Know Your Fabric. Protect What You Love.

Beautiful upholstery is meant to be lived on. Understanding how to properly care for your fabric can help preserve its appearance, texture, and performance for years to come.

Most upholstery fabrics are assigned a cleaning code by the fabric manufacturer. This code tells you which type of cleaning method is considered appropriate for that particular fabric — and, just as importantly, what you should avoid.

Using the wrong cleaning product or method can sometimes cause water marks, discoloration, shrinkage, changes in texture, or other permanent damage. Before treating a spill or stain, always identify your fabric’s cleaning code first.

At Awake Decor, clients purchasing custom upholstery from us are provided with care information specific to their selected fabric whenever available. This guide is also here as a helpful resource for understanding the most common upholstery cleaning codes.

How Do I Find My Fabric Cleaning Code?

The cleaning code may be listed on the manufacturer’s upholstery tag, fabric information, or care instructions associated with your furniture.

On upholstered furniture, check underneath the piece or beneath removable seat cushions for a manufacturer’s tag. Depending on the manufacturer, the cleaning code may appear individually or alongside other product and fabric information.

If your furniture was purchased through Awake Decor and you’re unsure which cleaning code applies to your fabric, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help you identify the appropriate care information when possible.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your furniture or fabric manufacturer. Manufacturer recommendations should take precedence over general cleaning guidance.

Understanding Upholstery Cleaning Codes

W — Water-Based Cleaning

A W cleaning code means the fabric is designed to be cleaned using an appropriate water-based upholstery cleaning product.

For everyday spills, gently blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth rather than rubbing. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, an upholstery-safe water-based cleaner or foam may be appropriate.

Why it matters

While these fabrics tolerate water-based cleaning methods, excessive moisture can still affect upholstery. Avoid saturating the fabric and always work gently.

Remember: Blot — don’t scrub. Rubbing can spread a stain or alter the texture of the fabric.

S — Solvent-Based Cleaning

An S cleaning code means you should use only an appropriate water-free, solvent-based upholstery cleaner.

Water should generally be avoided on these fabrics because it may leave rings, discoloration, shrinkage, or otherwise affect the appearance of the material.

Why it matters

A fabric can look durable while still reacting poorly to water. The cleaning code reflects how the fibers, dyes, finishes, and construction of the fabric are expected to respond to cleaning.

Use solvent-based products only in accordance with their directions and in a properly ventilated area.

WS or SW — Water-Based or Solvent-Based Cleaning

A WS or SW cleaning code provides greater flexibility. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, the fabric may be cleaned using either an appropriate water-based upholstery cleaner or an appropriate solvent-based cleaner.

Why it matters

Even though both types of cleaners may be permitted, that does not mean every cleaning product is appropriate for the fabric.

Before cleaning a visible area, test the product in a small, inconspicuous location and allow it to dry completely.

When dealing with significant staining or valuable upholstery, professional cleaning may still be the safest option.

X — Vacuum or Brush Only

An X cleaning code requires the most caution.

These fabrics should generally be maintained using vacuuming or gentle brushing only. Water-based cleaners and solvent-based cleaners should not be applied unless specifically directed by the manufacturer or a qualified upholstery professional.

Why it matters

Applying liquid cleaning products to an X-coded fabric may permanently change the color, finish, texture, or appearance of the material.

For stains or deeper cleaning, we recommend contacting a professional upholstery cleaner familiar with specialty fabrics.

Before You Clean Any Upholstery

Even when you know your cleaning code, a little preparation can help protect your furniture.

• Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
• Identify the cleaning code before applying any product.
• Treat spills promptly when possible.
• Blot rather than rub.
• Avoid oversaturating upholstery.
• Test cleaning products in a hidden area first.
• Allow the test area to dry completely before proceeding.
• Never assume that a cleaner that worked on one piece of furniture is safe for another.
• For difficult stains, delicate materials, or valuable upholstery, consider professional cleaning.

Why Cleaning Codes Matter

Upholstery fabrics are made from many different fibers, blends, dyes, backings, finishes, and performance treatments. Two fabrics that look almost identical can require completely different methods of care.

The right care helps protect more than the fabric — it helps preserve the comfort, beauty, and investment you’ve made in your home.

Furniture Designed for Real Life

At Awake Decor, selecting upholstery is about more than choosing a beautiful color.

We help our clients consider how a room will actually be lived in — children, pets, entertaining, everyday use, texture preferences, color, comfort, and maintenance — so the fabric you choose makes sense for both your home and your lifestyle. 

From custom upholstery and performance fabrics to thoughtfully selected furnishings, our goal is to help you create a home that’s beautiful and livable.

Leather Furniture Care Instructions

Leather is a natural material that develops character and depth over time. With proper care, your leather furniture can remain beautiful, comfortable, and durable for years to come.

Routine Care

• Dust and gently wipe your leather furniture regularly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
• Vacuum crumbs and debris from seams and crevices using a soft brush attachment.
• Keep leather away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can cause fading, discoloration, or drying.
• Avoid placing leather furniture directly next to fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, or other sources of heat.
• Allow leather to breathe and avoid covering it with plastic or other non-breathable materials for extended periods.

Cleaning Spills & Accidents

• Address spills as soon as possible. Gently blot the area with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth—do not rub or scrub.
• For light surface cleaning, use a clean cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, if appropriate for your specific leather.
• Never saturate the leather with water or cleaning solution.
• Avoid household cleaners, soaps, detergents, alcohol, disinfectants, baby wipes, or other unapproved products, as these may damage the leather’s finish.
• Do not use abrasive sponges, brushes, or rough materials.

Conditioning & Maintenance

Leather benefits from periodic conditioning to help maintain its softness and appearance. However, not all leather should be conditioned in the same way. Always use a leather-care product specifically recommended for your leather type and test it on an inconspicuous area first.

For heavily soiled areas, stains, ink, grease, or other difficult spills, professional leather cleaning is recommended rather than attempting aggressive cleaning at home.

Everyday Precautions

• Keep sharp objects, rough fabrics, and pet claws away from the leather surface to help prevent scratches and punctures.
• Avoid sitting on furniture with clothing, accessories, or objects that may transfer dyes or oils onto the leather.
• Be mindful of dark denim and other highly pigmented fabrics, particularly on lighter-colored leather, as color transfer can occur.
• Avoid placing damp clothing, wet towels, or other moisture directly on leather.

Important to Know

Leather is a natural material, so variations in color, texture, grain, and markings are normal and contribute to its individual character. Over time, leather may develop a beautiful patina and subtle changes in appearance with use.

When in doubt, always refer to the care instructions provided with your specific piece or contact Awake Decor before using a cleaning or conditioning product.

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