What do the W, S, W/S and X codes on a couch tag mean?
Most upholstered furniture has a care tag under a cushion or on the deck beneath it. The letter on that tag is the manufacturer’s cleaning code, and it tells us a lot before we touch the fabric:
- W means the fabric can be cleaned with water-based cleaners.
- S means solvent only. Water can leave rings, shrink the fabric or make dyes move.
- W/S (sometimes written SW) means either water-based or solvent cleaning is fine.
- X means vacuum only. No liquid cleaning of any kind.
Tags go missing, and older pieces sometimes never had one. When there’s no tag, we test a hidden spot first and check how the fabric and dyes react before we clean the rest. If a piece is coded X, we’ll tell you so rather than risk it.
Steam or low-moisture: which is right for your sofa?
We use both, and the fabric decides.
Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) rinses soil out of the fabric and pulls it back out with strong suction. It’s the pick for sturdy synthetic fabrics with heavy soil, greasy arm rests and pet accidents.
Low-moisture cleaning uses far less water. A cleaning solution loosens the soil, and it’s lifted out with very little liquid left behind. It’s the safer choice for fabrics that don’t like being wet, and it dries faster.
Some pieces get a mix: low-moisture on the body of the sofa and a targeted rinse on the worst spots. We explain what we’re doing and why before we start.
Cleaning natural fiber vs synthetic upholstery
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, olefin and microfiber are common on family sofas because they hold up well. Most of them clean up nicely, though microfiber can be touchy about water and is often coded S.
Natural fibers take more care:
- Cotton and linen can shrink, brown or pucker if they get too wet or dry too slowly.
- Wool needs wool-safe solutions and as little moisture as the job allows.
- Silk and silk blends are delicate and can water-spot easily.
- Velvet has a pile that has to be cleaned and groomed in one direction so it dries even.
Blends act like whichever fiber is fussiest. That’s why we read the tag and test before deciding on a method.
Can you get pet stains and pet smell out of a couch?
Often, yes. Pet hair, drool and the oily film from a dog’s favorite corner come out well with a normal cleaning. Urine is harder, because it soaks down through the fabric into the cushion foam and the frame.
For pet spots on furniture, we treat the spot itself before the full cleaning, then rinse and extract it. On cushions with zippered covers, the foam underneath is sometimes part of the problem, and we’ll tell you honestly if the smell is coming from somewhere cleaning the fabric can’t reach. Older urine can leave a permanent color change in some fabrics even after the odor is gone. If the problem has spread to your carpet too, see our pet urine and odor removal page.
How long does upholstery take to dry after cleaning?
It depends on the fabric and the airflow in the room. Low-moisture cleaning on a synthetic fabric dries quickly. A heavier rinse on a thick cushion takes longer.
A few things speed it up:
- Run the ceiling fan or a box fan aimed across the furniture.
- Keep the heat or air conditioning on.
- Stand loose cushions on edge so air reaches both sides.
- Keep pets and kids off until it feels dry to the touch.
We’ll give you a rough drying time for your piece before we leave.
Are the cleaning solutions safe for pets and kids?
We use green, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for pets and kids once dry. We rinse the fabric so heavy residue isn’t left behind, which also helps the sofa stay clean longer, because leftover soap attracts new dirt. Once it’s dry, the dog can have his corner back.
What furniture can you clean?
Most fabric furniture in a Knoxville home:
- Sofas, couches and loveseats
- Sectionals, including chaise and corner pieces
- Recliners and lift chairs
- Accent chairs and wingbacks
- Fabric dining chairs and bar stools
- Ottomans, benches and headboards
- Loose and attached cushions, including outdoor-style cushions brought inside
Many people book upholstery alongside carpet cleaning or area rug cleaning so the whole room is done in one visit.