Glossary
Fabric and care symbols guide for upholstery
Updated · Reviewed by Equipo SofaSpa
Before cleaning any upholstery there are two questions: what fabric is it and what does the label allow? This glossary brings together the cleaning codes most used in upholstery and the fabrics common on sofas, chairs and headboards, with what's worth knowing about each.
Cleaning codes on the label
Many upholstery manufacturers include a letter on the label (sometimes under the cushion or on the spec sheet). It's an industry convention, separate from the laundry pictograms on clothing.
- W (water): can be cleaned with water-based products, applied with little moisture.
- S (solvent): dry-cleaning solvents only; water may leave rings or cause shrinkage.
- WS: both methods allowed, always after a test.
- X: vacuum or brush only; any liquid may damage it.
If there's no label, the sensible approach is to treat the item as S until the fabric has been tested on a hidden area.
Common fabrics
- Polyester and synthetic blends
- The most common and the most forgiving: usually W or WS, they tolerate controlled water extraction and dry relatively quickly.
- Microfibre
- Very fine polyester fibre. Repels liquids at first but rings if soaked. Many are S or WS. When dry, brush in one direction.
- Cotton
- Natural and absorbent: stains penetrate quickly and excess water leaves halos. Can shrink with heat.
- Linen
- Elegant and delicate: bleeds and marks easily. Minimal water, dry flat, never direct heat.
- Velvet
- Short pile on a woven base. Pressure and steam flatten the pile and leave shiny patches. Specific methods after testing.
- Chenille
- Fluffy yarn with a soft feel. Stiff brushes pull out the pile; gentle cleaning with light extraction.
- Leather
- Not a textile: doesn't tolerate water extraction. Specific cleaning with leather products and conditioning afterwards.
- Faux leather
- Plastic on a fabric backing. Cleaned on the surface; alcohol and solvents crack it.
- Stain-resistant technical fabrics
- Treated to repel liquids. The treatment wears off with use and harsh cleaning; always follow the manufacturer's label.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the label on my sofa?
Usually sewn under a seat cushion, on the back of a loose cushion or under the frame. If you bought the sofa recently, the spec sheet or the manufacturer's website usually gives the code too.
Are the codes compulsory?
Not in every market, which is why many sofas don't have one. In that case, test on a hidden area and use minimal water.
Sources and notes
- W/S/WS/X cleaning-code convention used by upholstery manufacturers (labels and spec sheets).
- Conservative criteria from the SofaSpa team: when in doubt, test on a hidden area and use minimal water.
- Reviewed: 14/10/2026. If your manufacturer says otherwise, its label takes priority.