When selecting upholstery for our design projects, we always keep in mind what fabric will be the best choice for our clients. Everyone is concerned about spills, stains and cleanability. Did you know there were special "codes" for fabrics and those codes represent how the fabric can be cleaned?

photo credit

These codes are very important because cleaning your sofa or chair with the wrong product can cause serious damage. Most furniture fabrics now carry cleanability codes to determine the best and safest way to clean your fabrics.

Windsor Smith Fabrics for Kravet.

Code "W"

This is used on fabrics that should be cleaned with water bases products only. The best method is to spot clean using foam from water based cleaners or non-solvent cleaners. Apply foam with a soft brush in a circular motion and vacuum when dry.

West ElmSofa

Code "S"

Fabrics with this code require using a water-free cleaning solvent or dry cleaning product. Make sure your room is well ventilated. A product I love is called Spot Shot.

It can be found at grocery stores, Walmart and Target.

Emerald Fabric - Fabricut

Code "W-S"

These fabrics can be cleaned with either water or solvent based products.

Schumacher Fabric viaStyle Studio

Cleaning Code "X"

Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic stiff bristle brush. Do NOT use water or solvent based cleaners.

One of our favorite fabrics to use for busy families with kids and pets is Sunbrella. It is no longer just used outdoors. They have come a long way, with soft weaves and "not so bright" colors. Here is a Sunbrella fabric used in a desk chair by Joe Ruggerio of joeruggerioathome.com

Sunbrella and other "outdoor" fabrics work well if you so happen to have that cat who loves to claw. Click HEREfor tips on how to stop a cat from clawing furniture!

Here is Sunbrella's guide to care and cleaning of their fabrics.

And one last tip to help your fabrics last longer is to use a beautiful throw to cover up those areas you want to protect. Here is a favorite from Doctors Foster and Smith.

Now, for red wine and some other common stains, click HERE for tips on removing them.

Have a great "stain free" week!!

Joann

Everything You Need to Know About Cleaning Fabrics!