Fabric Cleaning Codes & Upholstery Care Guide

When you invest in a custom upholstered sofa or bed, proper care ensures your piece looks beautiful for decades. Every fabric has unique cleaning requirements, which is why cleaning codes are so important. At Candace & Basil, we build our furniture in-house from scratch, using Oeko-Tex® certified textiles, top-grain leathers, and sustainable materials — and we’ll guide you on how to keep them looking their best.

Fabric Cleaning Codes Explained

These codes indicate how your fabric should be cleaned:

• W (Water-Based Cleaner)
  Safe for cleaning with mild soap and water. Most common and easiest for homeowners.

• S (Solvent Cleaner)
  Requires a water-free solvent (dry-cleaning product). Water may cause shrinkage or rings.

• WS (Water-Based or Solvent)
  Flexible — safe with either water-based cleaners or solvents.

• WA (Water-Based Aggressive Cleaner)
  Washable. Can handle water-based cleaning with stronger solutions/detergents. Less common, but suitable for very durable performance fabrics.

• X (Vacuum Only)
  Vacuum or brush only. Do not use water or solvents; professional cleaning required.

Care by Fabric Type (with Tough Stain Removal)

1. Textured Woven Fabrics

• Routine Care: Vacuum weekly with a soft brush.

• Tough Stains: Blot with a damp cloth + mild detergent (W/WS/WA). Rinse lightly with clean water, then blot dry.

• Pro Tip: Always blot — rubbing can distort the weave.

2. Chenilles

• Routine Care: Rotate cushions to reduce crushing. Brush pile occasionally to lift fibers.

• Tough Stains: Use mild detergent solution (WS). Gently blot, then brush fabric in one direction as it dries to restore nap.

• Pro Tip: Avoid overwetting — excess moisture can flatten pile.

3. Velvets

• Routine Care: Use a velvet brush or handheld steamer to lift pile and remove pressure marks.

• Tough Stains: For water-safe velvets (W/WS/WA), lightly blot with damp cloth + mild detergent. For S-coded velvets, use solvent cleaner.

• Pro Tip: Dry immediately with a hairdryer on low and brush to restore texture.

4. Bouclés

• Routine Care: Vacuum weekly with brush attachment; take care not to snag loops.

• Tough Stains: Blot gently with water + detergent (W/WS/WA). Use a microfiber cloth to avoid pulling loops.

• Pro Tip: Attend to spills immediately — liquid can sink into loops quickly.

5. Leatherette (PU / Faux Leather)

• Routine Care: Wipe weekly with a damp cloth.

• Tough Stains: Use mild soap + warm water, then wipe with a dry cloth. For ink or dye transfer, use rubbing alcohol sparingly.

• Pro Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals; they cause cracking. Condition occasionally with faux leather products.

6. Top-Grain Leather

• Routine Care: Dust weekly; wipe with slightly damp cloth.

• Tough Stains:

  • Water-based spills: Blot immediately with dry cloth.

  • Grease/oil: Blot, then sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda; let sit, brush off.

  • Ink: Use specialized leather ink remover.

• Pro Tip: Condition every 6–12 months with a leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.

General Upholstery Care Tips

• Vacuum Regularly: Stops dirt from grinding into fibers.

• Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing spreads stains and damages texture.

• Test First: Always test cleaners on a hidden area.

• Sunlight & Heat: Protect fabrics and leather from direct sun and heating vents.

• Professional Cleaning: For S- or X-coded fabrics, or when in doubt.

Experience the Candace & Basil Difference

We don’t just build furniture — we craft pieces designed for beauty, comfort, and longevity. With FSC-certified hardwood frames, Oeko-Tex® textiles, performance fabrics, and premium leathers, our custom sofas and beds are made to last a lifetime. And with the right care, they’ll look stunning for just as long.

Contact us today for a custom quote and let us help you design — and maintain — the perfect piece for your home.