Our ultimate sofa care resource page

Cleaning your furniture is an important part of furniture ownership that often gets overlooked. From spot cleaning to deep cleaning, you need to make sure you’re using the right products and following the correct protocol to clean your sofa, loveseat, sectional, recliner, and any other upholstered furniture.

1. How to clean an upholstered sofa
2. How to care for your sofa covers (our ULTIMATE guide) 
3. 7 simple ways to keep your sofa forever new 
4. The ultimate white couch care guide 
5. The best stain-removing products for your sofa 

So, how do you know you’re taking the right approach for the color and material of your couch? Most manufacturers list the cleaning codes in the tag. You can find it under a seat cushion or under the base of the piece.

On the tag, search for the section that says “cleaning information” or “cleaning codes” to get started. You should find either an “S” or a “W” listed.

Cleaning Code S

Think of cleaning code “S” like dry clean only. You should steer clear of using water or water-based cleaners to get stains and spots out. Cleaning solvents are recommended for these materials. When you read cleaning code S think SOLVENT!

Cleaning Code W

This cleaning code is a bit more relaxed. When you find a “W” listed think water! It’s safe to use water, foam upholstery cleaner, or carpet cleaner on a spill. You could even use water-based shampoo.

When you shop for furniture, look for cleaning code W because it’s the most durable and long-lasting upholstery. If you have children or pets, materials with this cleaning code are your best bet.

W: water-based cleaner only
S: solvent cleaners only
S/W: solvents and water-based cleaners
X: no water, vacuum only

Sofa Cushion Maintenance Tips

Spot cleaning and deep cleaning aren’t the only ways to maintain your sofa. Rotating and “fluffing” back and seat cushions is just as important for prolonging the life of your living room furniture.

Here are three of our favorite ways to break-in your sofa evenly:

• Sit everywhere on the couch. That’s right, even in the middle. It’s important to avoid creating a go-to spot because your cushions will wear unevenly. It won’t be long before you notice there’s a distinct difference between edge seats and center seats.
  
  
• Rotate the cushions regularly. If your whole family lounges on the couch each day and night, you should rotate your cushions often. Once a fortnight is a good place to start. For smaller households or people who use their couch less often, start at rotating once a month and adjust accordingly.
  
  
• Vacuum your couch once a week. Regular couch cleaning will not only get rid of pet hair, dust mites, and dirt that lingers in the upholstery, but it will also keep the fibers in great condition. Regular vacuuming will revert the squished look fibers can get from constant use.

Other tips we have include never eating on your sofa, as this is exactly how it can turn into the dirtiest place in your home (no, really). 

Guestpost by Erin, Lifestyle Blogger at American Freight Furniture and Mattress