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How To Read Furniture Care Codes
High-quality furniture can last for years with good maintenance and proper handling. Preventing your furniture from damage is essential for maintaining its quality, restoring its appearance, and keeping the warranty.
Whether you are caring for a large sectional sofa, decorative rug, or a delicate side table, each piece of furniture requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its lifespan. Learn how to protect your furniture with our care instructions guide.
Each fabric and material type has a different set of instructions on best practices. For instance, you can’t use the same cleaning supplies and techniques on a wooden piece of furniture that you would use on an upholstered one.
But there are general best practices and rules designed to keep your furniture in pristine shape. Follow these tips when caring for any piece:
Whether you are caring for a large sectional sofa, decorative rug, or a delicate side table, each piece of furniture requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its lifespan. Learn how to protect your furniture with our care instructions guide.
Each fabric and material type has a different set of instructions on best practices. For instance, you can’t use the same cleaning supplies and techniques on a wooden piece of furniture that you would use on an upholstered one.
But there are general best practices and rules designed to keep your furniture in pristine shape. Follow these tips when caring for any piece:
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Check tags or labels:
All furniture is required by federal law to have a well-secured tag that includes care instructions. Check this label for information about the textile or material type and care instructions.
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Avoid direct sunlight:
Keep furniture out of direct sunlight unless it’s graded to withstand the elements. Extreme sunlight degrades the materials and causes fading and accelerated wear and tear.
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Avoid humidity:
Humidity accelerates the degradation of your furniture unless it’s specifically graded to withstand excess humidity and moisture. When exposed to humidity, certain woods and fabric types may shrink, swell, or distort.
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Avoid excess heat:
Keep furniture away from radiators, wood-burning stoves, or heaters. In addition, consider covering outside furniture when not in use to preserve its quality.
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Regularly clean dust:
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your furniture is best. Dusting, vacuuming, or cleaning prevents furniture from accumulating scratches or other damages.
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Immediately clean stains & spills:
Do not wait for spills and stains to set. Consult the manufacturer's care instructions as soon as a spill occurs.
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Protect your furniture:
Use coasters, placemats, or slipcovers where relevant to avoid staining your material.
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Consider professional cleaners:
Many manufacturer instructions require professional cleaners, so don’t be afraid to go with a pro if the occasion arises.
Fabric & Upholstery Cleaning
When caring for fabric upholstery, you need to know which products are safe for use and which are not. Look for cleaning tags on your furniture or upholstery that contain codes to ensure the best results. Here are a few of the most common cleaning codes and how to follow them.
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“W” – Furniture can be cleaned with “water-based” cleaning agents. You can use a mild detergent or upholstery shampoo to spot-treat the fabric.
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“S” – Furniture must be cleaned with solvent-based cleaning agents. Never use water, as it can leave stains or damage the fabric. Use dry-cleaning solvents or upholstery-specific cleaners. Use solvent cleaners in a well-ventilated room and keep away from open flames. Avoid using cleaning products containing carbon tetrachloride, as it is highly toxic.
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“S/W” – Both water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe for use. Have the fabric professionally dry-cleaned for a deeper clean.
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“X” – The item can only be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Do not use any water or solvent-based cleaning solutions.
Leather Cleaning
Leather is a rare material that gets better over time. To get the enviable patina and lived-in leather look and feel, you must take proper care of the material. Understanding which type of leather you have and knowing how to care for it is imperative for preserving its lifespan and letting it age with grace.
“A” – Aniline Leather
Aniline Leather is a type of leather dyed with transparent dyes, allowing the natural characteristics of the leather to show. This type of leather is known for its soft and supple feel.
Cleaning Code: N (natural)
Cleaning Code: N (natural)
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Regularly dust using a soft, dry cloth or vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
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Blot stubborn stains with a mild soap and water solution.
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Liquids should be blotted immediately with a damp cloth and warm water.
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Don’t use excess water. Aniline leather is sensitive to water; too much water can lead to water spots and damage the leather.
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Never use oils, saddle soaps, harsh cleaners, or abrasive cleaners on aniline leather.
“SA” – Semi-aniline Leather
Semi-aniline leather is a type of leather that combines the natural appearance of aniline leather with a protective top coat.
Cleaning Code: SA (semi-aniline)
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Dust the leather with a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Dusting regularly prevents dirt build-up that can scratch the leather.
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Remove accumulated dirt with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry.
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Semi-aniline has some protection against moisture, but it’s important to avoid excess water.
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Immediately blot spills with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth to avoid permanent discoloration.
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Never use oils, saddle soaps, harsh cleaners, or abrasive materials on semi-aniline leather.
“P” – Pigmented Leather
Pigmented leather is known as protected leather or top grain leather, which is a type of leather that has a durable coating on it. The coating provides an enhanced resistance to stains and fading.
Cleaning Code: SA (semi-aniline)
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Dust the leather using a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
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Use mild soap or leather cleaner specific for pigmented leather. Dilute the soap in water and apply the solution to a soft, damp cloth. Gentle clean the leather in circular motions. Wipe off the excess moisture with a dry cloth immediately.
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Pigmented leather’s coating provides extra protection and is more resistant to liquids, but it is still important to avoid excess water or soaking the leather.
“N”– Nubuck / Suede
Nubuck leather is a type of leather that has been buffed to create a soft and velvety feel. It is often compared to suede because of its texture
Cleaning Code: N (natural)
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Dust regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a suede/nubuck brush.
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Blot spills immediately using a clean, dry cloth and brush to restore the nap.
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Avoid water. Nubuck leather is sensitive to water and can develop water stains or discoloration when exposed to liquids.
The Golden Rule
If you are at a loss for how to clean your furniture, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Manufacturer care instructions are designed to give you the best results when cleaning and caring for your furniture. Be sure to follow them closely and use suitable products. They also ensure you maintain your warranty and provide the best long-term care for your furniture.