How to Clean Upholstery Fabric: Complete Fabric Type Guide

Using water-based cleaners on dry-clean-only upholstery causes permanent ring marks — the most common cleaning mistake clients make after picking up their furniture. The cleaning code on the fabric determines the safe method. When clients don't know the cleaning code, they use what's under the sink. That's when you get the callback.

This guide covers safe cleaning for every common upholstery fabric type. Share it with clients at pickup so they have the right information before the first spill happens.

TL;DR

  • This guide covers the specific techniques, measurements, and decisions that determine quality outcomes in upholstery work.
  • Planning and preparation before cutting begins is the most reliable way to avoid costly errors on any upholstery job.
  • Fabric selection, yardage calculation, and structural assessment are the three decisions that most affect the final result.
  • Experienced upholsterers develop consistent workflows that ensure quality and efficiency across every job type they handle.
  • Documenting job details, material specifications, and client approvals protects both the shop and the client.
  • The right tools, materials, and techniques for each job type make a measurable difference in quality and profitability.

Understanding Cleaning Codes

Every upholstery fabric should have a cleaning code on the label. The code tells you which cleaning agents are safe:

  • W: Water-based cleaners are safe
  • S: Solvent-based cleaners only (dry-cleaning fluid, rubbing alcohol)
  • W/S or WS: Either water or solvent-based cleaners are safe
  • X: Vacuum only — no liquid cleaners of any kind

If you don't know your fabric's code, test any cleaner on a hidden area before using it on a visible surface.

Velvet

Velvet is one of the most misunderstood fabrics for cleaning. The pile structure requires gentle approach that most "soft surface" cleaners don't provide.

Safe cleaning: For water-coded velvet, blot liquid spills immediately with a clean white cloth — never rub, which pushes the stain deeper into the pile and can permanently distort it. For solvent-coded velvet, use dry-cleaning fluid applied to a white cloth and blot gently.

After cleaning: Use a soft velvet brush or the back of a spoon to stroke the pile back in the correct direction while it's still damp.

Avoid: Water on S-coded velvet (permanent rings), steam (can flatten pile permanently), and rubbing motion in any direction.

Leather

Leather cleaning is specific to the leather type. Full and top grain leather: clean with a damp cloth and mild soap (saddle soap or a leather-specific cleaner). Wipe dry immediately; never let water sit on leather.

Condition leather 1-2 times per year with a leather conditioner — not furniture polish, which can build up on the surface.

Corrected grain leather: Clean with a damp cloth only. The applied finish can be damaged by soap or conditioner if applied repeatedly.

Avoid: Water sitting on any leather (causes staining and warping), household furniture polish (leaves buildup), and alcohol-based cleaners (dries the hide).

Performance Fabric (Crypton, Revolution, Sunbrella Indoor)

Performance fabrics are among the easiest to clean, which is part of their value proposition.

Crypton and similar: Water-based cleaners are safe for most stains. A solution of mild dish soap and warm water applied with a clean white cloth handles most food and liquid stains. Blot, don't rub.

Revolution (solution-dyed olefin): Bleach-cleanable — up to 1 part bleach to 5 parts water for tough stains. This is unique to Revolution among performance fabrics.

Sunbrella Indoor: Mild soap and water for routine cleaning. A diluted bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) for mold or mildew in damp environments.

Avoid: Solvent-based cleaners on performance fabrics (may damage the performance treatment on some constructions).

Linen

Linen is W-coded (water-cleanable) for most constructions, but the natural fiber's sensitivity to moisture makes cleaning technique particularly important.

Safe cleaning: Blot liquid spills immediately with a clean dry cloth to absorb as much as possible before any liquid sets. For remaining stains, use a small amount of clean water with a drop of mild soap applied with a white cloth. Blot and allow to air dry.

Avoid: Soaking the fabric (causes shrinkage of natural fiber), rubbing (distorts the grain), and heat drying (accelerates shrinkage).

Cotton

Cotton cleaning depends on the specific weave and finish. Most plain and twill weave cotton is W-coded.

Safe cleaning: Water-based cleaner with mild soap. For stubborn stains on canvas-weight cotton, a soft brush with mild soap and water is effective.

Avoid: Bleach on colored cotton (fades dye), high heat (shrinks the fiber).

Microfiber

Microfiber cleaning is the area with the most potential for client error.

