Start with the care label or the furniture maker’s instructions before using water, solvent, foam, or any other cleaner. Upholstery codes vary by maker, and the wrong method can damage fabric or leather. For regular upkeep, vacuum gently with an upholstery attachment; for spills, blot promptly and follow the instructions for that specific piece.
Find the care code before cleaning
Check the tag on the furniture or the maker’s instructions for the exact model and material. The codes below summarize guidance from Arhaus and La-Z-Boy; follow your own furniture’s instructions if they differ. A code is permission for a method, not a reason to use any cleaner of that type.
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| Code | What the cited makers permit | How to apply it cautiously |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner for spot cleaning. La-Z-Boy says not to use solvents on W-coded fabric. (Arhaus; La-Z-Boy) | Use a product as directed and avoid saturating the fabric. |
| S | Water-free dry-cleaning solvent. (Arhaus; La-Z-Boy) | Do not use water; test discreetly and follow both the furniture instructions and cleaner label. |
| SW or W-S | The cited makers allow specified water-based and/or solvent cleaning methods. (Arhaus; La-Z-Boy) | Check the exact instructions. The code does not make every cleaner or method interchangeable. |
| X | Vacuuming or light brushing only under the cited Arhaus and La-Z-Boy guidance. (Arhaus; La-Z-Boy) | Do not apply water, foam, or solvent cleaner under those instructions. |
Keep fabric upholstery clean with routine care
Vacuum gently
Vacuum regularly to remove dust and grime before they build up. Use an upholstery attachment or nozzle where appropriate, and follow the furniture maker’s directions. La-Z-Boy, Vitra, and Bernhardt all recommend regular vacuuming; some also advise light brushing. (La-Z-Boy; Vitra; Bernhardt)
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Use an absorbent, undyed or lint-free cloth and blot as soon as possible. Arhaus advises working from the spill’s outside edge toward the center to reduce the chance of a ring. Then use only the cleaning method permitted by the piece’s care code. (Arhaus; La-Z-Boy; Vitra)
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Test first and use a light touch
Before applying a suitable cleaner, test it on an inconspicuous area and check for color change or other damage. Avoid soaking the fabric, aggressive rubbing, and hard-bristled brushes. Arhaus states: “Never use a hard-bristled brush on your upholstery and avoid scrubbing or over-rubbing fabrics, as this could damage fibers.” (Arhaus Product Care Guide)
Do not assume cushion covers are machine washable
A removable-looking cover is not automatically safe to remove or launder. La-Z-Boy says not to remove and launder covers under its W-fabric instructions, and Lexington says not to remove or machine-wash covers under its listed guidance. Check the instructions for your particular furniture before unzipping or washing a cover. (La-Z-Boy; Lexington Home Brands)
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Care for leather according to its finish
Leather needs material-specific care rather than a fabric-code cleaning method. Follow the maker’s directions, avoid excess water and rubbing, and pay attention to guidance about heat and direct sunlight. Arhaus warns that some upholstery or leather cleaners and conditioners can damage suede, nubuck, and napped leather; Vitra gives separate leather-care guidance and advises avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources. (Arhaus; Vitra)
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Contact the furniture maker or a qualified upholstery cleaner if the entire piece is soiled, a stain persists, or you cannot establish which treatment is safe. Bernhardt recommends an IICRC Certified Firm specializing in upholstery cleaning when overall soiling calls for professional care. (Bernhardt)
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