Short answer
First find the care label and its cleaning code. W means water-based cleaning is suitable, S means solvent-based cleaners only, W/S means either, and X means vacuum only. Vacuum the sofa thoroughly, test any cleaner on a hidden area, then clean marks by dabbing with a barely damp cloth and blotting, using as little moisture as possible. Leather needs a different approach altogether.
Start with the care code
Most upholstered furniture has a label, usually under a seat cushion, on the base or on the back of the frame, with a cleaning code. It is the most important thing to check, because using the wrong kind of cleaner can leave rings, shrink the fabric or make the colour run.
W means the fabric can be cleaned with water-based products. S means solvent-based cleaners only, because water can mark or damage the fabric; viscose and some velvets often carry this code. W/S or WS means either type is suitable. X means the fabric should only be vacuumed or brushed, and any further cleaning should be left to a professional.
If the label is missing, treat the sofa as if it were the most delicate kind and test very carefully, or get advice before using anything wet.
Test before you clean
Whatever the code, test your cleaner on a hidden spot first, such as the back of the sofa, under a cushion or a seam on the underside. Dab it on, blot it off, let it dry completely and check for colour change, rings, shrinking or a change in texture. Some dyes, especially on older fabrics, can move when damp.
Step by step for a W or W/S fabric sofa
- Remove the cushions and vacuum the whole sofa with the upholstery tool, including the arms, back and the frame underneath the cushions. Use the crevice tool along seams and in the gaps where crumbs collect.
- Vacuum both sides of every cushion.
- Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid into a bowl of cold or lukewarm water and whisk it to make suds.
- Dip a clean white microfibre cloth into the suds only and dab marks, working from the outside of each mark towards the middle.
- Blot with a dry cloth to lift the dirt. Repeat while the mark keeps transferring.
- Rinse by dabbing with a cloth barely dampened in clean water, then blot as dry as possible.
- To refresh a whole panel or cushion evenly, clean it edge to edge in the same light way, rather than just one spot, which can leave a ring.
- Let the sofa dry with good airflow before using it. When dry, brush the fabric gently with a soft brush to lift the pile.
S-coded and X-coded fabrics
For an S code, use only a solvent-based upholstery cleaner, following its instructions exactly. Ventilate the room well, keep it away from heat and flames, and never mix it with other products. Use a very small amount on a white cloth and blot. If you are unsure, this is a good point to get professional help.
For an X code, stick to vacuuming and brushing. Do not use water or solvents at all.
Cushion covers and common mistakes
It is tempting to unzip cushion covers and put them in the washing machine, but many covers shrink and will not fit back on, and a single washed cover may no longer match the rest of the sofa. Only machine wash covers if the label specifically says they are washable.
Other mistakes to avoid: rubbing stains, which spreads them and damages the pile; over-wetting, which can leave water rings and soak the cushion filling; using colour-safe or oxygen bleaches or carpet spot removers that are not meant for upholstery; and drying with direct heat such as a hairdryer, which can shrink fabric or set marks.
A brief note on leather
Leather is not cleaned like fabric. Dust and vacuum it regularly, wipe it with a soft cloth barely dampened with water, and use only products made for leather, following the manufacturer's care guidance. Avoid washing-up liquid, wipes and household sprays not intended for leather, which can dry it out. Different leathers and finishes need different care, so check what yours is before trying anything stronger.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if the fabric is S or X coded, if there is no label, if the sofa is velvet, viscose or a natural fibre, or if stains and odours have soaked into the filling. Large stains, pet accidents and marks that have set are also easier to treat properly with the right equipment.
We clean fabric sofas, armchairs and dining chairs in homes across south Essex, starting with the care code and a test on a hidden area, and assess leather separately. Tell us what the stain is and how long it has been there when you ask for a quote.
Rather have it done for you?
Fabric sofas, armchairs and dining chairs cleaned after checking the care code, with leather assessed separately. Family-run by Jason and Lucas Prior, covering south Essex.
Frequently asked questions
What do the cleaning codes on a sofa mean?
W means water-based cleaners are suitable, S means solvent-based cleaners only, W/S means either, and X means vacuum or brush only, with any other cleaning left to a professional.
Can I use a carpet cleaner on my sofa?
Only if the fabric is W or W/S coded and the machine has an upholstery tool. Test first, use as little water as possible and make plenty of dry passes.
How do I get water rings off a sofa?
Water rings usually form when one spot is wetted and dries at the edge. Lightly clean the whole panel edge to edge so it dries evenly. On S-coded fabric, get professional advice.
Related guides
- How to clean a mattress: a low-moisture method for vacuuming, spot cleaning and freshening a mattress at home without soaking the filling.
- What affects the cost of sofa and upholstery cleaning: how seats, pieces, fabric type, care codes, leather, stains, odours and combined bookings change a sofa or upholstery cleaning quote.