Buying guide

Upholstery Cleaning Codes: W, S, W/S and X Explained

Updated October 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Every upholstery fabric has a cleaning code: a letter that tells you what's safe to clean it with. Using the wrong cleaner can leave a water ring, fade the colour or damage the pile, so it's worth knowing before you buy, and before you reach for the spray bottle.

The four codes at a glance

You'll find the code under Cleaning in the specifications on every fabric page in our shop.

Code W: water-based cleaners

The easiest code to live with. Spot clean with a water-based upholstery cleaner, or a little mild dish soap in water.

1. Blot up as much of the spill as you can with a clean white cloth.
2. Dampen another cloth with the cleaner. Work from the outside of the stain inward so it doesn't spread.
3. Blot, don't rub. Rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water.
4. Let it dry fully, then brush the pile back into place if needed.

Code S: solvent-based cleaners only

Water can leave rings or shrink these fabrics, so use only a water-free solvent cleaner (sold as dry-cleaning or solvent upholstery cleaner) in a well-ventilated room. Test it first, use as little as possible, and blot. For large stains or an overall clean, call a professional upholstery cleaner.

Code W/S: either one

You can use a water-based or a solvent-based cleaner. Start with the gentlest option, mild soap and water, and move to a solvent cleaner only if needed.

Code X: vacuum only

Don't use any liquid, not even water. Vacuum with a soft upholstery brush and leave anything more to a professional. X fabrics are best kept for pieces that won't see spills.

Bleach-cleanable fabrics

Some fabrics can also be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution, usually around one part bleach to ten parts water, though you should always follow the ratio on the fabric's spec sheet. These are often solution-dyed or performance fabrics, and they're ideal for kids' rooms, dining chairs, healthcare and commercial seating. Shop bleach-cleanable fabric.

Rules for any fabric

• Test first on a hidden spot, such as the back or underside of the cushion.
• Blot, don't rub. Rubbing pushes stains deeper and roughs up the surface.
• Act quickly. Fresh spills are far easier to remove.
• Don't soak. Too much liquid can reach the cushion and leave a ring as it dries.
• Clean the whole panel if a spot clean leaves a visible edge.
• Don't wash cushion covers in a machine unless the fabric says it's machine washable; it can shrink.
• Vacuum weekly. Grit wears fibres down over time.

Choosing a fabric by its code

If the piece will see spills, children or pets, choose W, W/S or bleach cleanable. Save S and X fabrics for formal or decorative pieces. Performance fabrics such as Crypton are designed to make cleaning even easier; see Crypton vs. performance fabric.

Common questions

What does W/S mean on upholstery fabric?

It means the fabric can be cleaned with either a water-based cleaner or a solvent-based (water-free) cleaner. Start with the gentlest option.

Can I use water on a code S fabric?

No. Water can leave rings, shrink or discolour code S fabrics. Use only a solvent-based upholstery cleaner, or call a professional.

What is the easiest upholstery fabric to clean?

Fabrics with code W or W/S, bleach-cleanable fabrics, and Crypton or other performance fabrics are the easiest to keep clean.

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