Smooth microfiber (W-coded): Water-based cleaner is safe. Damp cloth with mild soap, blot and allow to air dry.

Suede-finish microfiber (S-coded): Water creates permanent rings. Use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70%) applied to a white cloth. Blot, don't rub. Allow to dry completely. Use a soft-bristle brush to restore the pile direction after drying.

Avoid on suede microfiber: Any water-based cleaner, even "gentle" ones. The ring marks are permanent.

Outdoor Fabric (Sunbrella, Performance Acrylic)

Outdoor fabrics are designed for cleanability.

Safe cleaning: Mild soap and water applied with a soft brush. For mold or mildew (common in outdoor cushions), a diluted bleach solution is safe on most solution-dyed outdoor fabrics. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Deep cleaning: Some outdoor cushion covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Check the manufacturer guidance for the specific fabric.

Vinyl and Marine Vinyl

Vinyl is the easiest upholstery surface to clean.

Safe cleaning: Mild soap and water applied with a soft cloth or sponge. For tougher stains on vinyl, isopropyl alcohol on a cloth can remove adhesive residue, pen marks, and many stains.

Avoid: Abrasive cleaners or scrubbers (scratch the surface), petroleum-based solvents (can damage the vinyl surface), and bleach on colored vinyl (may cause fading over time with repeated use).

Building a Client Care Card

Every completed job should leave with a care card specific to that fabric type. The card should include the fabric name, the cleaning code, one safe cleaning method for common spills, and one "do not use" note for the most common mistake for that fabric type.

See the upholstery fabric care guide for a downloadable care card template. The upholstery shop repeat customers guide covers how post-delivery education creates clients who come back.

FAQ

How do I clean velvet upholstery?

Velvet requires gentle, pile-direction-aware cleaning. For water-coded velvet, blot liquid spills immediately with a clean white cloth without rubbing. For solvent-coded velvet (most velvet is S or WS coded), use dry-cleaning fluid applied to a clean white cloth and blot gently. After cleaning any type of velvet, use a soft velvet brush or the back of a spoon to smooth the pile back in the correct direction while slightly damp. Never apply steam directly to velvet, and never use circular rubbing motions — both cause permanent pile distortion.

How do I clean leather furniture at home?

For full grain and top grain leather, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, working quickly and wiping dry immediately — never let water sit on leather. Condition annually with a leather conditioner, not furniture polish. For spot stains, blot immediately with a clean dry cloth before attempting any cleaning. Ink on leather should be addressed immediately with a dry cloth blot — once dry, ink is very difficult to remove. For corrected grain leather, use a damp cloth only; soap and conditioner can damage the applied finish surface with repeated use.

What cleaning products are safe for performance fabric?

Crypton and most performance fabrics are safe for water-based cleaners including mild soap and water solutions. Revolution (solution-dyed olefin) can be cleaned with diluted bleach — unique among upholstery fabrics. Sunbrella Indoor accepts mild soap and water, and diluted bleach for mold. Avoid solvent-based cleaners on performance fabrics unless the manufacturer specifically allows them. The cleaning code on your specific performance fabric label is the definitive guide. Most performance fabrics are coded W or WS, making them among the easiest upholstery fabrics to clean at home.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid in this type of work?

The most common mistakes are underestimating material requirements, starting work before the frame is fully assessed and repaired, and skipping the centering and alignment checks before cutting. Each of these is far more expensive to correct after cutting has begun than to prevent at the planning stage. Taking an extra 15-30 minutes at the assessment and planning stage pays dividends throughout the job.

How do I get the best results from a professional upholsterer?

Come to the consultation with clear measurements, photos of the piece, and an idea of the room's color scheme and intended use. Be specific about how the piece will be used: high traffic, pets, children, or outdoor exposure all affect fabric recommendations. Provide fabric samples or accept guidance on appropriate options for your use case. Approve the proof carefully and ask to see the fabric on the piece before final installation if you are uncertain about a pattern or color choice.

When should I consult a professional rather than doing the work myself?

Consult a professional when the piece has structural issues beyond simple fabric replacement, when the piece has significant financial or sentimental value, or when the fabric or technique (tufting, pattern matching, hand-tacking) requires skills you have not developed. A professional assessment before you begin is free at most shops and can prevent costly mistakes on a piece worth preserving.

Sources

  • National Upholstery Association
  • Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF)
  • Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC)
  • Furniture Today (trade publication)

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