Cleaning Upholstered Furniture
Sofas and upholstered chairs accumulate dust, skin cells, pet dander, and odours over time — and they're often overlooked in regular cleaning because the process seems complicated. It's less complicated than most people think once you understand the fabric code system that virtually all upholstered furniture uses.
The Fabric Code
Look for a tag (usually under the seat cushion or on the furniture frame) with one of these codes:
- W: Water-based cleaning only — use water and mild soap or foam upholstery cleaner
- S: Solvent-based cleaning only — use dry-cleaning solvent, no water. Water can cause staining or shrinkage on S-coded fabrics
- W/S: Either water or solvent is safe
- X: Vacuum only — no liquid of any kind. Professional cleaning only if needed
General Cleaning Method (W and W/S fabrics)
- Vacuum the entire piece with the upholstery attachment — cushions, crevices, back, and arms
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with water and whip to create foam
- Apply only the foam (not the liquid) to the fabric with a brush or cloth — the foam cleans without saturating the fabric
- Work in small sections, blotting clean with a damp cloth
- Allow to dry completely before replacing cushions — a fan speeds this up significantly
Odour Removal
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire fabric surface, let sit 20–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. For pet odours, an enzyme-based fabric spray (available at Canadian Tire or pet supply stores) before the baking soda step works better than the baking soda alone.