Skip to main content
Fabric Cleaning Codes and What They Mean

CLEANING TAGS on Your Furniture… What Do Those Codes MEAN?

Look under the cushions of a typical piece of upholstered furniture and you will usually find a fabric care tag. This tag should include an indication of the recommended procedures for maintenance and routine cleaning of that particular piece of furniture. Part of the tag will likely assure you that all new materials were used; this is a reference to the stuffing inside the piece. What you want to know more about is how to keep this piece of furniture looking its best, so look for another tag.

The Cleaning Tag

You should find a tag that specifically lists a cleaning code. Before we go into what these codes mean, please note that these tags and codes are merely a guideline to assist you in spot cleaning only. The tag is also an indication to the professional cleaner of how to avoid color loss, bleeding, browning, or shrinkage during cleaning.

Fabrics are made from a variety of fibers including cotton, polyester, silk, rayon, nylon, polypropylene, acetate, acrylic, wool, and blends thereof. They can be woven in a variety of ways, as well as having an unlimited array of dye methods, colors, and patterns. All of these different combinations make avoiding possible cleaning reactions very challenging, but possible – if you know what you’re doing!

Improper selection of cleaning agents or methods can lead to permanent damage to fabrics. An example is crushed velvet. If it is treated improperly, it can lose its softness, luster, and crimp. This sort of damage is irreversible. Many floral or multicolored patterns are printed on the fabric rather than woven into it. Extra care must be taken when cleaning these as the colors are only on the surface. The wrong chemical can actually remove the printed dyes, or destabilize them to the point that the colors run into each other. Again, this is uncorrectable.

So, effective, and safe, cleaning of your upholstered furniture means knowing how to clean it. Part of that requires deciphering the code, so here are the cleaning codes and their meanings:

W: This code tells you to spot clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. If your tag has a “W” be careful not to overwet the area or use any solvents.

S: This code tells you the opposite of “W” – it says to spot clean only with a water-free dry cleaning solvent. But remember to always pretest a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. Be careful not to oversaturate the material or to use any water.

WS or SW: When you see this tag spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent.

X: This is a really important one which means to clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush. Never use any water or solvent-based cleaners on furniture that has this tag.

No matter what tag you see, remember these basic suggestions:

• Always clean spills promptly, calling a professional if you are in doubt.
• Never rub but rather blot up liquids to avoid damaging the fibers.
• Always start cleaning from the outside of the stain, working your way in, to avoid spreading the stain.
• Do not remove cushion covers for cleaning as they may shrink or misshape and not go back on properly.

Contact Bluegrass Company Co. today for more tips, and help, or to schedule an appointment.

Bluegrass Company & Hardwood Refinishing Company
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=1536571363059009812
3323 Wood Valley Ct, Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 888-1515
https://bluegrasscleaning.com/

cleaning codes, cleaning tags, Cleaning Tips & Tricks, furniture tags, spot cleaning, stain removal, stains, upholstery cleaning, upholstery codes, upholstery tags

Linda Mull
Linda Mull

Just left us a 5 star review

google
Linda Mull
May 24, 2025
google
Abby Pliszka
May 23, 2025

The team that came today was great! They arrived on time, they worked quickly and efficiently, the results were fantastic, and the quote was reasonable. I was also able to schedule a same week appointment which was awesome! I’ll be using them again for sure.

google
Jerilyn Ehrlich
May 22, 2025

Audrey and her co-worker did a wonderful job cleaning all my carpets and rugs! Everything looks and smells fresh and clean! Thank you!

google
Emily Smith
May 5, 2025

They were professional and reasonably priced. Called and they were able to get me scheduled for the next morning. They did a great job. Definitely recommend them. I will be using them again.

google
Andy Alphin
May 2, 2025

Excellent work. Fair price.

google
Paul Keller
April 22, 2025

Very courteous and helpful staff !!!

google
Renee Duff
April 14, 2025

Professional and was able to get my carpet very clean! Also they got me an appointment very fast.

google
Kelli Mitchuson
March 31, 2025
google
Navona Mitchell
March 26, 2025

Zhael and Audrey were very professional and did a great job- both with carpets, area rugs, and upholstery. We had used Bluegrass Cleaning in the past, and will continue in the future as needs arise.

google
Patrick Click
March 13, 2025

3rd time using, always happy with the results. Would recommend!

google
Larry Bell
March 12, 2025

We appreciate the consistent quality of service that we receive from Bluegrass Cleaning. Thank you!

google
John Rowan
March 3, 2025

We'll use them again