fabrics or leave rings. Before you reach for any cleaner, whether it is a spray bottle or a full-size carpet and upholstery cleaner, check what the code means.
The four main upholstery cleaning codes
American Leather explains that there are typically four codes you will encounter on upholstered furniture. Each one tells you which category of cleaning agent is safe to use.
| Code | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaning agents | Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with a mild soap and water solution. Blot gently and let the fabric air dry. |
| S | Solvent-based cleaning agents | Use only water-free, solvent-based cleaners. Never use water. Work in a well-ventilated room and consider wearing gloves. |
| WS or SW | Water or solvent | Both water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe. Always try whichever cleaner you choose on an inconspicuous spot first. |
| X | Professional cleaning only | Do not attempt to clean this fabric yourself. Hire a professional upholstery cleaner or ask the retailer for specific care instructions. |
Where to find the code on your furniture
The tag is usually hidden but accessible. American Leather says the label is often hidden under cushions or at the base. If the tag is missing or unreadable, contact the retailer or manufacturer before you guess.
Try cleaners on a hidden spot first
American Leather advises trying any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before you tackle a visible area. One carpet and upholstery cleaner manual echoes this: before cleaning area rugs or upholstery, check the manufacturer’s tag and try an inconspicuous spot for colorfastness. The manual also says not to use the machine on velvet or silk.
How a carpet and upholstery cleaner works on fabric
If your furniture carries a W or WS code, a carpet and upholstery cleaner with a hose tool may be an option. One manufacturer’s manual lists these tips before cleaning with the hose and tool: check colorfastness in an inconspicuous place, check the upholstery stuffing if possible (colored stuffing may bleed through fabric when wet), vacuum thoroughly to pick up loose debris and pet hair, and check the manufacturer’s tag.
Using the hose and upholstery tool safely
According to the manual, you attach the tool to the end of the hose until it clicks into place, then slide a lever to put the tool in spray mode.
The manual warns that the brush roll on the main machine remains on during hose use. Keeping the machine upright minimizes the risk of damage to floors or furniture. After cleaning, the manual describes a self-cleaning tool function: you slide the tool lever to a cleanout mode, press the trigger and flush water and formula through the hose and tool to rinse them out.
Everyday care
American Leather adds a few everyday protection tips that apply regardless of the code. Act fast when spills happen: blot gently with a clean, dry cloth instead of rubbing. Rotate and flip cushions regularly to even out wear and sun fading. Vacuum upholstered furniture often to stop dust and dirt from embedding into the fibers. And keep furniture out of direct sunlight when you can, because continuous exposure can fade even tough fabrics.
When to call a professional
If the tag says X, the instruction is clear: do not clean it yourself. American Leather states that these fabrics can be sensitive and easily damaged by home cleaning methods. Hire a professional upholstery cleaner or consult the retailer. For S-coded fabrics, American Leather points out that solvents can be toxic, so it asks for a well-ventilated room and suggests gloves; if that is not practical in your home, a professional is the safer route.
For more on choosing the right machine for carpets and fabric surfaces, see our carpet and upholstery cleaner guides. If you are dealing with pet hair on upholstery, the advice in choosing cleaning equipment for pet hair can help. Understanding how a portable spot cleaner differs from a full-size machine is covered in portable spot cleaner vs full-size carpet cleaner. And before you use any cleaning solution, read carpet cleaner solutions: what to use and what to avoid to make sure the formula matches both your machine and your fabric code.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I use water on an S-coded fabric?
According to American Leather, fabrics marked S should never be cleaned with water. Water can cause damage or leave unsightly rings on these materials. Stick to water-free, solvent-based cleaners and make sure the room is well-ventilated while you work.
Can I use a carpet and upholstery cleaning machine on any code?
No. One manufacturer’s manual explicitly says to check the manufacturer’s tag before cleaning and not to use the machine on velvet or silk. The machine sprays a water-based solution, so it is only appropriate for fabrics coded W or WS. If the code is S or X, do not use a water-based machine.
Why does the tag say WS and what does that mean for me?
American Leather explains that WS or SW means both water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe. This gives you flexibility, but you should still try whichever cleaner you pick on a hidden spot first. The choice often comes down to the type of stain and what you have on hand.
Ready to look at equipment that can help with upholstery and carpet cleaning? Browse our carpet and upholstery cleaner category to compare types and features.
Sources
- American Leather: Fabric Cleaning Codes Explained
- BISSELL PowerForce/TurboClean Pet Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner User Guide (models 3942, 3946, 3948)
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
